WHO WINS?

Northern Advocate, 12 November 1923, Page 4

WHO WINS?

HEENEY—O'SULLIVAN FIGHT. CONFUSED VERDICT. GISBORNEj This Day. The match between Jim O 'Sullivan (holder) and Tom Heeney (challenger) for the heavyweight championship went to the fifth round. Towards the end of that round Heeney rushed in with a swing and O 'Sullivan went down on his hands and right knee. Heeney stepped back and o'Sullivan, immediately straightened himself up. Heeney went in for another rush, but O "Sullivan again went down on both hands and almost on his right knee. The referee, Mr Alan Maxwell, interposed, and after O'Sullivan had risen Mr Maxwell put his hand on O'Sullivan's shoulder. What immediately happened is in dispute. o'Sullivan's left hand went lip into the air and his supporters cheered. O "Sullivan went to his corn* er to receive the congratulations of his seconds and there was a great uproar on the part of Heeney's supporters. The referee then advanced to the footlights, but there Was so much din that he could not be heard. Mr Maxwell then turned round and brought Heeney to the footlights, raised Heeney's hand and declared him the winner. Indescribable uproar followed - and both contestants, particularly O'Sullivan, loudly expressed the opinion that the match should be resumed, but the curtain dropped on prolonged hooting and cheers. Charles Peoples, O'Sullivan's trainer, has lodged a protest with the secretary of the Gisborne Boxing Association against the match being awarded to Heeney. Mr Maxwen, in a statement to the Press, said he put his hand on j O 'Sullivat,'s arm to disqualify him for going down without being hit, and O'Sullivan immediately Taised his hand in the air.—Press Assn.