BOXING

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6672, 27 July 1928, Page 3

BOXING

Hints for the Amateur . ( By 1 ‘ Ringside. ’' ) PRESENT CHAMPIONS. WorldPly Busliy Grahamc Bantam Bud Taylor Feather Benny'Bass Light ... Sammy.Mandcl Welter Joe Dundee Middle . Mickey Walker Cruiser Tommy Loughran Heavy Gene Tunney Australia. - Fly Teddy Green Bantam Bill McAllister Feather .. Norm. Gillespie Light Blucy Jones Welter Al. Bourkc Middle Ted Monson Cruiser • George Thompson Heavy do. New Zealand.’* ' ' V Fly ..... None Bantam ...... Vacant' . 1 Feather .......... Johnny Lcckie . Light Vacant Welter Artie. Hay Middle Harry Casey Cruiser Eddie Parker Heavy ............ Eddie Parker When Hit Hard. In our previous notes we dealt briefly with the need of cultivating a decisive punch.. As it.is more than probable' that one's opponent has absorbed similar adviec, it would-be as well to know what to do, if the opposing boxer has connected with a solid blow first. Taking reasonable advantage of the count, when knocked down and badly rattled, has already been dealt with. Remember to use , these precious seconds, but be sure to be ready to rise on tlys- count of “eight” at the latest.- . Other hand blows may temporarily daze one, and in such a case it is well to know what to do under such circumstances. If hit hard by a persistently aggressive opponent, who evidently realises the advantage he has scored either clinch or smother up. Clinching persistently to avoid punishment is not to bo recommended although in many cases it is the wisest thing.to do- When clinching be sure to secure your op-: ponent’s gloves and pfess down on both, so that he is unable to deal -oiit further punishment. , When ordered to break, step back immediately and, if' recovered from the. effects of the blow, box on as usual.

Another "better and more legitimate method of foiling your opponent’s persistent- attack is to adopt a good “smother.’’ There arc many good methods employed by experienced boxers, bat a brief description of two ways of covering up will bo sufficient. One good method is to bring both elbows cldsei; together in front of the body, so as to protect the ribs and especially the solar plexus, whilst the gloves are held up so as to afford protection on both, sides of the jaw.

A second method is to bend the body holding the right forearm, horizontally across the ‘mark’ and the loft arm raised to' above the level of the shoulder and bont so that the forearm and gloves protect the jaw. Both are very effective, guards against which an experienced boxer will hot- waste his energy,, though your less experienced opponent may be tempted to’ do so. Practise whichever effective method suits you as part of your shadow sparring work until you can protect , vital points automatically and effectively •at half a second’s notice. 1 While such a “smother” is the best method of > protection when hit and badly jarred by a persistent attacker, it. is a purely defensive attitude. You should always bo able to watch your opportunity and immediately a lull in the attack occurs endeavour to assume the aggressive yourself. Always keep cool though, as there is no hurry to. get your own back, if it means striking more trouble. But once you, have connected hard follow up the advantage in your turn with a few well, directed blows rather than a whirlwind attack. McKnight’s School. Nelson McKnight had every ' reason to be well satisfied with the showing put up by hip pupils at Bulls bn Monday evening. Brant, the. light-heavy-weight, Used his long reach to advantage over Cutelli. He boxed very well throughout. Candy gave a much more convincing display than usual though still inclined to use the open glove at times. Paddy with a little more experience and training will keep most boys of his weight in the Manawatu busy. The Awapuni boys, Broughton brothers, "Voit.ro, and Stratton all showed to good advantage, their fast clever work receiving merited appreciation. Feilding Lads. Price as usual gave a,good display. He has an attractive stylo and an extremely useful left. 0 ’Reilly is another light weight that shows distinct promise. Ho has a nice build and is sure to give a good account of himself in the future. Hepburn was again outstanding, though it is hard yet to say how he will go against an opponent equally as strong and. aggressive. His match with McDonald, a good Te Kuiti lad, should provide one of the best preliminaries to the Casey—McDonald contest on August S. ( Jack Crowley’s School I

Ted Oxley was the only lad selected from, the popular Pahiatun coach’s school and he gave a convincing display. Oxley would have won easily had ho propped a stiff left out all the time and used a judicious side-step occasionally. to dodge his aggressive, boring-in opponent. Mercer was good on the infighting though he should have been warned for illegal hitting on the kidneys, and at the back of the head.

His many friends will wish Jack Crowley the best of good luck in his

debut as a professional at Wanganui next month. ’ Another Pahiatua Tourney. Another amateur tourney is being mooted.- for Pahiatua early in September. The recent successful venture should ensure a bumper house tids time, as all .patrons went away thoroughly satisfied.