DAWSON ON TOP AGAIN.

NZ Truth, Issue 568, 6 May 1916, Page 11

DAWSON ON TOP AGAIN.

Defeats Needham m 29 Rounds. ; The cable brought the news on Wednesday night of the victory; of George Ddwspri/the clever nad upright Sydney lightweight, ex-champion of Australia (holder of the Sydney Amateur Gymnasium Club's belt, Indicating- toat the wearer was champion aud had won the belt three . times, when It became his own property), over Danny Needham, the very- beat ten -stoner, m all probability m America, ■ ' ' . The men foug-hr 29 hard rounds, battling all the way. Both were scientiflc t,9 > degree, and , both, as tar as boxing goes, ambidextrous, good left and hard right, fighters, clever on. their feet and game to the death. .. Our special cablegram says: The battle was very even f or .the first ten rounds, neither having much advantage, though Dawson's cruel left stabs kept Needham. who was a few pounds the heavier, though scarcely so tall, constantly under punishment, while the right half -swing on the lower ribs, back and front, made the American wince, and warned him repeatedly to keep away. Needham kept his jaw well covered, but his face was badly punished, In return he got heavily and repeatedly on to Dawson's eyes and mouth, but the Australian's splendid condition prevented him from showing much diaflgurement, In the tenth round Needham was knocked on the ropes, but: Dawson did not follow up his advantage, seeming to be somewhat leg- weary, and Needham escaped an impending climax. "•■■■"■ From this to the end of the 28th round, Dawson punished his foe at will, but Needham stuck gamely to his task. Dawson is nor a knocker-out, and, besides, Needhom's oleverness protected the ohln from all his right-hand attempts at a finish. Seeing the inutillty of trying to reach the point. Pawapn reverted to the facial and body punlshraont, never allowing | his sturdy opponent a moment's rest, rand cleverly avoiding all the American's terrific smashes with both hands. So severe were the Australian's vlslta* tions that Needham began to weaken rapidly after twenty rounds had been fought m bitter fashion/ and from that to the climax the fight went all one way | Australl awards. ; Neodhara came up very groggy for the 29th round/ only 10 be punched all over the ring. Dawson was strong on his legs again and followed the weary Needham, Inflicting heavy two-handed punishment, till the American sank to the canvas floor, completely exhausted, and, unable to rise to time, the battle was awarded to Dawnon. Tho contest throughout was fought m tho fairest possible spirit, and Dawson fairly earned the winner's end of the £400 purse hung up by the club. This second .victory place** Dawson very frlgh up unions the llghtwolght divUion, and It will probably bo Quito a long lime 'before 'another Wind class con b« found willing to engugo him. Dau'Mon won seconded by Ted Alexander and Martin Murphy. Sam Fitxpatrlck wa» behind Naodhum. Hiram Cook was refwe, and fully 1200 .gentlemen witnessed the combat, which was voted on© of tho best »e«n on the Pacific Coast, Ditwaon was heavily backed by ueventl local sports, and htin received « number of valuable presents. He Ih now rockonod the p<»er of any wcltftrweltrht m America, and will probably have to give iiway weight to got another match. (To be continued.)