PRIZE FIGHT.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXII, Issue 1710, 13 December 1920, Page 5

PRIZE FIGHT.

MORAN KNOCKS OUT BECKETT. [By Electric Cabler —Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Sunday, 5.5 a.m.) LONDON, December 10. The gathering at the Albert Hall to witness the Beckett-Moran light, was a wonderful spectacle, and was one of the greatest assemblages of sportsmen on record. The Price of Wales and Duke of York were present. The King was unable to attend, but arranged for progress messages. 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 was twice warned. Each time he protested to the crowd. Some accounts state that he fought fairly throughout, and emphasise the fact that ho lured Beckett through appearing shaken. Beckett lost any chance he had by relying on Force, not on skill. Joe Palmer was referee. Both men opened eagerly an* 1 fought at close quarters. There was little in it at the first, but Beckett began to force the pace with great vigour. He was much faster than Moran. Beckett rained blows with both hands, while both men stood shoulder to shoulder, Moran making little response. The sr|pctators were puzzled at Moran's taclScs. He was either taking matters very calmly, or was dazzled by Beckett's swiftly delivered blows and attack. The first was easily Beckett's round 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, and Beckett showed the Fame superiority in speed. Moran closed in, and the men were separated and worked round the ring. Moran closed again and secured a few stiff rightarm jolts to Beckett's jaw. Beckett responded with a hard right to the point. Moran closed and landed a tremendous upper cut on the chin, and Beckett' was counted out. The result was sensational, as Beckett, to a few seconds before the knock-out, seemed a sure winner, Moran appearing slow, and seemed hardly to have begun to fight in earnest. Moran pays a tribute to Beckett's clean fighting, and says that he delivered some good punishes. He attributes his victory to experience. He says the knock-out came from a left hook, then a right hook, - which shook Beckett, who seemed about to fall. He then delivered an upper cut. Critics declare that 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 the swings of both arms, which Beckett evidently was warned to avoid, and never looked for hooks or an upper cut. The last had extraordinary force, Moran, himself, tailing after delivery. Moran's smile after worst blows deceived Beckett, who was unable to conceal winces.