CARPENTIER AND BECKETT

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11408, 3 January 1923, Page 7

CARPENTIER AND BECKETT

BIG HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE IN THE NEW YEAR. Major Wilson told me ("Waverley” in the “Daily News") that Joe Beckett has signed articles to box Georges Carpentier in the New Year, either at the end of Banuary or the beginning of February. Carpentier has also agreed to the match, and the provisional date. Beckett will not take part in any contest in the meantime. This is a match which will arouse the greatest interest in Isngland and France Beckett has never rested in his endeavours for a return match since his sensational defeat in seventy seconds nearly three years ago. He has undoubtedly improved since that fight, and his recent victory over Moran, in which he showed ursus'pected powers of endurance, have strengthened confidence in him Oarpentier, on the other hand, will remain an enigma until the fight actually starts. His defeat by Sild, whose misdemeanours have made this fight possible, was so ludicrous that faith in the wonderful Frenchman will take some reviving , This forthcoming fight is one at which none can cavil. It gives Beckett a chance to provo to America that he is the fittest boxer to represent Europe—however iitllo that may mean to-day—-ond it gives Carpentier the opportunity of retrieving the remnants of a reputation which Siki, and his own foolishness, shattered. THE BLOOMFIELD STATEMENT. The best x,art of the news, however, so far as England is concerned, is the last: “Beckett will not take part in any contest in the neontime.” This is a matter for congratulation, refuting as it does, the “inspired" information which has been circulating since Inst Sunday thnt Beckett’s opponont next would- be Jack Bloomfield. A worse match could hardly be conceived, for although Bloomfield has frequently asked for a match with Beckett, others realise that he is not yet oig enough nor strong enough. Too many promising boxers have been ruined by being pitted against men above their strength, and in Bloomfield we have great hopes for the future.