BOXING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3655, 1 April 1924, Page 45

BOXING.

OTAGO BOXING ASSOCIATION

The disqualification of the Otago Boxing Association some months ago following it* refusal to accept the decision of the New Arcin' 111 ’ Council in connection with the M Uleary-M'Quarrie fight, and the subsequent removal of the association’s disqualification has been a jrurning question among the boxing public since that time, and the attendance at the annual meeting of the Boxing Association held in the Y.M.C.A. Assembly Hall on Wednesday, showed that members had by no means lost interest in the matter. In fact, it was quite evident that there was some feeling among the members, and it appeared as if the representatives of two parties were endeavouring to gain control of boxing in Otago. However, after the election of office-bearers, harmony was quite restored, and the association should now enter upon a period of prosperity. Mr F. J. Campbell (president) occupied the chair. ADOPTION OF REPORT. The nineteenth annual report states, inter alia, that owing to the disqualification of the committee elected last year it was necessary to appoint a fresh committee during the month of June, 1923, in order to preserve the life of the sport. Since taking over the affairs of the association, the comhad held six tournaments, including the Zealand Boxing Championship, ahe South Island Championships were held at Ashburtonp on July 25 and 26. Otago, was represented by a team of five competi”tors—J. Leckie (fly-weight), T. Griffiths (bantam-weight), R, Fulcher (featherweight), T. Harris (light-weight), and L. MacDonald (welter-weight). Ibis team put up a wonderful performance by annexing four championships, with T_ Harris as run-ner-up in his class. The New Zealand Championships were successfully carried out in Dunedin on August 21 and 22. Otago was represented by J. Leckie (fly-weight), P. Lemon (fly-weight), R. Fulcher (featherweight), L. Drew (feather-weight), T Harris (light-weight), L. MacDonald (welterweight), A. MacDonald (middle-weight), J. G- Leckie (light heavy-weight), and J. Swinerd (heavy-weight). The Otago representatives annexed three championships—viz. J. Leckie, T. Griffiths, and L. MacDonald, and five of them were runners-up—-viz., P. Lemon, T. Harris, A. MacDonald, J. G. Leckie, J. Swinerd, — which is a very creditable performance. In order to put the affairs of the association on a sound footing, the committee deemed it advisable to strike off all members who were nnfinancial, and the soundness of this policy was evidenced by the fact that, notwithstanding the liabilities carried forward from last year, amounting to considerably over £SO, it was able to present a credit balancq of £32 Is lOd, with no liabilities whatever. The President, in moving the adoption of the annual report, said that as the chairman of the new committee he would have to report on bow they had conducted the affairs of the association during the last six months. With regard to the tournaments, the public was very lax in its support. It seemed very loth to pay a “ decent price for a decent fight.” Tne executive had difficulty at first, as only two or three men had had previous experience in-conducting tournaments, but both the South Island and New Zealand Championships had been carried out very well. They had been impressed by the style of J. Leckie (fly-weight, Dunedin) and R. D. Pascoe (light-weight. West Coast) at the New Zealand Chamj pionship, and if funds had permitted, they j would have been sent to compete at the j Olympia. The New Zealand Championship had proved a more difficult matter, bub Auckland and Taumarunui sent down teama of men, and the boys of the Otago Sports Club had taken part, and he wished to thank them for their assistance at that time. The fact that Wellington and Hawke’s Bay had withdrawn from the New Zealand Championships last year had had a detrimental effect on the finances, but they had not lost on it. New Zealand sent three competitors to Australia—C. Purdy (featherweight, Auckland), T. Griffiths (bantamwejght, Otago), and L. MacDonald (welterweight, Otago), and Purdy and MacDonald had carried off the championships of Australia in their respective classes. The president referred to the valuable services of Mr H. L. Humphreys, the referee, who had carried out his duty in a most satisfactory and capable manner. The hon secretary (Mr H. W. Franklin) bad also proved to be the right man in the right place, as he spared neither time nor himself in the interests of the association. At the beginning of the year there was a debit balance of £5 4s 7d, and when the new committee was elected there was a credit balance of 5s 2d. At the end of the year the balance in the bank amounted to £32 Is lOd, which was very satisfactory indeed. —(Applause.) Mr W. Esquilant seconded the adoption of the report. Mr T. M. Gillies, in speaking to the report, offered his congratulations to the officers on their work during the year, and said that a great deal was due to the efforts of the president and the secretary. He expressed regret that praotically no mention had been made in the report of the association’s disqualification—an illegal disqualification —and its subsequent removal by the New Zealand Council. The late executive had resigned voluntarily in the interests of the sport and a new executive had been elected. The new executive had carried out its work during the year very well, but tho late executive felt that some reference to its own services should have been made. He intended to submit nominations for all the positions that- nignt. In reply to an insinuation that certain members had not been treated fairly, tho President said that he did not care who the man was, he had always endeavoured to give him a fair deal.—( f ‘ Hear, heir.”) With regard to the old executive, iney had heard so much about it that ho. personally, thought it better to let the matter drop as the disqualification uad been removed. There was nothing to gained by bringing the question up again. Mr J. Kilmartin congratulated the bovs on the way they had fought during tlin

year; the lads here were as good as those in the north, but in many cases they lacked condition. There was one thing ho did not approve of, and that was the lack of costumes in some instances. Some of them had one shoulder bare, apeing the professionals. For years tne New Zealand Council had endeavoured to see that the boys were properly clad. In referring to the kindly remarks made concerning his services, the secretary (Mr Franklin) said that although he had been dragged into the position, he had done his best in the interests of the association.— (‘“Hear, hear.”) Ever since he had taken over, the secretary’s duties he had had “mud slung at him.” The report was then adopted. PROXIES OR XO PROXIES? A discussion then arose as to who was entitled to vote for the election of officers. In reply to a question the President said that no man could vote who had not paid his subscription. The Secretary remarked that at the last meeting it had been distinctly said that the names of those who had not paid their subscriptions would be erased; but he would be willing to take the subscriptions offered that night. It was then pointed out that those names had already been struck out. / . Mr H. H. S. White said that if members had not been notified that their subscriptions were in arrears the executive was not right in its present action. Mr W. H. Saunders asked how was it that when the new executive was appointed there were several men elected who were not members of the association at the time of their election. —The rest of Mr Suanders’s remarks were not audible owing to cries of “Order! Order!” and the chairman ruled him out of order. The President: My ruling is that any - man who is not financial cannot vote, but if he pays his subscription to-night he may vote. The Secretary: All the proxies with the exception of four are out of order. 1 have received no notification of these proxies. The rule provides that the secretary must receive advice in writing of proxies, but I I have net received the notifications. Mr U. 11. White remarked that on other tports bodies the receipt of proxies in writing was sufficient. The Secretary : What proof have I of the genuineness of the signatures. Any Tom, Dick, or Hairy might sign them, and I would be none the wiser. Mr T. M. Gillies: There is nothing in the rules to say that the secretary has to receive notice of intention to submit proxies. The Secretary. According to tile rule I must be advised that I would be receiving proxies. The President: Personal lv I am of opinion that the proxies received tonight should be accepted. I am going to aslc for a show of hands. On the showing of hands 22 of those present voted in favour of the proxies being accepted and 15 against. The decision was received with applause. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of omcers resulted as follows : —Patron, Mr F. J. Campbell; president, Mr T. M. Gillies; vice-presidents— Messrs J. G. Dreaver, J. Kilmartin, VV. H. Matthews, J. A. Brown, A. W. Brown, H. G. Siedeberg, P. Ruston, C. G. Batt, W. H. Saunders, and F. Foster; committee—Messrs J. Adair, C. Al'Quarrie, J. Finnerty, S. Brown, H. Bowie, Don Patterson, T. Batt, and J. Mahoney; treasurer, Mr F. Foster; auditor, Mr G. Davidson; hon. solicitor, Mr B. S. Irwin; secretary, Mr H. Divers. Mr Gillies stated that he appreciated his election as president not so muoh on his own behalf, but on that of his executive. Mr Campbell and tome members of his executive had offered to resign when the Otago Association’s disqualification had been removed, but ho (Mr ufilies) urged them to continue in office for the remainder of the year.—(Applause.) Mr H. H. S. White remarked that the election of officers had shown that members had every confidence in the officials of the former executive, as it had been practically re-elected as a whole. GENERAL. The President congratulated Mr H. H. 8. White on his election as president of the Otago Rugby Football Union, and Mr White suitably replied. On the motion of Mr W. Esquilant, it was decided that it be a recommendation to the incoming executive that a boxing tournament, arranged by the association, be hem on May 1 for the benefit of the sailors from visiting warships. It was further decided that it be a recommendation to the committee that the a inual subscription be fixed at £1 Is. MARQUIS WINS CHAMPIONSHIP. LONDON, March 23. The Marquis of Douglas and Clydesdale (the eldest son of the Duke of Hamilton) won the Scottish amateur middle-weight championship, narrowly outpointing J. Robertson. UREN DEFEATS STONE. WELLINGTON, March 24. Before a crowded house to-night Havilah outpointed Harry Stone over 15 rounds. On the whole, the contest was very monotonous. with very little clean hitting. The decision received a hostile reception, and Stone made a speech in the ring stating that he could see that he could never win a fight in Wellington. CARPENTIER AND GIBBONS MATCHED. NEW YORK, March 23. According to a Chicago message, Tom Gibbons has been matched against Georges Caripentier in a 10-round no-deoision bout. The contest will take place on July 4 at Michigan CHty, or at Benton Harbour, Michigan. Oarpentier is guaranteed 70 i ooodol, with the -privilege of 2o per cent, of the receipts. -Jibhons accepted a fiat rate of 80 per cent. OTAGO UNIVERSITY CLUB. The Otago University Boxing Club held A number of contests at the Mamma Hall last night for tho purpose of selecting a loam to represent tie local University at tie annual inter-university sports, which are to be this vear at Wellington. A number of outside bouts were included in the programme. There was a, large crowd of spectators. Mr H. L. Humphreys acted as referee. WELTERS. Semi-final. D, Arthur 10.10 beat D. N. Eppstein. 10.10. Some good, clean boxtng was witnessed, Hut Arthur, who used a solid left, was tod for hie opponent Eppstein was pai-

pably out of condition, and did not see out the third and final round. Evans (10.10) had the bye, and Lamb (10.13) went into the ring to provide a con test. .Final. Arthur beat Evans. Arthur led most in the first round, and Evans went down for four seconds from a right swing to the neck. The second round was also won by Arthur. He got home with a solid blow to the body and followed with a left to tho head, Evans being down for five seconds. The third round saw Evans attack strongly, but he could not sustain the effort, and Arthur sent in a solid right-hand punch to the jaw. Evans got up as the referee called nine, but he went down again shortly after, and the referee stopped the fight. BANTAMS. Final. L. Sltevens (8.6), who was not eligible to represent tho University, was called on to give D, Goodwin (8.6) a try-out. The contest was of four two-minute rounds. A willing go was witnessed, Stevens having the better of the exchanges and being adjudged the winner. It is probable that either Goodwin or J. E. R. Paterson will be selected to go north. FEATHERS. Final. P. Aitkeh 9.3 beat B. Colvin 9.4. This contest was of four two-minute rounds. Colvin proved himself a quick hitter, but Ait-ken, boxing with judgment, scored repeatedly with a solid left to the face, LIGHT-WEIGHTS. Final. L. Cotter 9.6 beat- E. K. M‘Lean 10.0. Neither boxer showed much science, and Al'Lean, who was right out of form, had to wether some hard attacks in the first round. Both men were very tired at the end of the second round, which was most vigorously contested. The men just managed to keep their feet and no more at the conclusion of the third round, which was of a “breathless” description. In the final round M‘Lean went down to a solid punch on the jaw for three seconds, and was knocked down again immediately after, the referee stopping the fight. SPECIAL BOUTS. A special bout was staged between T. urriffiths 8.4 (bantam-weignt champion of New Zealand) and Johnny Leckie 7.12 (flyweight champion of New Zealand). The contest was of three two-minute rounds. Some vigorous rallies took place in the first round, and Griffiths shook his opponent with a straight left and then a right swing to the head. Leckie fought p-luckily in the second round, but Griffiths’s extra weight and strength told, and he scored well with a good left. Leckie mixed it well with his opponent in the last round, but Gi'ifnths had the better of the exchanges. Both lads were loudly applauded for a fast and clever exhibition of boxing. A. Affords and J. Leckie gave an exhibition contest, three two-minute rounds. It was stated that Affords is shortly to meet Eddie Parker on the West Coast in a professional contest. The fly-weights, P. Lemon and B. Carter, gave a very fine exhibition bout, boxing cleverly and at a fast pace right through the three rounds. Harry Withey met M. Lamb, Fyfe having hurt his hand and being unable to appear fn the ring. Two challenges have been put in—Fyfe challenging M. Lamb and Twigg challenging Arthur. These challenges will be decided next week. SPALLA CHALLENGES FIR-PO. BUENOS AIRES, March 26. Ermino Spalla has challenged Firpo to a return match of 12 rounds, the entire purse to go to the winner, with a percentage to charity. The challenge is due to Firpo’s criticism of the Italian's previous showing against him. He wishes to prove his pretensions to the world’s title. Spalla has resumed public training. EDDIE BUTCHER BEATEN BY GODFREY. SYDNEY, March 30. (Received March 30, at 5.5 p.m.) At the Stadium, Godfrey beat Eddie Butcher in 12 sounds. The loser fought gamely, but was overmatched, and was floored four times. He received such a severe gruelling that the referee stepped in and stopped the contest in the twelfth round. JOE FOX OUTPOINTS SPARGO. MELBOURNE, March 30. Joe Fox outpointed Spargo. It was an even contest throughout, though the loser appeared hardly up to his usual form. AN AUSTRALIAN IN AMERICA. NEW YORK. March 28. At New Orleans Charley Pitts, the Australian welter-weight, knocked out Young Leonard, of New Orleans, in the eighth round of a 10-round bout. HEAVY-WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP. NEW YORK, March 29. Air Tex Rickard has announced that he has signed Wills, the negro heavy-weight, for a fight in June or July, with either Firpo or Rojas, of Chile, or Spalla. the European heavy-weight champion. If successful against his Latin-American rival selected as hi 3 opponent, Wills has agreed to meet Dempsey for the title in September. Wills will fight on a percentage basis. —A. and N.Z. Cable, but the trip cannot be made this year.