PROFESSIONAL BOXING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20451, 4 July 1928, Page 8

PROFESSIONAL BOXING.

LECKIE VERSES HUGHES. Next Saturday Dunedin boxing enthusiasts will witness what is expected to prove one of the best contests staged locally for a long time, when Johnny Leckie, New Zealand feather-weight boxing champion, will step into the ring at the Drill Hall to do battle with the tough Sydney boxer. Archie Hughes, feather-weight champion of New South Wales. Hughes has a good record on the other side, being one of the best of the small men over there at the present time. He has twice drawn with Tommy Barber, and has defeated Billy Melton, who twice met Johnny Leckie, going the full distance on one occasion. Leckie is in w-enderful condition just now. and is eager to add another scalp to his belt, but before be defeats Hughes he will have to do some fighting, (or the sturdy Australian has been going well in workouts. and should keep the Dunedin favour, ite busy. Indeed, the Sydnev boy has his admirers, who not only expect him to go the full distance, but to be on top at (he finish. Johnny will be favourite, however, and a stirring battle should result. Suitable ringside and other seating accommodation has been arranged by the enterprising- Otago Boxing Association, and interesting preliminaries will precede the main affair. N. Tyler will engage G. Hart, and a willing bout should result. Those old rivals, Charlie Bucklev and T. W. Webber, will contest the other preliminary. Mr Jack Kilniartin will referee the big contest. Tommy Barber and Norman Radford, Australian and English feather-weight boxers, who. are under engagement to the Otago Boxing Association, will arrive by the* express to-day. They are accompanied by Mr s Barber, and Pat O’Connors, trainer.