BOXING RING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 22

BOXING RING

MATCHES IN AUCKLAND APPEARANCE OF LEO KELLY Tho enterprise of the Auckland Boxing Association in promoting a series of contests during the Christmas season will come as a welcome sign to the keen follower of the game that boxing is a much rejuvenated sport. "Deacon" Leo Kelly, who is being brought to NewZealand under perhaps the biggest guarantee offered to a visiting fighter, is ranked as second best light-heavy-weight in the world to-day, and has just completed a triumphant tour' of Australia. The only reverses suffered by this hard-hitting negro were at the hands of Ambrose Palmer, heavy-weight champion of Australia, Ron Richards (twice), and Maxie Rosenbloom. Subsequently, the "Deacon" beat the champion in a savage battle that was the direct cause of Palmer's retirement. His opponents in Auckland are men of proved class, Claude Nichol being recognised as one of tho most attractive ■ heavy-weights ever to visit these shores. Jack Rainsford, the great prospect from New South Wales, fought the negro in a rousing battle in Australia, retiring in the fourteenth round with an injured ankle. He welcomes tho chance of another bout. Then there is Semi, the Fijian terror, who endeared himself to the Auckland public as a rugged fighter from gong to gong, with the best natural left swing ever seen in the Town Hall. These fights will take place at weekly intervals, culminating on Boxing Night with a match between Kelly and Semi.