BOXING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 9

BOXING.

Arthur Douglas, the South African lightweight champion, who has pursued an unbeaten career since his arrival in Australia, lost to Mehegan on October 30 after a full twenty rounds, on points. Douglas " had been unfortunate in having both his , eyebrows cut open sparring with Squires, and the match was postpones'-a fortnight. The special correspondent of the Sydney Referee considers the decision wrong, and that Douglas fairly won on points. Mehegan is said to have been better at long-range hitting, but was completely outclassed by- Douglas at in-fighting. In regard to the engagement of Tracy to meet Hurcomb at Auckland, the secretary "of the Northern Boxing Association wrote to the last meeting of the Wellington body explaining why he had telegraphed direct to Tracy, instead of through the Wellington Association. He said that Blackmore had failed them, and Gault was taken . ill. 'As it was known that the Wellington Association did not intend to hold another meeting this year, ' and as only -24- hours , were available to fix up the breaches, Tracy was wired direct. Hours, and even minutes, were valuable. and there was not the slightest desire to flout the agreement at the conference. The explanation (says the Dominion) was regarded as quite satisfactory. The Otago Boxing Association is not likely to become particularly affluent over its recent professional venture, which took place between Bert Murphy and Jack Griffin at His Majesty's on »November 10. Although the contest, which was for a £70 purse, was well boomed, there was not a big attendance. It is possible, that the receipts will iusfc about meet expenses. The men weighed out within 31b of each other, Murphy 9st 81b and Griffin 9st 111b. . The West Coaster. however, had all the advantage in height and reach, and on appearances in the ring Griffin was favourite. The opening rounds were tame, both men ; being very wary of each* other. It was not until the fifth and sixth rounds that any life was put into the proceedings. Murphy took the main hand in the leading, but the West Coaster put up a sound defence, and, waiting his opportunities, frequently scored with both hands. At the seventh round Murphy,' who was showing signs of the knocking about he had received, livened up, and it appeared as if he might pull off the contest with a knock-out. But Griffin was too elusive, showing good footwork and fine defence. In the ninth round Murphy went to pieces, Griffin getting " all over" the North Islander.- finishing up by knocking him out. The Stadium was packed last evening feavs the Sydney Morning Herald of November 10). the attraction being a 20-round contest between Arthur Cripps, who for the past five years has been regarded as one of the best of Australian middle-weights, and Rudolph Unholz, the Boer light-weight. Bob Fitzsimmons, who arrived in Sydney yesterday morning, refereed the contest. Ho was accorded an enthusiastic reception on entering the ring. Cripps' weight was announced at list 21b, whilst Unholi only scaled 9st 71b. When the contestants met in the centre of the ring it was apparent that Cripps had all the advantage on his side. Ho fairly towered over the Boer, and in the matter of reach had a decided advantage. The men were announced to be fighting un - dor straight Marquis of Quecnsberry rules." As soon as the signal to commence! was given Unholz rushed across to his man and scored with a solid left rip to the stomach. A heavy right to the head followed in quick succession. Cripps seemed puzzled, and was inclined to bo cautious. ' The round closed with the points in Unholz's favour. The second and third rounds also went to Unholz's credit. Cripps livened up a bit on the fourth, and held his own. In the fifth he showed to better advantage. .He was timing Unholz's rushes, and countering with a straight left lead. From that time onward the issue was never in doubt. Cripps was too heavy and clever for his plucky opponent. The last four rounds were fought at; a very fast pace, Unholz attacking incessantly. Cripps, however, was too wary to bo caught napping, and at the conclusion of the contest the referee announced that; Cripps had won the contest, the points be- . ins two to one in bis favour. '