DEFEAT OF BECKETT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18520, 3 October 1923, Page 9

DEFEAT OF BECKETT.

KNOCK-OUT IN 15 SECONDS. CARPENTIER'S EASY WW. LOSER'S PITIFUL DISPLAY. By Telegraph—Press ' Association— Copyriehl. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON, Oct. 1. Georges . Carpentier clearly proved today that : his previous \: defeat of Joe Beckett, the English heavy-weight champion, was no fluke. After, several months' delay, due to Beckett's hands \ being injured, they met: to-day for; the third time. ; The contest had not gone one ■<■; round; when • the Frenchman landed a• • right ■', on Beckett's jaw and knocked him out for. the count. ': : l--: : :c- r -

The huge "arena of the Olympia presented a remarkable spectacle, as everyone of its, fifteen thousand seats was occupied, breaking all records for attendances in Britain and Europe. The vast crowd rose as one man and extended an ovation to Beckett as he took the ring. Carpentier also had a great reception. The fight lasted 'fifteen seconds. It is recalled that their encounter in 1919 lasted sixty-four . seconds, and when to-night's affair was over ,with such stupefying swiftness, the occupants of the higherpriced seats philosophically reached for their overcoats and' helped their womenfolk, of whom many were present, but the majority of the huge ', audience remained, hissing, cat-calling, and howling as Beckett staggered from the ring.

Critics class Beckett's exhibition as the most pitiful a British champion has ever given. ' >\'