BOXING

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12901, 30 June 1936, Page 7

BOXING

PLUTO v. ROBERTSON. OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. Not for many years has so much interest been aroused in a boxing contest as that which is to take place at tbc Opera House to-night, and the reason is undoubtedly the appearance in Gisborne of avfirst-class Australian “mitt” artist in Cyril Pluto. Pinto’s record in New Zealand of seven wins in seven contests speaks lor itself, and everywhere he has appeared; packed liouscsc have rewarded the associations concerned. In planning bis visit to the Dominion, Pluto contemplated a return to Sydney by the end of June. So keen are associations for his services, however, that it will probably be the end of July before he leaves these shores. On Monday, July 6, he meets Archie Hughes :n Auckland, and a week later lie journeys to Dunedin to meet Don Stirling in a return contest.

During the past two months, Watty Robertson, the local champion, has 1 >OOll ‘ training quietly with a view to meeting tho Australian champion. The Q ithorns fighter is of a. different typo to most of tho other men Pluto lias met ’in New Zealand, and whatever tlte result of to-night’s contest, the public are assured of a ’ good honest “go.”

In framing the amateur programme for to-night’s tourney, tho Gisborne Association has wisely introduced as much new “blood’ as possible. Whit t in some of the bouts science may lie somewhat lacking, this will, be more than made up' by willing effort.

Keen interest will no doubt centre round the appearance of A. Bead the well-known wrestler, who will meet D. Ilcenov in a .special contest of four rounds. Contestants in other bouts are largely made by boys Iron country districts, middleweight 1 ;, light-heavyweights, and heavyweights predominating. Rents may be reserved during the day at Tnltersall and Baylv’s. PLUTO’S FIGHTING HOLIDAY Cyril Pluto- was an interesting caller at? the Times Office last, night. He said that ho came to New Zealand merely for a. holiday. When lie got. to Aijekiland, he was, si.t once offered fights and ha had to send home for his gear.- In the ten weeks he had been here, he had had six fights and it'had 'taken'him all his time to get, in a week’® holiday. After fighting Hughes at Auckland next. Monday, ho was going back to the" South Island to meet Stirling again and others. Then in order to get a, real holiday, he was going to- Honolulu, where ho was hooked for four fights. Ho hud an electrician’s business in West Australia and, alter returning there for a. few weeks, ho was booked to go to South Africa for four fights in; Johannesburg. In turn he would then proceed to England. Pluto, who is a fine clean cut ‘stamp of a, boxer, says that he has never drank nor smoked. He does not. really like boxing but it is a fine sideline fits it enr "iible-s him to see the world at. the expense of others.