THE BIG FIGHT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 July 1928, Page 5

THE BIG FIGHT.

GREAT INTEREST DISPLAYED KEENEY CONFIDENT HE WILL WIN. TUNNEY VERY FIT'. CUnited I’ress Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association—United Service.) FAIR,HAVEN, July 25.

On completing bis triadning to-day, Keeney isiaid he had never been so confident of winning the championship. Tire country i,s manifesting keen interest in the fight, boxing surpassing all topics of lifter national significance. More than 700 correspondents are expected at the ringside. Tex Rickard, has reported very heavy advance sales since tickets were offered. The current total i:s 050,000 dollars. The task of converting the Yankee baseball stadium its ooniiple.ted, with accommodation for 8-5,000. The railroads announce excursions Oincl m'any is:peoia.l trains have been chartered. Hotels- declare the reservations indicate heavy business, while theatres have scheduled special programmes in an effort to attract the flood of money which has commenced, to- pour into the city. Oddis are still slightly in favour of T'unney, but betting will probably be even before the fight. Heeney will make, the trip to New York in a yacht put at his disposal. “New Zealand sends you best wishes, and hopes you will return home with the world’s boxing crown. Win or lose, we know you will uphold the traditions of true sportsmanship. ’ ’ This As the cable the Prime Minister of New Zealand has sent to Heeney.

Hieeney rested to-day after a light work-out. He will remain secluded till weighing 'in on Thursday afternoon, When he expects to. tip the scale at 1981 b and enter the irimg'at 2021 b. “J wa® never <so confident of winning any fight as of my qhanrpionslhip shot against Tunnev,” said Heeney. “If 1 am beaten I will have no complaint or alibi. 1 will make my plans as the fight progresses. I will! move along in my natural style, but if I find it is doing m® no good I will change. “I understand Tiinney is going to try to knock me out. J,f he is still there at the twelfth round I will shoot the works for the rest of the distance and try to stiffen him.” Tunney awaits the opening hell in his best physical condition, according to Iris trainer'and critics, fit for the greatest battle of hits career. The champion finished training before 500 spectators with a, light eight-round work-out. He dealt his sparring partner several bruising rights to the dlnn, but was careful t 0 take no unnecessary chances of hurting bis hands or with any wild swings of his opponent.