PROFESSIONAL LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

NZ Truth, Issue 60, 18 August 1906, Page 3

PROFESSIONAL LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

Jimmy Ross Outs Gnat Williams m Two Rounds.

The Ring m Auckland.

That "Truth" was right when it prophesied a falling oG m public support consequent on the miserable schleiuters provided at the recent Federal; Hall festival, was exemplified last Friday night at His Majesty's. The Northern Boxing Association provided a contest of the right sort, on paper at all events, but the public, having been, bitten once, was shy q! stumping up.'

Once again the show was "fizzle," but it may be said at once that the blame for this could hardly be laid at the -door of the promoters. They might certainly have provided 'something more spicy than the two contests by amateurs. In the first of these the contestants knew as much about scientific usage of the gloves as an alligator does of the Arctic sun, whilst m the other Hunter was so obviously the master ot his opponent that the go wasn't worth wasting eyesight on. But, afteir all, tlic professional set-to was the thing, and the Association wasn't to know that the contest of 15 rounds would' condense itself into about five minutes: It was expected that Williams, who, whatever he lacks as a fighter, doesn't lack the knack (or didn't m his amateur days, anyway) of getting himself boomed m the preas pretty considerably, would make things fairly torrid for the local lad. .

But the unexpected 1 happened, as usual. "Truth" hazarded the remark, when Gnat made known his resolve to turn his v adroitness with his dukes into a gonce-making game, that he would find the task beyond his powers, and it looks as if he hasn't struck a royal road to fame. The Palmerston pugilist, after winning the Australasian amateur lightweight championship at Brisbane, from 24 competitors, last year, probably suffered from swelled head to such an extent that he thought he might take on anything. On Friday night he suffered from swelled head again, of a pain'i:: nature, as a consequence of taking on something, that something being too substantial for . him, and he's probably been thinking things ever since. Particulars of events :—

J, Watkins, 8.10, and E. Smith, 8.4, were the first to appear. They went at paclr other right away, science being ignored, and the pair occupying most of their time swinging their appendages like windmills.They were both blowing like porpoises when the gong went. In the second round the exhibition as an exhibition was an insult, to the intelligence. Both lads were done, but Smith got his face m the way of a couple of wild swings and, going groggy, retired before the gong sounded, Watkins presumably getting the trophy. He ought to be charged wrth settin- it uader false pretences, ■. and Smith" as an accessory to the crime. T. Hunter and J. Maloney, both lOst, sparred warily first time up, but did no damage. In the second the Irishmen got home twice, but his opponent took what was given him wiith a grin. The third round found Hunter all over Maloney, getting nicely on to his ribs, again and again and knocking the stuffing out of him. After the gong the referee gave Hunter the verdict, saying Malonev's "wrist" had given out. Didn't say his pluck. Williams and Ross los.t no tirpo m getting to business for the big ovent. The weights given were, Williams 9.12, Ross 9.7. William's seconds were Tom Cupp and Halley, and Billy Murphy, Saxon and Cotterall waited on Ross. Directly the gong went Ross sailed into the tall 'ira m fine style. Williams smotheredj twice, but the local lad came again and a swinging right landing fairly on the head, Williams was on the boards. He took his time to rise and looked sick, but pulled himself together and managed to get one or two home on Ross' ribs before the gor- went. Gnat seemed recovered m the second round and came strongly. Ross hung to him until' he saw his opening. Then, bringing round that sledge-hammer; right acain he caught Williams on the temple and knocked him clean; through the ropes. There the pride -of Palmerston lay for about five seconds when, with a. great effort, he pulled himself into the ring again and essayed to rise. The best he could do was to form an arch with his forehead and knees, and m that'position was counted out. The referee CT. Brown) declared Ross lightweight professional champion, to the huge delight of the spectators.