IN THE RING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 112, 24 April 1936, Page 12

IN THE RING

INFUSION OF NEW BLOOD Pluto Proves to be the Goods FIGHTS JACOBS NEXT WEEK (By “Ringsider.”) The first overseas visitor for the new season was the West Australian, Cyril Pluto, who appeared at Auckland last Monday evening against Neville Mudgway, of Waihl.. The Australian created a great impression and won handsomely.

Just what an impression he created is indicated by the fact that the Auckland Association has matched him now with Em Jacobs, and this fight will take place next Tuesday evening. It is some years now since any promoting organisation in New Zealand has been enterprising, or even plucky enough, to run a second appearance of a boxer within two weeks.

Pluto proved himself one of the cleverest boxers to appear in Auckland. He invariably beat his opponent to the punch, and his open, attractive style, combined with his splendid sportsmanship, made him a great favourite with a crowd which almost packed the Town Hall, commented the “Herald” on the meeting this week against Mudgway. The Australian maintained an almost relentless attack, but he failed to find an opening which would have enabled him to finish the contest in the early rounds. Mudgway appeared to be at a loss to counter the offence of the Australian, although he displayed cleverness in taking solid two-handed punches on his gloves or elbows. He hit Pluto hard in the.eighth round, and subsequently complained of being unable to use his right hand effectively. A medical examination after the bout revealed a broken thumb. It seems that the bout was too onesided really to give a true line on Pluto’s actual ability. Next Tuesday, however, he will be called upon to meet one of the most successful boxers at present in New Zealand, for Ern Jacobs has a fine record, especially as a crowd pleaser. Aitken for Australia?

The unexpected, though not really surprising, announcement was made last week that Billy Aitken, the clever Wellingtonian, who recently appearea in Hastings, is contemplating a trip to Australia. At the present time ho is the most outstanding boxer in the game iu New Zealand. The featherweight title is in his possession and likely to be a “white elephant,” for there appears to be no chance of his having to defend same for some time on account of lack of real opposition. Then the lightweight crown appears to ire his merely for the taking, and the position virtually amounts to his having fought himself out of opposition.

Aitken and his connection are of the opinion that the promoting bodies in New Zealand are not encouraging him us they snould by providing opponents. His parti; liar complaint, of course, is against the Wellington Association, whom it is contended should import an Australian or two to provide a firstclass attraction. The H.8.8.A. actually has this suggestion under way, and is awaiting replies from a couple of prospects. Aitken has clearly shown himself to be tho leader of two divisions, and at such is entitled to due consideration. Colour Ben Llftn The last coloured boxer seen in New Zealand was the Filipino, Jainito, who was here in 1934, and now after a lapse of 12 years another coloured man in Roy de Gans, a negro, has arrived under engagement to the Southland Boxing Association. Be Gaus has just concluded a successful Australian visit, there he met, among others, Balmer and Richards. The negro has sparred with John Henry Lewis, the iightheavyweight champion of the world, and this he considers added considerably to his experience. De Gans’s first opponent, it is expected, will be Ray Nicol, and May 7 has been tentatively set down for the fight. Harold Reeve is spoken of being second on the list. Strickland Disappoints.

Commenting on the recent bout in which Maurice Strickland, ’.he New Zealand heavyweight champion, met Jack London in a match of eight rounds, the “Irish Tinies” correspondent says:—Maurice Strickland was very disappointing against the beftv Jack London, whose rather wild swings to the body landed far more often than they should have done against a class heavyweight. The New Zealander did not reveal much punch either, and seemed to have no counter to his opponent’s wild rushes. London won on points.