BOXING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 September 1924, Page 10

BOXING.

STR ATFORD TOURNEY

GREAT PROFESSIONAL, CONTEST

An enthusiastic audience which filled the Stratford Town Hall last evening was in attendance at the second of the season’s tourneys under the auspices of the Stratford Sports and Pastimes Club. The programme included four amateur bouts, all of which were keenly contested and held interest, though in some instances there was a, considerable disparity' in weight. The organisation of the tournament was Well controlled by the committee, under the direction of the hon. secretary (Mr. D. P. Deere), who met the many demands of his office with unfailing courtesy and attention. Mr. W. R. Foley officiated as referee, his decisions giving every satisfaction, and Mr. C. A. Gray officiated as announcer.

During the evening D. Loveridge, of New Plymouth, the New Zealand lightweight champion, was introduced to the audience and was received with enthusiastic applause. AMATEUR BOUTS.

C'. Furze (10.13) New Plymouth, defeated L. O’Keefe. (11.3), Auroa, in less than two rounds. .The bout opened with a, series of clinches, but on separation Furze forced the fight and scored with both hands, though evidently using the left as a feeler. Early in the second Furze feinted with his left and followed with a vicious light to the solar plexus, which sent O Keefe to the boards for the full count.

Bios nan (11.7), Kapuni, secured the verdict over O. Kimberley (11.5). Otakeho, after four vigorous rounds! Kimberley was more speedy, but was faulty in guarding when at close lange, and Brosnan mad© effective use, or his left.

n E. Childs (7.13), Stratford, defeated ■ Hayward (9.2), Haw-era, in a good exhibition of four rounds. Hayward forced the pace for two rounds, but the lighter man proved very elusive "' ere vei T even at the end of the third. In the last Childs was mainly the aggressor, and on a narrow margin secured a popular verdict. . • Harlen (10.13), New Plymouth, STof A * 6 Vei l ict over C - Cadman (9.12) Auroa, after an exciting four rounds. Two rounds were easily Cadmans, who fought the bigger man aeicely and inflicted much punishment, but could not subsequentlv maintain the pace Harlen evened in the third, W th f- final fou "ht well, Cadman being too tired to counter the former’s onslaughts. PROFESSIONAL CONTEST. The principal event, the professional welter contest between Clanie ±staekourii (10.6), Hamilton, and the Austrahan Larry Lasher (10.4), non- of Auckland, was scheduled to go fifteen ciiree-minute rounds, but the pace pioved too willing for Lasher, whose seconds skied the towel on the contusion of the tenth. Though characterised by a lot of close quarter work fighting was comparatively free rroin excessive clinching; and the ten rounds, vigorously fought from gong oo gong, provided one of the most spectacular professional exhibitions in the province during recent years. Black--0111,1 was the better-conciitioned man •uid also proved more clever right through the first, fourth, and sixth rounds being the only ones which might aave been decided in Lasher’s favour. Round one was fairly quiet. Lasher ff.nt ii left to the chili which, finding Blackburn jn retreat, lacked sting Blackburn took Lasher’s next lead on me glove and came dose to deliver body jabs, which found the Australian’s ?uard in position. In the next ex3hauge Lasher connected with a right overhand hook to the face. Blackburn a as aggressive in the second round and seeping close, secured the honours with two-handed punches to the body. Lasher kept his left flicking in the fc i- rd ’ ? na fr getting in with a left >wing to the face, which Blackburn countered with a right to the jaw. Round four opened with a clinch, from K,7r 1C ™ L M her scored, driving his left, but Blackburn evened in the next exchange. Lasher forced the pace crowding Blackburn to the ropes and AUth a rain of short blows compelled him to cover up. The fifth set a terjfic pace, as, fighting close, first one 1,1(1 then the other was forced to +W •opes. Blackburn’s left was low on one occasion. Hi,s right uoper cut gave ect‘ Sa e „c t ed: ,b,e ' bat -

In the sixth Lasher’s body blows to .he heart and wind were impressive, da hard right cross shook Black■n I , turn about on the opes followed, both punching furiously "'I htt . le The next round -.aw Lasher try t° keep his man awav .\ith stiuright lefts and overhand rights out Blackburn came close again and ooth were cautioned for failing to break clean. A left jab to the head bv 31ackie was folio wed by a wicker! right to the chin, which 'sent Lasher’s head back, but he countered rapidly lust as the gong went Blackburn sent J” J If hook, winch to a man less aaid than Lasher must have meant ibhvion. In the eighth and ninth the turious pace found delects in Lasher’s condition, and on answering the gon«• vff-v 6 wS I ' OUl , ld , he a PPeared punchWith a left and right Blackourn went in, ducking under Lasher’s .winters which sliced the air. The atter rallied gamely, and twice scored the so.ar plexus, but his punches were weakening. Ip the concluding moment Blackburn punished him se/ere:y, and just after the gong the Anstrehan.s towel was thrown in. Blackburn wa‘s accorded a pi eat ovatic.n as the referee formally awarded uni the fight.