BOXING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 July 1924, Page 3

BOXING.

WELLINGTON CENTRE TOURNAMENT. The annual Wellington Centre boxing tournament Avas negun in Ha-v.-era la.sr evening;. In spite ot : the unpiopitious weather, there was a. good attendance, of spectators. Over forty competitors were present from Wellington. ivlari borough, Wail anapa, Manawatn, Wanganui and Taranaki. Owing to various causes some of the hoys diet not fulfil their engagements. The most notable defection was M. Carroll, who could not get the necessary leave of absence. In one or two- eases hoys were found to be over weight for the classes entered for, but these things will happen at any time. The officials are to. be congratulated on the excellence of the arrangements, the whole of the events going off very smoothly anti without the slightest hitch. The bouts on the whole showed that there was a fair amount of talent in the various provinces, although some of the boxers seemed slightly overawed by the occasion, and did not let themselves go with their usual freedom. There was some very good boxing shown at times, but it must be. confessed that one or tv/o of the bouts in; the heavier classes were rather unscientific, especially that between McGuire and Hunt. Woods and Fi. Mercer Avon their contests with konck-outs, and the YVa-lden-Johansen bout was stopped to save the latter getting knpeked out. The judging Avas in the hands of Messrs B. A. Guise (Wellington), .7. E. Staples (Wellington). M. Watehorn (Mauawtu) and A. >7. Parris (Marlborough). Mr Earl Stewart (Wellington), made a most efficient referee, Avhile Messrs Russell and Foden acted as timekeepers. Mr P. O’Dea acted as announcer. Mr E. A. Davwon (hon. secretary of the centre), on behalf of the Wellington executive., in opening the proceedings, said he had much pleasure in announcing that the local association had done som© very fine Avork in accepting the responsibility of staging the championships. Owing to training accidents, not being able to obtain leave, and also to the. strict rules of amateur boxing, some of the bouts would have to go by default, out by doing this the programme for Saturday night Avould be keot intact.

Mr .P. O’Dea apologised for the absence of the patron, Mr J. R. Corrigan. M.P.. and the president, Mr B. McCarthy, both of whom Avere unavoidably absent, hut would be present on Saturday night. During the evening Mr O’Dea presented the shield Avon by the Wellington team at the recent tournament in Hawera to Mr B. A. Guise, of the Wellington Association. A great amount of work fell to Messrs TO. A. Dawson and F. Stevens, the secretaries, but- both have done exceedingly Avell. and the, e\ r ening’s success Avas a tribute to their ability.

The following are the details of the various contests:

FlvAveights. R. Willis (Hawera} won by default from E. N. Childs (Stratford), Avho Avas over-weight C. Woods (Wellington) 7.0 knocked out N. C. Roebuck (Taranaki) 7.3 L Woods Avas smaller than his. opponent, hut was much the better boxer, and was also more robust in his hitting. Roebuck Avas doAvn for pine in the second round and was knocked put soon aftenvards. C. Hoskins (Wanganui) Avon by default from H. McLaughlan (Patea). Bantams. J. Crowley (Wellington) 7.131- beat G. Freitas (Wanganui) B.ls on points. The former proved the more finished boxer > and Avas fairly precise in his bloAvs. He was the more aggressive, as Freitas was inclined to clinch to avoid CroAvley’s lefts. M. Carroll Wellington) defaulted to F. Nesbitt (Manawatu), on account of not being able to get leave- of absence. Feathenveights. A. Collins (Stratford) defaulted to D. Mercer (Flawera). E. Mercer (Hawera) 8.132 knocked out R. Forward (Wanganui) 8.12. ForAvard was inches taller and bad the longer reach. Mercer on the sound of the gong Avent after Forward, but the latter stood him off for a while. Mercer’s persistency had its reAvard in the third round, when a left connected with the point and Forward took the count. In good hands Mercer will make a tough opponent, as he has a punch.

P. Black (Wellington) S.IB heat R. Potburv (Manawatu) 8.13 on points. This Avas the best bout of the evening and shoAA’ed tA\o boxers with different styles. Black shoAvs promise and measures distance very Avell indeed. He snapped his punches mo-re than any of the others. Potbury, Avho used smothering tactics, Avas strong, but was not so effective Avhen attacking. Black was a winner right through. IjightAveights.

R. de Cleene (Manawatu) 9.13) won on points against G. Cadman (Hawera) 9.123. Cadman was not so aggressive as usual, and looked to he “short of a gallop.” De Cleene was the better boxer and stood his man off, thus countering Cadman’s rushing tactics. What really effective punches were delivered came from de Cleene. P. Charles (Wellington') 9.13 beat W. Gray (Wanganui) 9.10. This bout showed Charles as the much superior nian. How Gray came to be put in the ring for championship honours was a puzzle, on the night’s form. Charles’ left was in evidence right through the four rounds, and the only noticeable thing about Gray was the amount of rough-house tactics he indulged in. D. Loveridge (Taranaki) 9.93 beat D. Creighton (Manawatu) 9.11 ; on, points. This was certainly a most willing go. As an exhibition of boxing it did not take a high place, but as a fight it was iust to the taste. Loveridge was the taller man and used his reach most effectively, giving Craighton little room to counter. Most of the time the boys stood close up and hit as much as they could, although some of it was extremely wild.

R. Johansen (Masterton), on account of being too heavy, defaulted to P. Vorece (Marlborough). Welter-weights.

A. Duggan won from F. Bronghan (Marlborough! hv default. W. Walden (Manawatu) 10.7 A beat R. Johanson (M.-nsterton) 10.7). Walden vcas the such superior man and hiT, his opponent always, but did not succeed in putting him to sieep. The referee stopped the fight to save Johanson being knocked out. Walden’s right swin~s found Johanson time and again, and the former should hare given the quietus in the first round. It, was surpris'ng how Johanson fought hack in the third round, after having such a torrid time. Light-heavies. G. Evatt (Wellington) won hv default from W. Sotherly (Marlborough). W. Hunt 11.9) won on points from L. McGuire (Taranaki) 11.4). This bout hardly needs describing, as neither man seemed to know much about the

game. If was ehiciiy a series of rushes and clinches, Avith Hunt showing Avhatever skill there avus

The Centre boxing championships are being continued this afternoon and evening, Avhen the semi-finals and finals will he fought. Judging by the form shown last night by the winners there should he some pure sport for patrons. Spectators avi 11 find all arrangements for their eomiprt to he A'ery complete. and the conduct of the meeting is all that can be desired. Great interest is being eA'inced in the progress of boys like Woods. Black. Mercer. Duggan, and Walden.

In any case it will be a long time before “fans" of the district will again see such an array of talent gathered for one tournament.

WELLINGTON CENTRE’S ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Wellington Centre is being held at the Returned Soldiers’ Club as this edition goes to press, Mr Staples presiding OA*er an attendance of about a dozen delegates.

Tlife report' was adopted. The annual report stated:— “In submitting its first annual report for the year ending March 31, 1924, the Centre Executive is pleased to be: able to report progress as most satisfactory throughout the territory under its jurisdiction. The Wellington Centre was established in May 2, 1923, the executive being appointed bv the New Zealand Council N.Z.B.A. During the eleven months under review tournaments were held as follows:—Wellington 11, . ManaAvatu 5, Wanganui 5, Hawera o, Eltharn 2, Stratford 1. Taranaki o, Marlborough 2, Nelson nil; total, 36. Marlborough and Nelson Associations were transferred from West Coast Centre to "Wellington Centre, on October 30 last (.Nelson being a dormant association). Stratford lias since the close of the financial year held a very successful tournament. The tournaments for the period under review consisted of secondary schools contests 68, amateur 217, professional. 19; total, 294. Amateur registrations tor the period totalled 174, representing amateurs only avlio have competed. This is most gratifying, and exceeds any previous record. Already in the first quarter of the current year 134 amateurs have been registered, showing that the progress of th’e past year will be eclipsed. The first annual balancesheet is attached for the information of local associations. The revenue is considered yery. satisfactory, and it is pleasing to note that local associations remit fees due Avith promptness. The expenditure ‘must he considered economical, and includes the expenses of the lion, centre secretary, Avho has visited all associations throughout the centre Avith the exception of Nelson. The credit- balance is satisfactory,. hut funds must be conserved to assist- in fin an cing centre champions at Wellington on 11th, 12th. and probably 13th August next, on which dates the 1924 New Zealand championships are being held. The. conference of associations held at Wellington on October 30 last was of special import to the sport and its control, and all our local associations are conversant with the proceedings. Reductions in the centre revenue of a considerable amount Ayas transferred to the representation fund of the New Zealand Boxing Council, Avhich will benefit accordingly. It is too early to say Avhat will be the jesult of such reduction in our centre revenue, and I can only express my oavu opinion that the greatest care must be exercised in the expenditure of our resources. It is my duty to place on record an appreciation of the good Avork done by your executive officers, and which Avas made exceedingly pleasant and profitable by the co-operative loyalty of the officers of local executives. The financial, position of seA’eral of our local associations are far from Avhat they should be, and it is regretted that local -executive committees, whose Avork deserves the highest praise, is not better reflected in -their financial position. Your executive , invite discussion on this important aspect of our work at the annual meeting. It is noted that reports and balance-sheets from local associations are in some cases not yet to hand, and it is requested that this be rectified as soon as possible. Attention is directed to the lack of a uniform date of dosing the financial year, and your executive recommend- that the rules of all local associations should he amended where necessary to close-, their year on March 31. identified with this centre we now have two valuable challenge trophies, i.e., the Whatman Challenge Bowl, for competition in the Wellington district secondary schools, and the TaranakiWclliugton Challenge Shield for competition, between the provinces named. Hearty thanks are due to:, the donors, and it is hoped that as our. centre becomes well established these challenge trophies may be augmented. No breaches of control have occurred since the centre executive has been instituted. The relationship between the Police Department and the various bodies controlling boxing throughout the centre has been one of mutual confidence and help. Your execvitW-e desires to place on record its appreciation of the assistance rendered by the press during the year; also to thank the. large number of enthusiastic members and friends AA r ho have voluntarily assisted the sport throughout the Wellington Centre.”

The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of’£62 12s.