BOXING CONTEST.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 6, 23 June 1887, Page 2

BOXING CONTEST.

RICHARDSON V. BAIRD. The boxing match between B. B. Baird of Gisborne and C. Richardson of Victoria for £lO a side and two thirds of the gate money, came off in Parnell's Hall on Saturday last, before a large audience of spectators. After a friendly contest between several local amateurs, including Murphy, Scott, Weston, and Loombe, the two professionals took their place in the ring, and invited the audience to name a referee of their own selection. In response to a general call Mr Stewart Stewart ascended the platform and acted in that capacity, and .1. B. Scott as time keeper. Messrs Loombe and Weston acted as •'■conde. Both Richardson and Baird looked in the pink of condition and gave evidence of careful training. First Round. From the outset it could be seen that Baird had met with more than his match, and no sooner had the usual preliminaries been settled and the men faced each other then Richardson led off with a smart facer getting well home on Baird’s jaw. The latter eparre 1 round and returned the compliment, wh 1 Bichardson countered smartly and followed up with a ding dong rally in which the local man got in several telling body blows receiving in return some heavy facers. Second Bound. In the second round both men seemed somewhat more careful, Baird acting mainly on the defensive whilst Richardson appeared to be *' feeling" hie antagonist. Shortly before time was called Richardson woke up and put in two straight ones with the left, getting away smartly from Baird's return. Third Round. The third round opened by the Victorian dabbing In a straight one with his left which was cleverly returned by the local man. But Bichardson evidently now meant buslneu, and managed to plant four successive blowe full on Baird's right cheek, which began to look rather roaey. Baird however, showed the beat of pluck, and, although It must have been aa evident to himself as it was to all onlookers that he was over-matched, went manfully to work and;Wae rewarded by deafening applause when he managed at last to pay back a slight instalment of the obligation he had been put under. In this round alone, he received no less than ten severe blows In the face. Fourth Bound. In the fourth round, which was the beet out of the seven fought, Baird certainly did his best, and was rewarded by getting in three heavy blows on Biehardson's ribs, although the latter repaid this with interest, putting them in where and how he liked. Fifth Bound. When time for the fifth round was called both men still looked .quite fresh, and Baird, evidently getting more used to Richardson's tactics, managed to stop the letter's left—which had, up to this, been doing all the work. The round finished with a smart counter by Baird, which again elicited great applause from hie local sympathisers. Sixth Bound. In the sixth round it appeared as though both men intended to bring the battle to • decisive conclusion, and although Baird clearly had no chance, yet he gave an excellent account of himself, and while receiving severe punishment, returned all he possibly could. Seventh Bound. The seventh and last round was of short duration. Baird led off, and after four times failing to reach hie active opponent, managed to get another into Richardson's ribs. The latter, however, received it with a smile, and for some time merely acted on the defensive. While cleverly stopping every blow, it wee seen that Richardson was watching hie chance. Seeing his opportunity, he shot out his formidable left, and catching Baird wen under the right jaw, brought his man to grass. The plucky local min fell as though he had been shot, and notwithstanding all endeavors on the part of his able second, failed to come to time. The contest was fought out in the fairest manner possible, and reflected every credit on all concerned. The victor then stepped forward, and said it had been a fair and genuine fight. His opponent bad etuck well up to him. Mr Baird was a plucky young fellow (applause), who, with a bit of careful coaching, would make a grand fighter. Baird acknowled that Richardson was a bit too good, and said he was fairly beaten. After this, Mr Lindsay came forward and thanked the referee and timekeeper for their service. * He also referred to the recent fight between Richardson and Matthews, and referred the audience to the N.Z. Referee’s account of the affair. He (Mr Lindsay) would back Richardson for any amount to knock out any two local men within an hour. (Applause). Matthews had been knocked out in the first round at Auckland, when the referee was prejudiced. (Groans and cheers). Richardson then came forward and briefly alluded to his fight with Matthews in a very modest, straightforward manner, after which the audience separated.