BOXING.

Grey River Argus, 17 July 1922, Page 6

BOXING.

V/EST COAST AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS. LARGE CROWD WELL ENTERTAINED. The Greymouth Boxing Association once more proved its ability to stage a good tourney on Saturday night, when five hours of even, exciting boxing was seen by a packed house at the Town Hall. There were no knock-outs, but the milling was nearly always very willing, and in some bouts it was “hit or miss’’ from start to finish. It must be said the defence

generally compared unfavourably with the attack. Another observation was that the style of the Greymouth boys was, on the whole, better than that of the country competitors. The decisii ons of Referee Nash were nearly all | popular, but the margin in a couple of cases was so slight that a tie would ! have been a fair decision. Secretary I A. Grogan and President J. F. XVilson, with the other officers, were all busy at their posts, and there was neither delay nor hitch at any stage. We believe many fans enjoy an amateur tourney better than some “pro'” contests, for the crowd remained in the hall till after midnight to see the finals. One surprise was Nelson’s fine win from Robbo, while Pascoe showed himself an improved man, and Donnelly took the popular fancy. O’Donnell won a double, and his bouts with Hales (a glutton for mixing it) and Bone ( a big fellow, with the newness of a novice) were always amusing. Kerr is I a hefty youth, who believes in atj tacking all the way, Flannagan also, I while Aloslcy is another game pluggcr. ! The team chosen for the New Zealand Championships (who leave next SaturI day) should give a good account of I themselves. Alessrs Gillin, Afclvor, i Redwing and Warwick were official seI conds, while veterans from outside < were present with the boys In the cor- ! nets were Alessrs O’Brien (Kokatahi), I J. Guv (Camerons), and Frank O’Neill. I’e‘er Cook was also on the scene. Following are the details of the bouts: —Featherweights.— | Flannagan (8.4) v. Aloslcy (8.0). i They clashed from the jump, and Kept hitting hard and often. Aloslcy was i the belter in close, but was open, ■while Flannagan attacked best at long range, and the former had slightly the better of the first round. The second was even, though Mosley hit wildly. Little attempt to guard was made, and the slogging tired the lads in the second. With better judgment, Flannagan got decidedly the better of the exchanges I in the third round, hitting more cleanly, and ho got the decision. Russ (8.11) v. Pascoe (9.0). Russ I did well at the start, getting the bot- | ter of some infighting, but Pascoe, foreI ing in with a good left, evened it up | before the gong. Pascoe forced it | in the next round, and scored in close, i landing one hard to the Tye. The 8 final round was all close fighting, which | Pascoe prefers, and he hit hardest and

oftenest all the way. Russ foolishly neglected absolutely to use a straight : left. Pascoe got the decision. | Alettrick (8.12 v. Graham (8.13). The I Kokatahi boy is an open boxer, and he i won the first round, landing good ’ rights and lefts to the face and body, i Alettrick forced it next round, with I good results, landing rights often, and I dodging Graham’s lefts. It was not a spectacular round. Alettrick kept forcing it in the third, but both hit | wildly. Mettrick lasted best, and ' landed rights to the jaw, while Graham got lefts home to the face. Alettrick got the verdict. Finlay (9.0) v. Woodward (8.7). Finlav was too good throughout two rounds, rushing Woodward, and doing nearly all the hitting, though neglecting to use his left. AVoodward improved in the last round, and attacked at times, but though it was tin oe\cn ■ round, Finlay won the decision, —Flyweights. — IL Jones (7.4) v. L. Russ (7.10). This svas a fast, interesting bout. The lighter lad, who shapes the “other” way, was very agile, and held his own against Russ’s bustling tactics. Jones’ hits were better timed, but Russ was better close in. Russ made the pace in the second, but Jones was elusive, and got some nice lefts to the face. Russ’s claim to even was based only on his rushes, and Jones smothered a lot of his blows. In the third the heavi-or man did best, making Jones give ground all the limo, and relying on his infighting. The verdict went to Russ. Kiely (7.7) v. AfcDonald (6.4). Tne first hit was by AfcDonald, but thereafter he remained on tiro defensive. Kiely attacked vith both hands, and though not always landing, dominated the bout in every round. He knows how to use his feet, and showed signs of developing into a nice boxer. Me got the decision. C. Duncan (7.3) v. C. Lewis (7.10). The boys made it hot. from the jump, and the first round was a good exhibition of attack. Duncan was the more aggressive, Lewis fighting well on the retreat. Duncan had slightly the better of the second, but both lads proved game, and Lewis began to attack first. It was a pity neither tried to defend,

is their styles were good. Duncan jot tho decision. Donnelly (7.10) v. Warner (7.4). V. ith a good left, Donnelly went for Warner, who ducked some, but as the bout advanced, he stopped sonic hard ones with his face. Donnelly forced it, missing at times, but recovering himself well. Warner improved in the third, rushing in, and getting homo at short range. Donnelly was too quick for him, however, and keeping it open, got tho decision. Sweeney (7.5) v. Nyberg (7.0). —A good pair, these boys hit hard and quick. Sweeney was the harder hitter but Nyberg used his feet well, and is a tricky boxer. Even exchanges saw Sweeney's punches tell most, and Nyberg was down for 5 in the last round. Sweeney got tho verdict. —Bantams.— R. Lousich (7.13) met J. Gage (7.11), and tho latter was better at the start, though in free exchanges the other pun chcd the harder. Gage had tho advantage till near tho end, and ho has improved a lot since his last appearance. Lousich’s harder hitting won the verdict. O’Brien (8.2) v. Kerr (8.2). —Kerr showed better science, and landed clean-er blows than O’Brien, who seemed to depend on his ability to knock his opponent out. In his eagerness, O’Brien twice camo to the floor from clinches. An appeal for a foul from his corner was disallowed. Kerr was the winner. —Lightweigirs.— Robbo (9.13) v. McFarlane (9.10). — Robbo at once went after his man, but McFarlane did not want to mix it, and stood off. McFarlane went to the boards, but the gong at nine saved him from being ‘ 1 counted ’’ out. In the two following rounds, Robbo did not force the fighting, which was more of an exhibition spar. itobbo was the winner. J 4$ Roan v. Nelson.—Roan was plainly outclassed, and Nelson, who is a clever, hard-hitting boxer, soon had him at his mercy. Nelson dropped Bonn with a hard right in the second round. Bonn rose at onee, Nelson sailed in to finish it, but tho Referee stopped the fight and declared Nelson the winner. Murdoch (9.7) v. Mack (10.0).— Murdock stood up to his heavier, and more scientific opponent well. Mack seemed to be doing the cleaner ami faster hitting, while Murdock had a useful left body blow. Murdock swung a left to tho jaw, which staggered Muck. In the second round, Mack appeared still suffering from tho of fects of Murdock’s punches. In the last round Murdock tore in, and had I tho gong not gone ho certainly would have won. Mack got tho decision. Peterson (10.2) v. Dignan (10.2).— Peterson was the better boxer, but his blows lacked ginger. Both lads, made a poor showing in the second round In the third the fighting was of the rough order, with Peterson getting the worst of it. Dignan the winner. L. O’Neill (10.9) V. Lo Key (10.2) —Lo Roy was badly outclassed by thi champion, the towel coming from hi: corner in the second round. O’Neil received the plaudits of the audienci

for refusing to hit his beaten opponent. Feather —Semi-finals. Criqui met Finlay, and having drawn a bye, ho was the fresher of the two. The boys were well matched. Finlay was very aggressive at the start, and led in the first round. Criqui evened it up retaliating effectively at closer range in the final stages. Me got the verdict. Pascoe v. Alettrick. —Pascoe staggered Met trick with a right and rushed in to finish it, but the gong sounded in time to save a knock-out. Pascoe showed the better judgment, and boxin<’ freely, won comfortably. —Middleweight.— O’Donnell (11.0) v. Hales (10.5).— This was three whirlwind rounds, with O’Donnell showing the most skill Hales had much the worst of the first round, but evened matters up in the second. Both men slogged away and swapped punch for punch in the third, and at times it looked as if either might score a knock-out. Neithei man heard the gong, and fought on viciously until torn apart by the referee. A light like this always pleases the public, and the cheers which greeted the boxers were deafening. The verdict making O’Donnell the winner got a mixed reception. Flyweight—Semi-finals. Kiely v. Duncan.—Kiely stopped the rushes of the Blackball tornado with straight lefts, but Dune an was not to be caught, and kept his end up. When the Referee declared him the winner there was some hooting, and Kiely certainly seemed to have lost at anyrate. Russ v. Sweeney.—Russ decided lie was there to light—and did. The towel came from Sweeney's corner after he had been down for eight. Sweeney boxed well, hitting with good judgment, but could not stay with Russ in close. Lightweight—Semi-final. Nelson v. Robbo.—Robbo landed a left to the face-, which steadied Nelson, and followed with a left and right to the head. Nelson planted a pretty right hook on Robbo’s jaw, which drove him back. Robbo now tried to force the fighting, but Nelson was elu-

sive, and the more Robbo bored in, . the more Nelson back-moved or ducked, only to come in again, himself like a flash. The Referee’s verdict, ‘‘Nelson the winner,” was received with prolonged cheering. This was undoubtedly the most scientific display of boxing of the tourney, and both lads are to bo congratulated on their performance. Featherweight—Semi-finals. Criqui v. Flannagan.—Criqui was the first to land a punch. Flannagan was a fighter of the “tear in” order, and kept Criqui busy, though the defence of Flannagan was not good. Criqui got the verdict, after a very willing contest, as always is the case where Flannagan is in it. Welterweight Final. O’Neill v. Dignan.—Tho champion again proved his superiority, and allow ed Dignan to recover again and again For this he was cheered by the specta tors. O’Neill won easily. Final—Bantams. Lousich v. Kerr. —Kerr proved hi cleverness in evading Lousich, am carried the fight to his antagonist. Ai amusing incident accurred in thia bout A gentleman, who apparently cam'

from north of the Tweed, arose from the ringside, and grasping the ropes with both hands, shouted: “Hey mon, Stewart, goo fer him!” Kerr won. • Flyweight’—Semi-final. Donnelly v. Russ.—Russ tried to rush Donnelly, only to be neatly sidestepped. Russ tried to force the pact, but Donnelly, cool and collected kept him leading. The more he led, the worse he fared. Donnelly won easily. More will be heard of this clever lad, who has all the qualifications of a champion. —Heavyweights.— O’Donnell (11.0) v. Bone (12.12). — O’Donnell took the initiative, and landed a left to Bone’s face. Bone’s high stepping antics highly amused l he audience. O’Donnell frequently landed lefts and rights, which Bone seemed unable to stop, excepting with his head. Bone tried to crowd O ’Donnell. but did not appear to carry a punch. Before the end of the three rounds, however, he appeared to have O’Donnell in trouble. This was most- : ly due to fatigue. O’Donnell having spent himself in fighting his heavier opponent off. o’Donnell got the verdict. Bone needs a course of training, for he could probably stand plenty I >f boxing if he knew how to attack. Lightweight—Final. Nelson v. Mack.—Mack injured his wrist in the first round, and retired at the conclusion of it. It was just , as well, for he had no chance against , Nelson.

Featherweight—Final. Pascoe v. Criqui.—ln the first round Pascoe used his left to advantage. The second round was tame. In the third Criqui went at it like a tiger. I’ascoe was quite willing to mix it. Both

fought hard. Pascoe was declared the winner, which was a popular decision. Flyweight Final. Donnelly v. Duncan.—Duncan tried rushing, but had to alter his tactics. Both boys got together, their arms going like pestons. Donnelly set out to force matters. Duncan gave a much better display than his previous bout, and knows how to defend. When Donnelly attacked, however, he decided to help him at it, and both boys stood toe to toe and gave right for left. Some of the blows delivered were rather wild. Donnelly steadied up, ami using a clean left and right piled up the points. Donnelly’s win was popular. This was a very interesting exhibition, and more will be heard of these lads, if they follow the game. WEST COAST REP. TEAM. Consequent in the results of Saturday ’s tourney, the following team wore chosen to represent the GreymoutL Boxing Association at the South Island Championships to be held at Timaru, commencing Tuesday 25th anil ’ 26th July:— Bantam—S. Kerr (Blackball). Featherweight—R. Pascoe (Greymouth). Lightweight—J. Nelson (Greymouth). Welterweight— L. O’Neill (Grey). Middleweight—L. O’Neill (Grey). Mr W. O’Neill was appointed trainer. For the information of the team > picked, it is well for them to remember „ that the championship bouts consist of i 4 three-minute rounds each. Any of the above men who have been selected • to make the trip and cannot do so. are requested to notify the Secretary Andy Grogan immediately. ■ The committee of the Greymouth i Boxing Association wish to thank competitors for the great assistance they gave by arriving punctually on Satur1 day night in the ring. O’NEILL V. PRESTON. SPECIAL BOUTS. The following special bouts wore selected as prelims to the O’Neill — Preston clash on Saturday 29th:— I’. Dignan (Roa) v. J. Hales (Camerons). J. Mosley (Grey) v. R. Mettrick (Blackball). , These four boys are well known to

local fans, and can be dep€-ndcd upon to give a real ding-dong display and these two bouts should in themselves, be well worth the price of admission. CHRISTCHURCH CHAMPIONSHIPS. (Special to “Argus.”) CHRISTCHURCH. July 15. Following are the results of tho amateur boxing finals:— —Flyweight.— W. V. Howell (7.6) beat J. Johnston (7.3) on points. —Bantam.— D. Johnston (8.11) beat G. Ferris (7.13) on points —Featherweight.— T. Armstrong (8.131) ueat N. Moulin (8.11) on. points. This was a popular win. —Lightweight.— D. Fabian (9.134) beat A. Schmanski (9.13) on points—an unpopular decision. —Welterweight.— A Thompson (10.4) beat W. Dwyer (10.0) on points. —Middleweight.— W. A. McPhail (10.13) seat J. Gibsou (11.4) on a k.o. —Ligh: Heavy.— E. Parker (11.4) beat J. Patterson (11.8) on points. —Heavyweight.— H Stevens (11.10) beat J. Pat*crson (11.8) on points. The Featherweight contest, Armstrong v. Moulin, was one of tho best fights of the night, and the decision was very popular. In the lightweight, Fabian v. Schmanski, Fabian did not seem fit, and soon tired. The contestants boxed evenly in ine second round, but there was wild hitting i: the third. Both were tired when the gong sounded, with Fabian the winner. This decision was a very unpopular one and there was much hooting. In the middleweight fight between Gibson, and McPhail, McPhail was very aggressive and fit. He followed Gibson round and administered a knockout in the first round. The

light-heavy, Parker v. Patterson was a good fight, but was marred by clinching. Parker won on points and outclassed Patterson. HUNEFIELD KNOCKS HOLMES. (Rec. July 16,5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 15. At the Sydney Stadium on Saturday night, Billy Hunefeld (America) knocked out Harry Holmes (Sydney), in the 11th round. The fight was a poor display. The loser went down to a light heart punch, and, knocked* his head on the boards, and took tho count.