TUNNEY’S TRAINING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 12 May 1928, Page 13

TUNNEY’S TRAINING.

COUPLE OF PRIVATE O SCRAPS. ’ ’ If the boxing division ever held a serious ruler, that party is Gene Tunney. Gene should be popular, but he hasn’t quite reached the position in the heart of fandom which Jack Dempsey occupied. This irks Gene. Then, also, there is the memory of that famous Chicago count, and the criticism of his work in that match. Tunney wants to prove to the world that lie is a real champion, and rumour has it that he intends to get himself iuto top fistic form for the next title encounter, as well as for the defence of his title later in the year. For his last Dempsey bout Tunney was physically fit, but his boxing was bad, especially his judgment of distance. It was this fact which caused him to announce his intention 'of boxing more often during 1928. Tunney believes that no boxers —no matter how well he takes care of himself—can hope to be at his best with one match a year. Reports have it that to fit himself Tunney intends to bring to his training camp a couple of the best boxers in the heavy-weight division —outside of the recognised challengers —for two real contests. These bouts will be private affairs, regulation matches with prescribed rounds, and fought as they would be beforo any club. 'Gene intends to pay the boxers well, and, being in the millionaire class, be can afford to do so. Thi s is something new in training, and undoubtedly will have the desired results. It takes an actual contest to bring out the flaws in form, and, rather than wait for the test, Tunney intends to supply the test beforehand, so that he will be ready for anything Heeney may have for him when he is called upon to defend his crown.