MAURICE STRICKLAND

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19804, 5 December 1938, Page 10

MAURICE STRICKLAND

VISIT TO AMERICA IN LINE FOR- WORLD TITLE Maurice Strickland, the ex-sheep shearer who is heavyweight champion of New Zealand, plans to leave England with his American manager, Bill Daly, on the Queen Mary to-morrow, writes Joe Bromley in the Sporting Life, London, of October 28.

The New Zealander is sadly disappointed. He crossed from America early in September, confident that his feet were set on the path that would lead first to the Empire and then to the British championships.

He was matched by the Board of Control with Larry Gains in a final eliminator for the Empire title, the winner to meet either Len Harvey or Eddie Phillips for the two crowns.

For nearlj r three months the Strick-land-Gains match has. been awaiting a promoter, and though efforts have been made on both sides to get the match staged, there is still no prospect of it ever being decided in an English ring.

It has become obvious to him that the British Empire title carries no weight either with promoters or public.

As there seems to be no point in his staying longer in England he is returning to America to take part in Mike Jacobs’ eliminating tournament for Joe Louis’ world crown.

Bill Daly told me hist night that he thought the Board of Control had been particularly patient in giving so much time for the arranging of the Strick-land-Gains contest.

Daly's plans include it speedy return to England after Harvey and Phillips have decided who is the Bri : tisli champion.

Strickland will make application to the board for recognition as leading contender for the British title, for which he now feels entitled to box on residential qualifications.