GREATER IN DEFEAT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 28 July 1928, Page 5

GREATER IN DEFEAT.

HEENEY’S PRAISES SUNG

TRUE TO BRITISH TRADITIONS.

Received 9.55 a.m. to-day. NEW YORK, July 27. Heeney to-day is greater in defeat than before he fought Tunney. It is not too much to say that his wonderful fisrhting heart and superb courage literally astounded American people, and all newspapers ring with his praises, of which the following excerpts are typical: “At the end. of the slaughter Tom Heeney still stood heads above the gamest man around here in manv a day.” “And the man from far-off Gisborne marched to defeat with his head bloodv but unbowed, and he upheld British traditions bv facing the foe to the last gasp.” “Heeney’s refusal to make excuses-, coupled with an honest tribute to Tunney, also endeared him to the sportsmen and the general public here.” FIGHTERS EXCHANGE TRIBUTES.

Commenting on the fight, Tunney said: “Heeney put up a wonderful fight. Tt was worthy of the challenger. Miave nothing but admiration for bis courage.” TToenov said: “Gene Tunney is- a wonderful fighter. T am not satisfied with the fight T nut up in the fifth round. A niece of eyelash turned back into mv left eve, and I could not see after the sixth round. Gene Tunney beat me- fairlv. though, and he is a very, very clean fighter.”