PROFESSIONAL BOXING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20236, 22 April 1929, Page 11

PROFESSIONAL BOXING.

NEW ZEALANDERS WIN

PURDY DEFEATS LASALLE

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received April 21, 6.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 21

In a boxing contest at the Sydney Stadium last evening Charlio Purdv, lOst 31b., defeated Bob Lasalle, lOst lOjlb., described as the " Pacific Coast comedy tiger," on points. The loser cut all sorts of antics .in the ring and was cautioned several times for irregularities. Purdy, who fought well, landed good punches in the early rounds, but was nearly knocked out in the sixth with a lucky swing to the jaw.

Purdy then livened up and scored with excellent lefts. Both men were tired in the ninth. Turdy's eye was swollen. He fell through the ropes as the outcome of successive illegal punches, mostly on the back of bis head. Purdy won a popular verdict.

. At the Melbourne Stadium Johnny Lcckie (New Zealand) defeated Claude Wilson (United States), on points after a closo contest. The American finished well. At the Leichhardt Stadium on Friday evening Billy Thomas (Wales) defeated Jimmy Pearce (Newcastle) on points in a bout of 15 rounds.

According to a wireless account heard in Auckland on Saturday evening, the fight between Leckie and Wilson drew the largest crowd in Melbourne for some time past. Both contestants entered the ring fit and well, but Leckie ran out a very comfortable winner. He won 10 rounds out of the 15, his opponent won three, while the remaining two were even. Wilson appeared to find the conditions rather strange, but, without doubt, proved himself a good fighter, and a return match between the pair will be awaited with much interest. Wilson had the longer reach, but each fought fiercely with both hands. Leckie had the advantage at in-fighting. He showed himself to be the cleverest puncher seen in the Melbourne ring for a long time past. In the 14th round Leckie made liis opponent miss by waiting for him to lead. The New Zealander forced the fight and had Wilson on the ropes, but life dodged cleverly into the middle of the ring. At the end of the round both were fighting strongly, although missing in their efforts to secure a knockout. At the start of the final round Leckie scored with both hands, and was obviously wearing his opponent down. During the round Leckie slipped and Wilson landed a soft blow which had no effect.