STILL CHAMPION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 31 January 1936, Page 9

STILL CHAMPION

PETERSEN OUTPOINTS HARVEY DECISION POPULAR WITH CROWD (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON 29th January. At Wembley, the holder, Jack Petersen, outpointed Lon Harvey in a 15round bout for the British and Empire heavyweight championship. Petersen attacked from the start, and downed Harvev for a count- of four in the first round, but- Harvey cleverly avoided many of the champion’s big punches, and often scored with short lights to the head and ribs. The challenger continued on the defensive. Petersen, moving with great, speed, repeatedly sent out his right, but could not land with power owing to Harvey's elusiveness. Petersen attempted to force matters in the closing rounds, but Harvey, though still on the defensive, continued to punch with great power. The referee took a few moments to total his points. The crowd cheered the decision. A KNOCK=OUT IN SYDNEY SYDNEY. 30th January. At the Sydney Stadium to-night Leo Kellv, 12.2, knocked out Merlo Percisco, in the eighth round. The latter had a good points tend when Kelly began the onslaught which ended the bout abruptly.

Jack Petersen and Len Harvey, rivals for boxing supremacy in Great- Britain for more than two years, will meet at tne Empire Pool, Wembley, on 29th January for the British heavy-weight title, at present held by Petersen (writes the Boxing Correspondent of the London “Daily Telegraph”). A Both boxers signed articles at Wembley, and it is interesting to note that this is probably the first occasion in this country. on which the two principals in a first, class heavy-weight contest have conducted their own business affairs. How tile men compare:—

The purse, it is understood, will bo about £7,500, of which Petersen, as champion, will receive the greater share. This is by no means a record purse for an indoor fight in England, big though it is. I believe that when Georges Carpentier met Joe Beckett at Olympia the Frccliman received £lo,ooo’ and Beckett £4,000. Petersen has acted as a good champion in accepting this match. He might have been disposed (o keep Harvey waiting until next June by accepting the guaranteed minimum of £6,000 offered to defend his title at the White City, in the meantime picking up useful purses in minor bouts. But lie stated when lie returned from his honeymoon that lie was ready for all comers, and would meet Harvey as soon as could get fit. Petersen lost his title to Harvey in December, 1933, and regained it from him in June, 1934. This third match on Harvey’s recent form and the new spirit which seems to inspire Petersen, should be a tremendous attraction.

Weight Petersen .. 13st. Harvey 12st 151bs Height 6ft Ijin 6ft Reach ,. 80£in 75i,in Neck .. 17J-in 16£in Chest (n’m’l). .. 41in 40in Chest (sxp.) . .. 45in 43-J.in Biceps .. 14in 36in Forearm .. 12£in 13in Waist .. 34in 31in Thigh .. 22in 23in Calf .. 15in 15in