DECISION TO DOWNS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19336, 28 May 1937, Page 14

DECISION TO DOWNS

DEFEAT OF BILL PLUTO KEEN lIAWERA CONTEST PLUTO SUFFERS A CRAMP The selection of Rainey Downs by the Gisborne Boxing Association as one of the contestants in the professional match to he staged on June 9 lends particular interest to the account of Downs’ fight with Bill Pluto in Hawera last week. Downs is to meet “Tiger” Parkes, a negro boxer imported from Australia, in bis match in Gisborne, this contest having been substituted for one in which Pluto was to have met Billy Martin, another Svdnev-sider.

Describing the match in Hawera, the Taranaki Daily 7 News states that, the referee gave Downs eight rounds, Pluto two. and divided two. Undoubtedly Pluto’s defeat was contributed to by the fact tliat lie developed cramp in the leg, and could not move with his accustomed speed, while his balance at the moment of delivering blows was lar irom satisfactory. Pluto took the first two rounds comfortably, being more than a match for Downs at long-range hitting, and boxing with speed and good timing. In the second round, however, Downs got in a hard right to the body, and forced his opponent to retreat, Pluto suffering the cramp soon afterwards,- and. fighting the remaining rounds under a disadvantage. Downs forced the pace, and continued to press Pluto, using both hands in short punches to the body and head, while Pluto used his experience to lighten the effect of his opponent’s aggressive attack, and to counter tellingly whenever lie could get room to use his long-range punches.

Downs fought ruggedly throughout, and was able to hold his own as long as ho got inside Pluto’s reach, but lie was no match for the Sydney man when it came to open fighting, and lie tailed to land many of his punches. Pluto varied his attack cleverly, and despite his handicap, made good play with letts and rights, his light swing to the head being a damaging and dangerous blow.

As the gong closed the last round, Pluto slipped and fell into the ropes, the referee going to his assistance, and many spectators having the impression that the decision had gone to the Australian. Once Pluto was back on his feet, however. the referee lost no time in righting this impression, and gave the verdict to Downs, the decision having a mixed reception. No one \v:is more disappointed than Pluto, who appeared completely nonplussed. The contestants were even in weight, at lOst. 711).