THE RING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1266, 4 June 1896, Page 26

THE RING.

BOXINS CONTEST, Tho Criterion Theatre was crowded last week when the Higgins and Pottengell boxing contest for the championship of New Zealand took place. Before tho big event several spars took place between iocxl boxers, Donovan and Adams and Hill and Mahony patting in three lively rounds each. For the championship battle Mr It. Robinson, of Sydney, acted as referee; Mr J. Smith, timekeeper, and Messrs Cloke and S. Hill the point judges. The contest was of a hot and lively description throughout, both contestants quickly showing by the willing way they went to work that it was thoroughly genuine. Opinions may differ, but good judges think that Higgins fouled Pettcngell early in the first round, though tho referee decided otherwise. From this out tho match was all in Higgins' favour. Both showed gaincucss and fairness, although, judging the contest as one to bo decided on points, little or no real scientific boxing was displayed. At tho end of the sixth round tho point judges declared for a draw, and the referco for some unaccountable reason ordered another round to bo fought. Why he alone knows, as he certainly had no power to do fo The seventh round was accordingly fought, and the final decision was a draw, but tho opinion of experts is that Higgins should have got tho verdict. So far as tho boat work and the display of generalship wero concerned, Higgins showed the most cleverness, and would under other circumstances probably have boon declared the winner. . The audience were in a state of excitement throughout, the busy way in which tho men kept pegging away at one another keeping the interest at fever heat. The first four rounds wero particularly lively, tint after this the men wentalittlomorcquietlytowork, their elforts telling its tale and both being pretty well done. Higgins was not satisfied with the verdict, and was willing to pro on until ono or tho other got a decision, but Detective Campbell came on the scene aud refused to allow the contest to proceed any further. Full-sized gloves wore used, and it was a good thine too ; for had tlioy been any lighter ono of tho boxers would certainly have been " knocked out." As it was, neither is likely to suffer any serious results, but will both probably know by tho time this appears in type that they have been engaged in more than an ordinary boxing match.

A boxing match took place at Dcutico's Hall on Saturday night between William Dcntice and George Stuart, who described himself as tho champion light-weight of Aberdeen, Scotland. The stranger, however, gave a very poor display, and it was apparent from tho first round that he was outmatched at all points by Deutico, who did as he liked with him during oach of tho six rounds. Mr G. Cloke acted as referco. Tho " big event" was followod by a spar betwoon Donovan and Carter, who gave a very lively and interesting three rounds exhibition.