SIKI BANNED

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11366, 13 November 1922, Page 7

SIKI BANNED

FOR GOOO OF BOXING “DOOR MUST BE KEPT CLOSED TO HIM.” FIGHT VETO INEVITABLE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z, Cable Association. LONDON, November 10. Bennison. writing to the “Daily Telegraph,” says that vetoing the SikiBeckett- contest was inevitable apart from the colour question. If it had taken place, it would have previously damaged boxing, -and probably would have killed professional boxing. He adds:—“Siki by his conduct in Paris on Wednesday put himself outside decent, boxing' circles. He can never re-enter it. The door must he kept closed to him in this and every other country.” “OLD WOMANISH.” The “Daily Express” declares that there might have been some reason for banning the fight on the ground of Siki’s conduct on Wednesday, but not for the Home Office to take the stand on the colour line. “It is preposterous to imagine that the Empire’s coloured raced would be driven to some exalted notion of superiority, if Siki knocked out- Beckett We deplore this fractious old-womanish interference.” The “Times,” commenting on the Siki case, supports the Home Office decision. It says: “Boxing is a fine, manly sport, but boxing between whites and blacks, filmed and photographed. for the delectation of the coloured races, would become a dangerous anachronism, and allowing such oontests on English soil an act of suicidal folly.” TOTAL BANISHMENT? The French Boxing Federation has also requested the National Sporting Club and the American authorities to prevent Siki from fighting. A motion to disqualify Siki for life was defeated by eight votes to six. Siki says -he will leave the ring and enlist an the army. BECKETT DISAPPOINTED. Beckett is bitterly disappointed with the ban on the fight, and says he will fight anywhere etee Siki likes. A boxing authority says that the suspension automatically restores Carpentder’s championship, and thinks a fight 'between Oarpentier and Beckett will replace the Siki contest. A SAVADE % _ MANAGER DID HIS' BEST. BOXER, BUT NOT GENTLEMAN. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 12, 9.6 p.m.) PARIS, November 11. Hellers, Siki’s manager, states that he triedhL best to teach Siki the elementary principles-of civilisation, hut failed. “I made Siki a boxer, but it was impossible to make him a gentleman.” It is reported that Siki intends to give up boxing, and sell blacking for a living.