FATAL BOXING BOUT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18340, 5 March 1923, Page 6

FATAL BOXING BOUT.

MAN'S SKULL FRACTURED. HEAD STRIKES RING vri^HH -.'■.;■■ :■■•'. ':————' /*,;- DEATH ENSUES IN HOSPITAL ■■'■-..: :■ ' ' - ■ ■ f^Sfesfe' [BY ■'-■ TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCUTTQJt 1 j ;:•■ NELSON. 'S.turtljpl A 15-round light-weight professions bout for a purse of £100, under thecal* £| pices of the Nelson Boxing Association, was fought last night, between 'Willians || Tapp, of Ohakune, and Herbert Robimon, of .Wellington. The fight ended in the eleventh round by Tapp receiving a blow , : - on the point of the chin. He fell heavily :y striking his head on the floor, and : st/$ rendered unconscious. Failing to &:©« round, he was removed to the hospMi] where death ensued about 4.30 this mornin. " ■ The contestants were medically exam.";?, ined prior to the fight. At the inquest, V. F. Webley, secretary of the Boxing Association, said the ring was constructed according to regulation*. Over the boards was felting covered with thick canvas matting, which was removed at the express request of the deceased. Clifford Thomas, of Westpoit, the ref. eree. said tho contest had gone partly through the twelfth found when Tappfe made a swing for Robinson's face with his left arm. Robinson countered with a short right arm to the jaw. Tapp went back and fell on his buttocks, then on to the back of his head. He could plainly hear the skull strike the floor. ... -f-"fp Witness immediately ordered Robinson to his corner, and signalled to Tapp'g seconds. He saw Tapp was knocked out and immediately went to raise him. Tapp* was quite fit to continue up to the time he received the blow. He was thejag.'l gressor at the moment, and was quits'! capable of winning, though Robinson was leading on points. Tho ring was splendid and according to regulations. Witness had it tested the first evening. Tapp'j head struck the ring right in the centra of the canvas. Witness had no occasion to warn either contestant during the bout* for foul play. It was a clean, friendly contest.. , ;.. ;/iM

Dr. Low, in charge of the Nelson Hospital, said the deceased was admitted, in an unconscious condition. Witness exam ined liini arid found he had a fracture at the base of the skull. He never regairtefl'o- - and died at 4.30 this "morn- - ing. Death was due to fracture of ths. base of the skull. Deceased had a slight truise on his forehead; but he noticed no other sign of injury on his body. Th« injury would be compatible with a' fall on the back of the head. The inquest was adjourned till Mon-" day. ~ ' ; i\:fsL"*; 'Die deceased leaves a widow at Oha- • kune. A subscription list has ; teen. bitlt ened for her benefit. &&% ■ • ~ :. ■■ '■ •', ','■>-;