A FINE DISPLAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16706, 25 July 1928, Page 7

A FINE DISPLAY

HEENEY’S LAST WORK-OUT 2000 APPLAUD EFFORTS DEMPSEY TALKS OF COME-BACK (Wireless Broadcast.) NEW YORK, July 24. The general belief of newspaper critics is that Gene Tunney will not dispose of the heavyweight crown to the New Zealander, Tom liecney, when the pair meet to decide the championship honors in Yankee Stadium on Thursday, night. “Honest Tom,” however, is not without his admirers, and there are many who consider that he lias advantages over the champion. On the other hand, some critics are of the opinion that Heeney is trained down too fine, although the contender himself considers that lie is in the pink of condition. Tunney likewise is more, than pleased with himself, but those who favor the New Zealander aver that Tunney will find it hard to overcome the handic p of his long absence from the ling. Jleeney' did his last work-out today. lie complained that his outdoor ring was.slow and bumpy, but lie had to use-itt to-day as there were-upwards of 2000 fight fans at his camp to see his exhibition. He gavc\a very fine display before them and delighted the onlookers. Heeney’s schedule is now for •three days rest, until the fight, although lie will use the bag. Jack Dempsey', the ex-champion, paid another visit to Heeney’s camp to-dav, and says lie has bo reason to alter his previous opinion. If Heeney wins on Thursday', Dempsey says he will come hack to the ring, but if not he is out for good.—New York Times — 2 AC. TRAINING CONCLUDES BOTH MEN RELAXING MORE PRAISE FOR HEENEY (FJec. Tel. Copyright-United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association., NEW YORK, July 23. A Fairhaven report states that Tom Heeney sparred for the last time and exhibited increased speed and aggression. He boxed two rounds with a negro welterweight whom he imported for the purpose of testing his footwork and the results were satisfactory. Mr. Leo. Flynn, formerly Dempsey' ’s manager, assailed Heeney for his ineffective defence and declared that the challenger was constantly open to a heart blow, whereas Tom Gibbons states that Heeney’s attack and defence are certain to spell ruin for the champion. A Speculator message states that Tunney has ceased training, and reiterates that ho will fly to New York in a Ballanea plant?he has already engaged. Tunney' discussed the possibility of a knock-out, and implied it. was improbable, but it would be vigorously attempted. Jt, is believed the champion will concentrate in the early rounds on Heeney’s head and eyes after the fashion of the Dempsey' bout at Chicago.

The fight, is 'scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.. - j - - | SHOWER OF MESSAGES '• GOODWILL FROM GISBORNE When Tom Heeney steps into the ring for his fight with Gene Tunney for the world’s championship title, lie will know that Gisborne people are waiting with the keenest interest to hear the result of his great bid for fortune. If Tom had entertained any doubt of Gisborne’s interest, the shower of goodwill messages which have gone forward from his home town must have-removed that doubt. Last night the Gisborne Boxing Association, under which Tom Heeney had his first, professional fight, directed its secretary to forward it's congratulations to Tom ou the attainment of his present eminence, and its good wishes for the outcome of the big fight. Yesterday the Cosmopolitan Club members took similar steps to apprise Tom of their interest and goodwill, while on Saturday morning a cabled message went forward from the Gisborne Rowing Club on the same lines. To-day quite a large number of messages wore dispatched by cable to the Gisborne fighter, and before lie fights he will have sheaves of cables from all parts of New Zealand.