BOXING

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 54

BOXING

NORMAN GILLESPIE DEPARTS

Considerable surprise was caused in boxing circles on Wednesday by the decision of Norman Gillespie, feather-weight champion of Australia, to leave Dunedin by the Manuka, en route for Melbourne. It had been anticipated that Gillespie would make at least one other appearance in Dunedin and enthusiasts were hoping that he would again meet Johnny Leckie. He had stated, however, that he would not attempt to reappear at the feather-weight limit of 9st, and it was doubtful if a contest at catch weights could be arranged. In any case Leckie’s engagements in the near future prevented a return contest from being staged soon, and the Australian was not disposed to lose any more time. His final decision was delayed until after the meeting of the Otago Boxing Association on Tuesday evening, but apparently no attractive proposition was forthcoming. “I would have been -willing to meet a New Zealand light-weight,” he said prior to his departure, “ but no offers have been made and it will not pay me to wait longer. I have enjoyed my stay in Otago thoroughly and have been treated with the greatest hospitality and kindness.” At the close of the meeting on Tuesday evening the Australian was presented with a miniature silver shield mounted on oak and inscribed as follows: “From the Otago Boxing Association to Norman Gillespie.” Members expressed the utmost appreciation of his behaviour and sportsmanship generally while in Dunedin. Gillespie does not intend to box again as a feather-weight and will forfeit his title to the Australian, Tommy Barber, who will arrive in Dunedin late this month. MOODY AND COOK DRAW. LONDON, May 8. Frank Moody and George Cook drew in a 15-round contest at the Liverpool Stadium. GRIME AND BLITMAN. NEW YORK, May 8. A mesage from Youngstown, Ohio, states that Grime won the popular decision over Blitman. Blitman was ilb overweight for the match, the articles calling for 1281 b at 3 o’clock. Grime weighed only 124|1b, but did not seek to claim the forfeit of 300dol or ask that his opponent should work off the surplus in a hot room, saying he was accustomed to fight contenders even 201 b heavier than himself. The betting favoured Biltman. No official decision will be rendered, the local bo.ying commission rules forbidding this, but Grime had the better of a large majority of the rounds, and at the eleventh had such a lead that only a knockout could possibly win for Blitman. At the twelfth round they came out fighting without shaking hands. Grime caught most of Blitman’s vicious blows on his glove and continued to punished the American till the bell rang. The crowd shouted for Grime as the winner. IZZARD OUTPOINTS PURDY. SYDNEY, May 13. At the Stadium, Izzard 9.8|) • outpointed Purdy (9.8) over 15 rounds. The New Zealander did not display his usual form, but forced the fight in the early rounds, scoring good rights to the head and the body. Izzard boxed coolly, piling up points with straight lefts to the face, and beating the New Zealander at infighting. Purdy improved over the last two rounds, but the Englishman had a good majority of points. The loser declared after the match that he was suffering from a severe cold. WIN FOR PHIL SCOTT. HIS BEST FIGHT IN AMERICA. NEWyORK, May 11. Phil Scott, the British heavy weight, defeated Roberti, the Italian, in a tenround bout. The latter was very nearly knocked, out at the final bell. After* withstanding a ferocious body attack in the early rounds, Scott had little difficulty in overcoming the Italian’s lead and winning decisively. This was one of Scott’s most impressive fights in America, and he won principally through the use of right crosses and upper cuts. Scott weighed 14st 11b and Roberti 15st 7£lb.

“ They are disputing as to who paid last.” “ Do they come often? ” “ Once a year.” —Journal Amuuant. Paris.