HEENEY’S GRIM STRUGGLE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 27 July 1928, Page 8

HEENEY’S GRIM STRUGGLE.

MOUNTING THE LADDER. FIGHTING SPIRIT RECOGNISED Toiji Heeney was born 30 years ago in the town of Gisborne, New Zealand, of Irish parents. Upon leaving school, Tom, after being employed for a few days as blacksmith’s striker, became apprenticed to Mr. E. Mku'tin, plumber,of Gisborne with whom lie served his time. At home, Mr. Heeney used to keep a .set of boxing gloves, and at was his custom to give the boy,s of his own and neighbouring families a round of boxing in the evening, Jack Heeney, one qf Tom’s older brothers, was very keen on boxing, and eventually became New Zealand middleweight champion. Tom’s only lessons came from Inis fiat her, and, later, from Jack, Tom remained an amateur boxer until after the wap, 'working continually at his trade. He was very keen to join up with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, with which his odder brother Frank served, being kHl|ed in action, and on Ids nineteenth birthday he enlisted. He was in training in England when the Armistice' was signed. Meantime he bad made hi® mark at Rugby football as well as boxing, and he had a'lso earned a Royal Humane Society’s medal for saving a young woman from drowning in the.surf at Gisborne. He represented Poverty Bay against the Springboks in 1921.

It was in 1921, at the age of 23 years, that he took up proessional boxing, and that year he.. defeated, the. New Zealand heavy-weight champion, Albert Pooley. The same year- he fought a draw with the Australian champion, Colin Bell. Thais encouraged, him to try Australia, where he won eight bouts, but dost twice on points to Colin Bell. After returning to New Zealand and regaining his title, forfeited by absence, he set out for England. There he had varying success, and later proceeded to South Africa, where he fought five bouts and Won four, losing the fifth on a. foul. Again in Ehigland, he failed to get a bout with the champion, and. decided to try Ids luck in the United States. . . .It was a lucky decision, for he arrived when Tex Rickard was trying out contenders for the world championship, and his fighting spirit and ability to take hard knocks as shown m a bout with Paulino TJzcudun won. him the favour of the American public. , . . Thenoo his progress to* the position of challenger was steady if nob spectacular. Tom’s record is as follows: —

1921. Beat 'Bill Madden (N.Z.). 9 (K. 0.). ~ 'George Mod rich (N.Z.), 15. .. Albert Poo-ley (N.Z.), 15. ~ Jack Cole (N.Z.). 15. Drew with Collin Bell (Aus.), 15. 1922. Beat Max Gornik (Aus.), 15 (K. 0.). Lost toi Colin Bell (Aus.), 20. Beat J. FJetfc (Aus.), 15. • Lost to Colin Bell (Aus.), 20. Beat J. Laaliy (Aus.); 20. 1923. Boat Tom Bathe (Aus.), 14 (K. 0.). O. Taylor (Ans.), 20. Drew with Em. Waddy (Aus.), 20. 1924. Bea-t J. Sou ires (S. A.) , 20. ~ B. Miller (S.A.). 4. .. J. Squires (S.A.), 19 (T.K.0.). ~ N-ie Moraoe (S.A). 4 (K. 0.). ..Blackie Miller, (foul). Lost to Blackie Miller; 5 (disq.). 1925. Beat O. Complin (Aus.), 9 (K. 0.). C Whitaker (N.Z.). 15 (K. 0.). J. Met* (Aus.). 8 (K.O'.Y B. McOeary (N.Z.). 14JK.0.). Lost, to J. Sullivan (N.Z.). 10. Beat J. Savage (N.Z.). 1 (K.D.). T. Sullivlan (N.Z.). 5 (disq.). J. Sullivan (N.Z.), 9 (K. 0.). J. Em Young (N.Z.). 4 (K. 0.). . 1926. ' T-ost toi Phil Scott (ILK A. 20. Beat Trooper Younsr(lLK.). 6 (K.CX). Tost to G-. Cook (TI.EA.AS. Beat Charlie Smith (TT.Tv.). 4. (K.U.). Tom Berry (U.K.), 15. i-ost to.Pbiil Scott (ILK.). 20. Beat Jack Stanley, 15. _ Bartley Madden, 20. . 1927 Beat O. Anderson (U.S.A.), 5. (-K.0.). Lost to Paulino U/etiduni- (U.b.A.), 20. Beat Jack do Mavo (V.&.A.), 10 „ ~ Bud) Gorman (U.S.A.), J (foul). Drew with Paulino Uzcudun, 10. , 'Beat Jim Maloney (U.S.A.), I (K. 0.;. 1928. Beat Johnny Bdsko, 10. Dre w with Jack Sharkey 10. Beat Jack Delaney, 15. , Summary: Fought 45 bouts, lost 8, drew 4, won 16 by K. 0., and 1< on po-in ts.