BOXING

Grey River Argus, 17 October 1936, Page 10

BOXING

RAYNER’S RETIREMENT DENIED. Ihe Press Association message from Blenhe.m last week announcing that Cmrrie Rayner had retired from' the ring caused some consternation locally as Rayner had been selected as the lii'st opponent of Snowy Clarke, the brilliant Western Australian boxer, "horn the Wellington Association is importing. lit was originally intended to stage the contest on October 19, but the date was alered owing to Rayner's engagement with Joe Hail at Greynioutli on October 24, Clarke was communicated ■with, and he signified that he was agreeable to the bout being set down for November 3.

When the news of Rayner’s retirement was received in Wellington, attempts were made to get m touch with his manager to see whether he would lie carrying out the engagements mapped out for him before hanging up his gloves for good. In addition to the Wellington contest and the one here, negotiations were in progress for Rayner to have his return bout with Billy Aitken at Blenheim, and the Marlborough Association also had in view a bout between him end N. Mud'gway. Recently, advice was received' by the Wellington. Boxing Association from Rayner’s manager that the report of the boxer’s retirement was unfounded. Articles for his bout with Clarke were accordingly posted to Rayner for him Io .sign.

HARDEST THING HE HAD DONE.

When interviewed by “Spectator,” of the “Alariborough Express,” Rayner said that it. would be the hardest thing he had ever done to retire from the game, but he was afraid that he bad no alternative, as the position, which he thought he was certain to secure, would compel him to take the step. “1 will be retiring with the feeling that I have had a wonderful deal from the New Zealand Boxing Council, the Marlborough Boxing Association, and all the associations which have engaged me,” he said. “My biggest regret is that I am going to miss the bout with Billy Aiken, which I have been keenly looking forward to.” Rayner went on to say that in future he would not be able to be away from town for more than a day.

Asked if he would still take au interest- in boxing Rayner gave the assurance that it would be impossible ■for him to do otherwise. “In fact,” he said, “later On I hope to start a .school, and Ji will endeavour to help the game along by handing on what knowledge I may have gained to several boys who, I hope, will be able to hand it on to the public to the best of their a bilit)'.”

POPULAR FIGURE

The retirement of Rayner would be regretted throughout the Dominion, as he is popular with the public and also with the promoting associations, something which not all boxers are able to achieve. A shrewd and skilful boxer, he is attractive to watch, particularly since he eliminated his tendency towards a. too pronounced crouch. One of his most praiseworthy successes was his defeat of Billy Aitken file last time he -fought at Wellington, and ho has also had some hard tussles with the Australian Joe Hall, without, however, managing to secure a win.

Rayner came into prominences when he won the New Zealand featherweight title at Blenheim’ in 1933, and turned professional shor ly afterwards He opened wth wins agit.mt Clarrte Dcnkin and Charlie Buckley, lost to Percy Hawes and Joe FanHin, but, later, by having his revenge on Hawes performed the remarkable teat of winring amateur and professional titles in his division in the same yea r . lu 1934 he beat Donkin, C'-ail Hume (twice), Hawes, Johnny McKay, and Dal Costa (Australia), but droppsf a points decision to Archie Hughes. Last year he beat Len Knuckey, Mickey llolland, and Jack Jarvis, drew with Jarvis in a lightweight title bout, and lost to Hawes, Hughes, and Jarvis. Last September he relinquished the featherweight title owing to difficulty in making the weight, but attempted to regain it iu his first fight this year aganst Lilly Aiken at. Dunedin, but was beaten on points He beat "Ginger” Waide in 20 seconds at Blenheim, drew wi'th Aitken, beat Ralph Aitken and' Alf Reekie, lost to Joe Hall on a knock-out in the ninth round, beat Billy Aitken and Bobby Delaney, and lost to Hall on points twice. Rayner recently received an offer to visit Australia after Christmas for several bouts, and is reported to be waiting at present for further particulars.

PUTTING ON. WEIGHT. Joe Hall is finding jt .difficult to keep his weight down in this country, and iu this he is finding the same trouble as most of the Australians who come here. Hall is the feather champion of his country, but- just at present it looks as if he will find it difficult to ever get down to the feather limit again, and the way he is going it will not be long before he is even out of (he lightweight class. Incidentally, Hall is to have his next Australian outing against Alf Blatch, the Australian lightweight champion, but Hall may even 'find it hard to get down to the Ost 91b limit against Blotch.