WHO WILL WIN ?

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13639, 25 August 1937, Page 4

WHO WILL WIN ?

REEVE WILL BE ON THE JOB. With the Springbok tour well under way sportsmen all over New Zealand have been roused to great heights of enthusiasm. In the Bush and Manawatu districts on Friday night, however, interest in football will be thrown over for a few hours when everyone with an ounce of sporting blood will turn out to see the local boy with the fine record, Harold Reeve, defend the honour of the district against Rill Pluto who so far has lost only one fight in New Zealand. Harold who is training in Feilding at his own gym. is in the very pink of condition and is wearing out numbers of sparring partners in his nightly work-outs. Report has it that he is fighting better than ever. Ol Bill Pluto’s form there is no question. His record in New Zealand which consists of only one defeat—on a foul against McMahon in Palmerston North several months ago—will be at stake when he meets Reeve at Pahiatua on Friday night Opinion as to the outcome is evenly divided, with local fans betting on Reeve’s heavier hitting power, anil wagers that the fight will not go the full distance are being freely ottered. Pluto’s supporters, however, hold that their man’s superior ringcraft will turn the tide of victory. However, the issue is very open and the only thing that can be assured is that the fans will see a rattling good fight—36 minutes of high pressure scrapping. . . , The amateur bouts—of which it is expected that six will be staged—are all to he contested between the best of Manawatu, "Wairarapa. and Bush. The star bout of the evening will be between C'alder (who recently lost a doubtful decision to Finnegan, one of the best lightweights in, New Zealand) who travels, up from. Wellington and Joe Collins Manawatu lightweight champion and likely, prospect for national honours this year. Laurie Bailey and P. McKenzie meet in a heavy-weight- clash which will keep the crowd on their toes. Bailey is well known, to local fight enthusiasts for his whirlwind style. and matched as he is against a fast clever man a great fight should ensue. McFarland and Bradbury, both lightweights. should make things warm for three two-minute rounds. Bradbury has a good record of wills behind him and McFarland is training with Reeve. There is no doubt about the quality of these fighters.

Other well known amateurs to compete are A. CacLvallader. . of Greytown, YV. Nix and S Morris of Y\ airarapa and Christenson and Beatson of Manawatu. Theie seems little doubt that the public will get a good run for the-ir money so fa*' a.o the amateurs are concerned. Of the quality of the professionals nothin" need OFFICIALS FOR THE FIGHT. The officials for Friday’s fight were elected as follows:—Referee, Mr L. Poupaild. Rongotea: timekeepers, Mr Geo. Oxley and Mr W. Gaisford ; announcer. Air R- Mabey : glove stewards, Alessrs Ben Draper and Y al Baker; medical steward, Mr Scfton Walsh; weight steward, Mr A. C. Timms* match committee, Messrs Monteatli, Pratt and Phil Davies; call steward, Mr lan Taylor; door steward, Mr C’. C. Silly the - official seconds Messrs H. r Lrask and *l. Davies. It was. decided that the ring he erected on Thursday night and a working lieo for the job was formed. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Pahiatua Boxing Association was held in the office ot Mr J. A. Walsh last night, there being present Messrs A. P.. Jensen (in the chair). J. O Carbines, B. Draper. Phil Davies. \ . A. Pratt, lan Taylor, C. McCardle, G. O. C. Oxley, R. Mabey and C. C. Smyth. It was reported that letters had been written to Bert O’Keefe (Palmerston North trainer) and Air '» . Brady (secretary of the Wairarapa Boxing Association) finalising arrangements lor the appearance ot amateurs from their respective schools lor the bigfiglit on August 28 The hoys from Manawatu were arranged for by the president at the recent tournament in Palmerston North. . . ~ . ~ The secretary reported that tin. police permit had been received for the fight.