BOXING.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1920, Page 4

BOXING.

MORAN v. BECKETT. KNOCKED OUT IN SECOND ROUND. AUSTRALIAN it N.Z CaBLB ASSOCIATION] LONDON, Dec 11. The gathering at Albert Hall to witness the Beckett-Moran fight was a wonderful spectacle and was one of the greatest assemblages of sportsmen on record in England. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York were present. The King was unable- to attend, hut arranged for progress messages of the fight. Carpentier was in the ring and announced the fight and the winner. There is a controversy regarding Moran’s methods. Many critics allege that he used his wrist twice with effect, and he was twice warned. Each time he proteste to the crowd. Some accounts state that he fought fairly throughout, and emphasise the fact that he lured Beckett by appearing unshaken. Beckett lost any chance he had by relying on force and not on skill. Joe Palmer was referee.

Both men opened eagerly and fought at close quarters. There was little in it at first, hut Beckett began to force the pace with great vigour. He was much faster than Moran. Beckett rained blows with both hands while the men stood shoulder to shoulder Moran making little response. The spectators were puzzled at Moran’s tactics. He was either taking matters very calmly, or he was dazzled by Beckett’s swiftly-delivered attack. The first round was easily Beckett’s for speed and the number of blows sent home. During the interval Carpentier, who was in Beckett’s corner, gave him some advice.

The second round opened like the first. Beckett showed the same superiority in speed. Moran closed again and secured a few stiff right-arm jolts to Beckett’s jaw. Beckett responded witli a hard right to the point. Moran closed and landed a tremendous uppercut on the chin. Beckett was counted out. The result was sensational, as Beckett until a few seconds before he was knocked out, seemed a sure winner, Moran appearing to be terribly slow and seemed hardly to have begun to fight in earnest. Moran pays a tribute, to Beckett’s clean fighting, and says he delivered some good punches. He attributes his victory to experience. He says the knock-out came from a left hook and then a right hook, which shook Beckett, who seemed about to fall. He then delivered an uppercut. Critics declare tliat Moran’s imperviousness to -punishment was a revelation, as Beckett’s onslaughts would have made most men drop. Yet Moran seemed unconcerned. He tricked Beckett with swings by botli arms, which i Beckett had evidently been warned to avoid, and never looked for the hooks or uppercut. Tiie last had extraordinary force, Moran himself falling after its delivery. Moran’s smile after the worst blows deceived Beckett who was unable to conceal his winces. . 1