American Boxers’ Invasion

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 193, 30 July 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

American Boxers’ Invasion

Latest Importations to Australia

FRENCH CANADIAN WHO MET SHARKEY.

That the National Sporting Club of Australasia means business was evident last week when nearly half a ton of boxing humanity disembarked from the Niagara under engagement to show their wares in Australia. In one camp was Frankie Wine and Johnny Freeman, two merry chaps with their calling written well over their countenances, whilst under the care of Phil Schlossberg were Jack Renault, Adolph Heinz, and a “Cullud Genlman,” Al Walker.

Renault, a French-Canadian, a race that gave the world a sculling champion in Jake Gaudaur, is the most experienced of the bunch, says an Australian writer. Ho has met practically all of the crack heavies in America, including Sharkey, who had a points decision over him. “But the contests against George Godfrey, the big blackfellow, were the toughest I’ve been in,” he said, as he tried to recall all his battles, the cuttings of which occupy a scrap book of more than ordinary dimensions.

Lost To Gains. He lost to Gains, at Toronto, but his press clippings tell of innumerable victories against the best. Six feet one inch high, he will go into the ring at about 14st. 41b. Jack, like the Striblings, loves golf, and was into his plus fours early on Sunday to visit a links. “How long will you stay here, Jack?’’ “Oh, that depends on whether 1 make good, and 1 think I will, ’ he said. Frankie Wine’s fighting face relaxes very readily into a smile, and when the

stentorian-voiced George Dent introduced the quintette on Saturday even, ing, at the Sydney Stadium, his expression clearly showed his delight at) being among Australians. Born in Montana 27 years ago, Frankie worked in the coal mines at Roundup, then, like our own Bob Fitzsimmons, Paddy Slavin and Les Darcy,, wielded the blacksmith’s sledge hammer. After local successes with the gloves he tried his luck in South Africa, where he won the light heavy and heavyweight titles of that part of the Empire. Returning to America he barred no one.

Not Too Popular With Stribling. “I don’t know whether I ought to welcome Frankie Wine,” said “Pa” Stribling, at the reception to the visitors. “He fought Young Stribling three times, and my lad has never come out of the ring against him but he was unable to fight again for three weeks; and they say Wine improves with age.” An American writer says of Wine: “He may lose a decision, but he never loses the public. When he gets in close he has the goods.” Johnny Freeman, a 20 years old boy, has had but very few reverses, one of his best battles being against King Levinsky, of Chicago. Johnny will box a little over 13 stone. Phil Schlossberg, who watches over Renault and the other two, was champion of the American fleet which visited these shores in 1908. “I saw the Burns-Squires tight from over there,” he said ai the Stadium on Saturday, indicating the bleachers on the northern side. “I know all about he hospitality of Australians. I sampled it then, and have never forgotten it.”

Asked how he thought Americans would respond to the call to come to Australia, ho remarked: “When we go back and give the place a good name, they will be all eager to come.”

Won 16 By K.O. Adolph Heinz has had 26 contests, says manager J'hil, and has won 16 by kiicck-outs, eight on decisions, drawn <ne and has Lad one defeat. His last i ht was against Lew (Tiger) Flowers, i New York, and sparring partner of turkey prior to the Sihmelling con- .< st. Heinz k.o.’d him in the seventh und. TTis main battles have been in lit* Navy championships, in which he as successful.” Al Walker is the coloured member of the party. “I consider he is the coloured champion of the world,” said Schlossberg. “His defeat of Godfrey has earned him that title.” \\ inc and Freeman will lie trained by Jack Warner, whilst Harry Stone will look after the other trio. A] Foreman, lightweight champion of Canada, who left Vancouver by the Aorangi last Friday, looks like lieing the next to tackle Delaney's conqueror.