BOXING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 211, 20 August 1934, Page 4

BOXING

Palmer Beats Strickland SCIENTIFIC EXHIBITION By Telegraph—Press Association. INVERCARGILL, August 19. An exhibition of clever, scientific boxing was given by Ambrose Palmer, heavyweight champion of Australia, in his first engagement under the auspices of the Southland Boxing Association last when he defeated Maurice Strickland, of Wellington, on points. The contest was of ten three-minute rounds and was staged in the Drill Hall, which was crowded with about 3000 spectators. Palmer’s weight was 12.1 J and Strickland’s 12.12. The result of the contest was a clear-cut win on points for Palmer. Strickland made a good foil for the Australian, nevertheless, and while at no stage could it bo said that Strickland threatened danger it was a compliment to him that Palmer held the greatest respect for his right hand punch. Both men looked in splendid condition when they squared up for the first exchange. Palmer is well proportioned and beautifully muscled and Strickland is tall, rangy and strong. The first round or two was almost wholly confined to sparring, but thus early it was clear that Palmer was going to bo too speedy and elusive for his opponent, the New Zealander preferring to try to box Palmer into position before driving in his famous punch. I This was not so much the forlorn hope that many expected, and more thau once the target was found. Palmer was generally on a side move, however, and most of Strickland’s rights no more than grazed his face and head. Palmer concentrated on his left In the early rounds and occasionally flashed in to rip a left to the body, a left hook to the head and a right to the heart. This combination o' blows ap-

pears to be Palmer’s favourite, and against Strickland he rarely failed to connect with all three. The speed of his work in this attack was amazing. In the middle stages Strickland, having gained confidence in his ability to “go” with Palmer, used his weight and ruggedness to force Palmer on the ropes, but here again it was the Australian who displayed something out of the ordinary in rope work. He weaved and ducked, and blow after blow merely shot over his shoulder or was taken on the gloves. Upper cuts by both men added variety to the attack and Strickland roused a cheer from the crowd when he rammed in a hard right or two to Palmer’s face. Up to the seventh round Stricklaud boxed very well, but he appeared to be wearing at the eighth, and Palmer plied his straight left with regular success to Strickland’s head. In the final round Strickland made a determined effort to catch tho champion unawares with his right, but he was unsuccessful. Palmer’s speed and punch were remarkable. On defence his footwork enabled him to flash out of danger and come in as quickly to take up the attack. He was as fast as a lightweight in some of his moves, and won the crowd with his cool slipping of Strickland's right. To Stricklaud great credit is due for holding his own, up to a point, with Palmer. It was a tali order for him, but he proved that he could box as well as punch.