Khan Unlucky At N.Z. Champs

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1947, Page 6

Khan Unlucky At N.Z. Champs

One of the outstanding boxers at the New Zealand amateur championships at Christchurch last week was M. T. Khan, of Whangarei, one of the three Northlanders who took part. Khan appeared to have the lightweight title in safe keeping after a magnificent performance in his first fight but just when he had his second opponent at his mercy, he badly sprained his left hand and had to carry on one-handed.

Critics at the tournament proclaimed him one of the unluckiest boys not to annex a title.

A natural southpaw, who has improved remarkably under the coaching of Mr Harry Hughes, who accompanied the three Northlanders as trainer, Khan won tyis first bout decisively by a knock-out in the second round. His victim was B. Newitt, of Lyttelton. CHIEF WEAPON USELESS His second outing was with Eder, of Greymouth. Khan had his man well beaten half-way'through the first round as the result of three beautiful lefts to the body. Eder was very groggy and Khan aimed a left at the head to finish thq fight. The blow landed on the side of Eder’s head, however, and almost broke a bone in Khan's hand. From that stage, his chief weapon was useless and he was unable to score his second knock-out.

For the remainder of the bout, he had to box with his right glove and the Greymouth boy snatched an opportunity in the third round to land a heavy blow to Khan’s jaw and drop him for the count.

Khan’s damaged hand was badly swollen and required medical attention. He is the champion boxer of the Whangarei Boys’ High School. MACNAY’S LOSS NOT POPULAR M. Macnay, of Whangarei, was beaten by Eder in the first round of the light-weight division. This decision met with a very mixed reception, many ringside experts declaring that Macnay should have had the verdict. Eder was beaten in the final of the class by Stevens, of Manawatu, but, having overcome the two Whangarei boys in hard fights, was not fit to take the ring for the final. Against Khan, in particular, he absorbed considerable punishment. Hammond, of Kaikohe, lost his first fight on points to Edwards, of Wairarapa. The winner piled up points in the first round but Hammond was all over him in the final session and must have won had he started eff with more vim. WELL SATISFIED Although no title was brought North, Mr Hughes was well satisfied with the performances of his three representatives. The experience is sure to do them and the sport much good, i Khan made a great impression among 1 southern fans. After seeing him training before the championships commenced, noted authorities proclaimed Khan the outstanding light-weight. A syndicate showed their appreciation of Khan’s ability with a gift of £5 to Mr Hughes to assist the funds of the Whangarei Catholic Youth Movement where Khan trains and Hughes is mentor.