LOWE RETAINS HEAVY-WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13393, 29 May 1914, Page 5

LOWE RETAINS HEAVY-WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

What was probably a record attendance for any of the Gishorne Boxing Association's tournaments was seen at tinOpera House last night, when a special tournament was held. The chief attraction was the match between Bert Lowe and Billy Bartlett for the New Zealand heavy-weight championship, and the interest evinced was shown by tlie fact that half-an-hour before the programme opened the arena was crowded, and a large number of people, were turned away, being unable to gain admission. The proceedings were ably conducted by the officials, and the secretary, Mr H. L. Humphreys, fulfilled his duties m his usual efficient manner. The officials were:— Stage manager, Mr it. T. Seymour; referee, Mr W. O'Connor: official announcer, Mr H. L. Humphreys; timekeepers, Messrs Rees Jones and B. Aislabie; ring steward, Mr T. Edwards; call stewards, Messrs D. M. Parker, - V. Ensor, and J. Smith; round steward, Mr T. Edwards; weight steward, Mr H. L. Humphreys; official .seconds, Messrs Healey and Martin; hon. medical officers, Dr. Scott and Dr." Collins.

The patron of the club, Mr W. L. Clayton, formally declared the tournament open, and as a preliminary to the big event four amateur bouts took place, and they provided some excellent entertainment. These bouts were as follows:—

FEATHER-WEIGHT

J. Harrison (8.10) v. E. Melior (9.0): The pair were well matched. \They opened quietly, there being frequent clinches during the first round. -Both men connected during the next round. Melior with left hooks and Harrison with straight lefts. The latter appeared to be Hading more than his opponent, who smothered cleverly, and Harrison ' as lie came on Melior frequently landed blows to face. Although Harrison continued to lead, Melior was the most successful, meeting his man with straight lefts, which were followed quickly with the right. At the opening of the last round Harrison scored- with a,, straight left to face. Harrison, continuing -to force matters, had his man. on the ropes frequently, and got home with, a couple of upper-cuts. The round was decidedly Harrison's, and the referee's verdict m his favor was well received.

MIDDLE-WEIGHT

Geo. Richardson (11.0) v. W: Poesy (11.4): Poesy did most of the leading m the early stages of the fight, and connected with several hard blows. Both men appeared very fit. Poesy frequently rushed m, but Richardson cleverly, blocked'dangerous lefts. There were numerous .clinches. During the second round a right swing by Richardson was "ducked" by Poesy , who attempted a right upper'cut, which just grazed the other man's face. As the opening to the third round both men m turn chased each other, and attempted right swings^which landed m the air, the object of the blow on each occasion being well out of reach when the glove came round. Poesy rushed m, and was met 'with a right cross to head. There was "some hard, hitting during tthe fourth round, Richardson being the most successful. He landed Poes5 r two or three right chops to head, which had apparent effect. This was .fa much more liyely round, with sbme exciting mix-ups. Poesy continued to rush m during the fifth round, . and connected once or twice with straight lefts. The last round opened with both, men' sparring. Eventually Po 2sy attacked, only to be met with l a straight left to face. When at close quarters RichardScta delivered a right jab; but they fight concluded very tamely, ft was an even ■ contest. POesy did most of. the leading throughout, . but Richardson displayed some smart footwork m- his dodging. Poesy . gained the verdict.

LIGHT-WEIGHT.

J. Heaney (10.6) v. V. Frure (9*10): This ,was a lively fight.' A general mix-up ensued at the .start, with,; a general exchange of • blows. Frure forced matters' for a bit, but Heaney soon took a turn; getting -vhome frequently with his left to face. ' Heaney's longer . reach stopd him m good stead, and Frure did not appear to be able to get away from his oppc i-ent's straight lefts,, but •he stood up gamely to his man. VHis attempts to 'connect generally fell short, and .when lit-.^dlil succeed there was little sting m hi-i l-lrwh. Heaney, however, delivered seme telling blows. During a mix-up m t!ii> thi re' round Heaney got home a heavy blow which sent his opponent down fpi* eight. Although Frure went to his corner a bit groggy, lie came out for the last round as game as ever. Heaney continued to inflict punishment, aud about Tialf-way through the round Frure walked to his corner, and his second threw m the towel, the fight : thus going to Heaney.-

MIDDLB-WEIGHT

N. Lewis (11.2). V; R. Smith (10.8): Thesfc boys showed considerable Improvement on their previous exhibitions, but Smith indulged m some wild hitting 'at the opening, giving his opponent an opportunity which Lewis was not slow to maHe use of. Lewis, who shaped well, inflicted a good deal of .punishment during the second round, and On . returning to his i corner Smith threw m thQ. towel.