AMERICAN BOXER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22584, 24 November 1936, Page 14

AMERICAN BOXER

ARRIVAL OF LEO KELLY BOUTS ARRANGED IN AUCKLAND The American negro light-heavy-weight boxer Leo ("Deacon") Kelly, who has fought with outstanding success in Australia during the past 1G months, arrived in Auckland yesterday morning by the Maunganui from Sydney. Kelly, who will take part in several bouts in Auckland, expects to spend about two niul a-half months in New Zealand, provided sufficient opponents can be found for him. Ho is accompanied by his manager, Mr. W. Newman. Ranked as the second best boxer of his class in the world to-day, Kelly has earned a fine reputation as an aggressive and clover fighter. During his careor he lias had f>s fights, :18 of which he has won by knock-outs. In 10 bouts during his recent visit to Australia lie scorftd by the knock-out, route on no fewer than 11 occasions. The only reverses suffered by this hard-hitting negro were at the hands of Ambrose Palmer, former heavyweight champion of Australia, Ron Richards (twice) and Maxie Rosonbloom. Subsequently Kelly defeated Palmer in a great battle that was'the direct cause of the champion's retirement. Kelly stated yesterday that he hnd vrr.v much enjoyed his visit to Australia and was looking forward to his visit, to New Zealand equally well. Unfortunately, he sustained u badly cut lip in his bout with Richards last, Monday week and his match against Claude Nichol, booked for next Monday, would have to be postponed a week. Other boxers who will be matched against Kelly in Auckland are Semi, the Fijian, and Jack Rainsford. of New South Wales. It is the in'ention of Mr. Newman to make Auckland his headquarters while in Now Zealand. When his visit is over he will take Kelly back to the Commonwealth, where the negro will meet Fred Hennebrrry. Jack Wilson, Ron Richards, and possibly Ambrose Palmer. Bom in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on October QO, 1911, Kelly commenced his boxing career in Ifi.'V2 as an amateur. ITe won two contests before turning professional. In Australia he proved a trreat drawcard, the takings for nine of his fights totalling £13,15 ft, of which sum the National Boxing Club received £6570. He gained the nickname of ''Deacon" when he became a preacher at St. James' Baptist Cburch in Los Angeles.