BOXING NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 136, 9 May 1928, Page 10

BOXING NOTES

LOCAL ACTIVITIES. (By “Solar Plexus.”) With the inauguration of .tho new club, boxing in Palmerston North appears to be once again on a sound footing and there should be no reason why the sport, locally, cannot bo of a standard equal to that of the cities. Tho schools at Awapuni, Podding and Pahiatua have some promising lads in training and endeavours are being made to induce Harry Casey, who will be visiting Palmerston North after his match with Pocock at Oarnaru on the 10th, to remain in tho district. To the. youthful exponents his services would bo of great assistance. During his visit, he will be tho guest of Air R. Maekie at Awapuni. Although formed only 12 months ago, tho Awapuni Club has made remarkable progress, as was evidenced at tlic recent tourney when a strong team from Wanganui was defeated, the local lads showing surprising form, and winning four bouts out of live. At present, training classes are being held nightly, E. Murray and C • and W. Broughton showing up well, and more will bo heard of them later. The need of a gymnasium in the town has never been so great than as at present and, with the number of youths desiring to take up the manly art, it is high time that some action was taken. While admitting that it is not the association’s duty to make arrangements, a little assistance from that body would go far towards alleviating matters, and it is suggested that a sub-committee be set up to consider the question. It should not be forgotten that, the beginners of to-day are tho boxers of to-morrow and to them tho association will look for support. At- Pahiatua, Jack Crowley has some promising talent in training and the sport in the district is reported to be in a flourishing condition. It will be remembered that, some two years ago, Crowley was well known in the fistic circles in Wellington, when much was expected of him. Under the guidance of A. L. Firth, activities at Feilding are promising well and the lads should be heard of in future tournaments. Included in the team is Hepburn, a recent arrival from Napier, where ho held the amateur middle-weight championship. On May 12, the Tokomaru Bay Association will stage a 15 round professional contest between Loveridge and Broadfoot and, on May 15, Johnnie Lockie will meet Billie Melton at: Wellington. Artie Hay is matched against Nelson McKnight at Auckland on May 18. It was anticipated by tho Manawatu Association to open the season with a bout between Trowern and McKnight, but the hope fell through when Trowern accepted a cabled offer of fights in South Africa. However, McKnight is now signed up to meet Harry Casey and a good contest is assured. The purse is £IOO, the date Juno 4, and the middle-weight championship, hold by Casey, is at stake.