COMING BIG FIGHT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10993, 31 August 1921, Page 3

COMING BIG FIGHT

GEORGE COOK v f CAE PEN TIER. AUSTRALIAN EXPECTS TO WIN. ' Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, August 29. An Ausfcraliain Press Correspondent who visited George Cook in his training quarters says Cook "is as fit as a fiddle/' and is delighted that he is to meet Carpentier in December. It was the ambition of hia life to meet Carpentier. and he felt that* he was goring to win. "I have heard great ./things of Carpen/tier. but I have confidence in myself, end Australians can depend that I will not disgrace them. I would like eomo Australian to send me a silk' Australian flag, which I will wear as a sash in my big encounter.'* Since fighting Goddard in May, Cook has kept himself in fair condition by legular light work. He is going to the Isle of Man for a few week's holiday, eccompanied by Johnny Basham, who. he considers, • the best possible sparring partner, <ml on returning to London will conclude his training with Basham, who considers Cook's chances are very bright. Mr Lucas, Cook's manager, questioned concerning the steps that led to the arranging of the fight, stated that when he left Australia Lis big object was to match Cook with Carpentier, and before that contest he desired that Cook should fight Curphey, Goddard, and Beckett. It was not his fault that the Beokett fight was mot arranged. Beckett had been offered £3OOO, win Jose, or draw. Mr Lucas sa/id he also offered him ,£250 if he would sign the articles. Beckett was illadvised, and now realised his mistake. Having failed, to match Cook with Beckett, he turned his attention to Carpentier, but quickly discovered that the determined interests opposed to such u fight would stop at nothing to prevent it. He was fortunate in having the whole Press on his side, and thanks to the newspapers the fight was eventually arranged. • Mr Lucas said that nmn> people, through sentiment, overrated Carpentier. An examination of his re* cord revealed that he was a long way frem a world-beater, and he was confident that Cook would beat him. Mr Lucas says Cook has youth, strength,"and weight, and equals Carpentier for speed. He is game and very tough, and will certainly enter the ring brimful o«f confidence. "My opinion is that any man who cam rive for six rounds with Carpentier will beat him. I don't figure on Cook winning on a knock-out; I simply expect a hard fight in which Cook will triumph." Mr Lucas has secured the Australasian cinema rights.

The "Morning Post" says that Cook is the best heavyweight den. sight, and he is far too astute a boxer to be caught with his guard down. as Beckett wa,s in the first round, of his contest with Carpentier.