WRESTLING BOUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24034, 4 August 1941, Page 5

WRESTLING BOUT

[MATCH AT TOWN lIALL ATKINS DEFEATS CORBETT LOSER UNABLE TO CONTINUE Fred Atkins, Australian heavy-weight .wrestler, made his first appearance in New Zealand when he met Joe Corbett, of America, in a match at the Town Hall on Saturdaynight. Corbett obtained a fall in the fifth round with a prfss after a succession of jolts and flying tackles. In the following round Corbett was heavily Jolted and then picked up and thrown over the ropes. He lay on the staging outside the ring for tho regulation count of twenty, and bo a fall was awarded to Atkins. In spite of receiving attention from his second, Corbett was still outside the ring when the gong sounded for the seventh round, and, as he was obviously unfit to continue, the contest was awarded to Atkins. Corbett had to be assisted to his dressing room.

Tho almost continual use of elbow jolts by both men made it the most spectacular and excitinp bout witnessed in Auckland for a long time. Tho Teferee was kept very busy watching that punching was not indulged in and he issued frequent warnings, especially to tho Australian. He had a difficult task in making Atkins adhere to the New Zealand rules. It was obvious that the visitor was well accustomed to Australian rules, which allow a great doal more latitude. Atkins was perhaps fortunate in not having a penalty fall awarded against him for such infringements as rabbit-punching and making use of his knee.

Corbett, however, retaliated in like manner, and he, too, earned the displeasure of the referee. Both men frequently lost tbeir tempors and the spectators were thoroughly roused as they attacked one another fiercely. Atkins created amusement in the fifth round by shaking hands with the referee after ho had been severely admonished. A few moments later, however, ho was remonstrating with the controlling official, as he considered his shoulders were not on the mat when Corbett was awarded a fall. Takfn all through, it was a very entertaining contest between two splendidly - proportioned athletes. Atkins weighed 17st 51b and Corbett IGst 10lb. Mr. J/ McLean was referee.

Preliminary Bouts.—Two Auckland professionals, M. Maich and F. Boric, were seen in an even contest which Boric won on points. Maich was 101b heavier than his l-lst opponent, and he also had on advantage in height and reach and possessed longer legs. No falls wore registered in the fivo five-minute rounds. Mr. J. McLean was referee. The amateur matches resulted as follows:—B. Sigley, Bst (lib, beat C. Hammond, 9st 411), by one fall in a bright, scientific bout; G. Wilson, ftst 81b, beat G. Moore, &st 81b, by one fall. Mr. F. Murphy was referee and Messrs. G. Heald and C. W. Hall were the judges.