BECKETT DEFEATS MORAN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 14 October 1922, Page 7

BECKETT DEFEATS MORAN.

BY CABLE—FBESB ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT LONDON, Oct. 12. ! Beckett defeated Moran, the referee! stopping the fight in the seventh '■ round. The latter was one of the most terrific fights in hoxing history. There were very fierce exchanges of punish- 1 ment; both were down for long counts, i and were staggering about the ring i during the closing stages. i Beckett, in the first round, forged in and caught Moran heavily in the ribs, j Beckett, in the second round, did well with short arm jabs to the head and body, drawing blood from Moran's lefteye. Then Moran was staggered by i a couple of uppereuts and a low blow. " ] He was evidently in pain, and fell to ] the boards, but the gong saved him. Moran, in the third round, rushed < across the ring, and by sheer strength i forced Beckett to -the floor. Punch for i punch was then the order of the day, i all sorts of blows being given and ; taken. Moran, in the fourth round, ; caught Beckett a hard., punch to the ; jaw, and Beckett went down for seven, j He was groggy, and again fell" for two. I Moran tried hard to finish his man, hitting him again and again, and Beckett was still groggy when the bell savecl him. Moran, in the fifth round, was much stronger, but Beckett was unexpectedly fresh, recovering marvellously. The men stood toe to toe, exchanging hard blows. Moran looked to be- in trouble from Beckett's, body blows. '- Both were now staggering i about the ring, and excitement ran high, the crowded house wondering who would last the longest. 7 1 The sixth round ended in Beckett s favour. Moran tried his right, but Beckett got him on the ropes and hammered him on the jaw without receiving much punishment. In the last round Moran was in a bad way. He was a pitiable sight,, his eyes being almost closed and his face covered with blood. About halfway through the round the referee stopped trie fight, as Moran s , towel was thrown in. Moran was practically blind, and groped about the ring trying to find his corner, until his seconds came to his assistance. j Soldier Jones defeated Townley in the third round after the latter was down for a count of eight. When Townley rose he again slipped, having injured his leg. The referee intervened and Townley retired.