FATAL BOXING BOUT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18803, 5 March 1923, Page 5

FATAL BOXING BOUT

ONE OF Tlffi CONTESTANTS THE VICTIM. (Pbb United Press Association.) NELSON, March 3. A 16-round light-weight professional bout last night for a purse of £IOO, under the auspices of the Nelson Boxing Association, between William Tapp (Ohakune) and Herbert Robinson (Wellington), ended at the eleventh round by Tapp receiving a blow on the point of the chin. He fell heavily, striking his head on the floor, and was rendered unconscious. Failing to come round, he was removed to the hospital, where death ensued about 4.20 this morning. The contestants were medically examined prior to the fight. Ihe ring was properly constructed and was according to requirements. FURTHER PARTICULARS. INQUEST COMMENCED. (Pib United Press Association.) NELSON, March 4. At an inquest concerning the death of William Tapp, V. F. Webley, secretary of the Boxing Association, said the ring was constructed according to the regulations. Over the boards was felting, covered, with, thick canvas matting. The match was arranged at the express request of deceased. Clifford Thomas, of Westport, the referee, said the contest had gone partly through Iho twelfth round when Tapp made a swing for Robinson’s face with his left arm. Robinson countered with a short right arm to the jaw. Tapp went back and fell op his buttocks, then on to the back of his head. He (witness) plainly hoard the skull strike the floor. Witness immediately ordered Robinson to his corner, and signalled to Tapp’s seconds. He saw Tapp was out, and immediately went to raise him. He was quite fit to continue up to the time of the blow. He ivas the aggreesor at the moment, and was quite capable of winning. Robinson was leading on points. The ring was splendid, and was constructed according to the regulations. Witness had it tested on the first evening. Tapp’s head struck right in the centre of the ring on the canvas. To Mr Konmitz (solicitor for the Boxing Association): With deceased’s mode of fighting he had a tendency to lose his balance, ' He had no occasion to warn cither contestant during the bout for foul play. It was a clean, friendly contest. Dr Low. in charge of Nelson Hospital, said deceased was admitted in an unconscious condition. Witness examined him, and found that he had a fracture at the base of the skull. He never regained con- ' sciousness, and died at 4.30 the following morning. Death was due to a fracture of tho base of the skull. Deceased had a slight bruise on his forehead, but he noticed no other sign of injury on his body, The injury would be compatible with a fall on the back of the head. The inquest was adjourned to Monday.-' Tapp loaves a widow at Ohakune. A sub-’ scription list has been opened for her benefit. '