WAS IT FAIR ?

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1937, Page 10

WAS IT FAIR ?

SYDNEY DECISION

Against U.S.A. Boxer

(Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) SYDNEY, April 22.

At the Stadium, to-night, the Aus. ■t-ialian lightweight, Alf Blotch (9.11) received the decision, on a. foul in the fifth round, against the American Jimmy Leto (10.3). Ten thousand' witnessed the enc.oun. ter, which was thrilling while it last, ed. Blotch, who was a substitute for Carroll, piled up points with ringcraft, skilful leading effective lefts to the face and body. He had the crowd on tiptoes, while the American relied mainly on close, range fighting and body punches.

Early in the fifth round the referee warned Leto against low punches, one of which sent Blatch sprawling on his nose, he taking a count, of nine. He rose and fought.back with great, spirit, when he was again floored with the kidney punch, resulting in the fight being stopped, Blatch being declared the winner. Leto was vigorously hooted.

There are conflicting opinions as to whether Leto fouled Blatch. Newspapers’ boxing writer.* agree with the referee's decision, but other ringsidors shy that. Leto’s punching was absolutely fair. , Tire Stadium medical officer found Blotch suffered from the effects of punching on the side of the body and back, but. not upon the kidneys.

Leto declared he would recommend that n 0 more boxers should be sent t 0 Australia. He claimed he was dis. qualified without ■justification. Leto’s manager, Viscusi, said he would advise American promoters that it was dangerous to fight in Aus. tralia.

Leto’s Reflection TO MEET CARROLL AGAIN (Received April 23. 11 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 23. According to the “Sun’’ Leto will have a return fight with Carroll next season. “Now that I have reflected over the happenings of last night, I am not so angry,’’ he said. “I think the sympathy of the crowd was with Blatch, because he, a local lightweight, was boxing a welterweight.’’ STRICKLAND’S HARD LUCK. NEW YORK April 21. Commenting on the bout between Maurice Strickland, the New Zealander. and Mann which was declared 1 a draw in the tenth round. The “New

York Times’s” boxing editor says: Strickland was cleatly his rival’s sup. erior in ring generalship, and at times made Mann look awkward. Strickland perfoimed a masterpiece of defensive boxing, waiting his opponent’s charge-, and peppering him with (Tisconceiting rights and lefts to the face. The decision was booed. Strickland is mooted for a match with Farr. STRICKLAND TO MEET FARR. (Received April 23, 11.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 23. The New Zealander, Maurice Strick, land’s manager ■ha - accepted a match against Farr (who beat Baer) at London in June. The terms have not been announced