TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13641, 27 August 1937, Page 4

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT.

REEVE-PLUTO BOUT. SHOULD BE ERIC FIGHT. Very soon Tommy Farr. Britain’s most serious threat to the world heavyweight title since Tom Heeney, will crawl through the ropes to meet Joe Louis, the* Brown Bomber. It is a far cry to 1927 when Tiinney battered Heeney into submission in twelve rounds but so far as the boxing public of the States is cornered, the prospect of Farr’s lifting the from Louis (for the winner of fight will be recognised by the general public as the title-holder is equally remote. In 1927 the odds against Heeney ranged from 10 to 1 to 18 to 1. Against Farr, according to latest reports, the odds are ten. and twelve to one. Louis looks a stem e certainty. Farr has had very little experience and liis only victoryover a boxer of international requite was against Baer, the playboy of boxing and a scrapper well on* the road to fistic oblivion. Farr has a good lelt hand, but against a m «n of Joe Louis' speed and punching powers, is not likely to win. Jt is more probable that he will be defeated via the k.o. route.

1 was sinking a reviver in a local hostelry yesterday in the* company of a well-known sportsman, and our discussions were on boxing in general and some of the scraps we’d seen. Inevitably my thoughts strayed to the fight in New York, and the possibility of the title* coming into the British Empire, and, being very patriotic, I said: “Well, , 1 hope our boy wins the big fight to-mor-row.” He almost spilt his beer in his haste to reply: “Of course he will! He’ll knock Pluto inside eight rounds!” Which just goes to show that there are fights more intern sting that world heavyweight titles!

Bill Pluto arrived through fiom \\ ellington this afternoon looking remarkably fit and well. He told me that he is feeling in great shape and has been working out with the best amateurs he could find. Until two days ago he was :n Au'kla::: 1 where he has been sparring with the best offering. The lads in Auckland were getting themselves ready for the championships, so that he lias been able to get the very best of training. He expects to weight in about tO stone iOlbs. Harold will tip the scales at just on 11.6. s<> that the extra weight will he in favour of the local lad. A\ ith that little extra to balance the edge that Pluto may have in experience there will be little between the two. Betting is varying round evens, with a slight swing in iavour ot Harold. However, win. lose or draw, it’s going to be the* finest match that Pahiatua has seen since Harold s epic encounter with Yal Luttreli a few years back. No one who saw taat fight will ever forget - it!

The Drill Hall Inst night ivas a scene of tile greatest aetivitv until well after ten o’clock. “Hobby” Jensen and a band of stalwarts were getting things ready for the fight. Everything is now in grand condition arid ail that is lacking is the scrappers. And when they got in. the fans can be sure of a great evening’s entertainment. Bert wired to-day that, lie can bring over five boys all told, including Collins and Christenson. So that there will be

fourteen amateurs on deck—two or three over in case there should be any detections. However, that is most unlikelv.

Christenson will be fighting a fourrounder with Cadwallader, the Wairarapa welter champion, and the writer will lay any odds that their clash will be the best amateur liout of the evening, or at auv rate as good as Collins’ fight. Both Cadwailader and Christenson are fighters with plenty of speed and terrific punches. Both have won more fights via the k.o. route than bv points. Neither will retreat and both -do K from the word go. Pratt and Parsons • s another fight that will give the t an " pbmty of action. The other houts will be from among the best that the district can offer. Laurie Ikuley pnd McKenzie clash in a heavyweight flutter. Laurie s 'knoekem down and drag 'em out" methods are sure to have the crowd on their toes. The other bouts will be between boys from Palmerston North, heildmg (Harold s gym.) and Wairarapa. tux stirring preliminaries and then the big fight. The booking i s almost all taken ami those who have not vet booked would be well advised to st-,r* rlV * Vi* firSt bo,,t Will Jst.ut at 5.30 p.m. Be there.