BOXING

Southland Times, Issue 22008, 6 May 1933, Page 14

BOXING

NEWS OF THE DAY.

(By ‘

“Veritas.”)

Events Ahead. To-Night.— Frank Prendergast V. George McEwan, at Tuatapere. May 24.— Open and novice amateurtournament at Invercargill. Sept. 7, 8, 9.— New Zealand Amateur Championships at Blenheim. Date to be fixed—George McEwan v. Bert Ixrwe, for middleweight championship of New Zealand, at Dunedin. From reports to hand the prospects for a first-class night at Tuatapere this evening are excellent. Special accommodation has been arranged at the hall anw everything will be set for some real entertainment.

Both George McEwan and Frank Prendergast are confident they can win. Whether Prendergast can cope with McEwan’s pace remains to be seen. If he can he must be given a grand show. On the other hand should McEwan be able to keep away from “Prender’s” deadly hooking he should win comfortably on points. Still, you never can tell. A chance blow may upset all calculations. It should be a good fast mill.

Entries for the open and novice tourney on May 24 coming in steadily. The amateurs will have this night all to themselves. There is bound to be plenty of support for the boys. The New Zealand Amateur Championships which will ba decided at Blenheim this year, will be held on September 7,8, 9. It is reported that negotiations have practically been completed to revive the annual Australasian Amateur championships. In all probability a New Zealand team will be sent to Australia at the conclusion of the New Zealand championships this year. Jack Kelly has now defeated Jack Reidy, lightweight champion of Southland, three times. Reidy’s chances of retaining his title this year must now I _■ regarded as very slender. Ray Nicol now holds both the lightheavy and heavyweight championships of New Zealand. “Son” Tail’s work in the ring on Monday night was vzorth the purse of £l5O divided between the principals. Mr Tall is one of New Zealand’s foremost referees and is fit to take charge of any contest anywhere. He is deserving of the highest encomiums. At this early stage it is not too much to suggest that Mr Tall be invited to manage the prospective New Zealand team to go to Australia at the end of September. No one in the Dominion can claim to have done, or is doing, more for the game than he. He gives his time and money for the sport and is always willing to officiate in the ring in town or country. A reward for services rendered such as the managership mentioned would not be misplaced if handed to Mr Tall.

George Singleton is right again and will be on the warpath after Nichol and Campbell soon. The showing of the champions on Monday night should not be beyond Singleton. I am in receipt of the following news items from an enthusiastic supporter of the Tuatapere Boxing Club:—“On Wednesday, April 26, we held a special evening in Cassels Hall (Orepuki). There was a large attendance of the public and 10 exhibition bouts were staged, the following taking part:—D. McKay, R. Broomhall, Boy Glendining, J. Breen, M. Sheehan, G. McKay, M. Gorton, P. Smith, and George McEwan, middleweight champion of New Zealand. Two local welterweights were also matched and delighted the crowd with some clever (for novices) boxing. A successful and enjoyable dance followed. About 60 couples were present. R. Houlih and J. Sheehan were the M.C.’s and music was supplied by H. Ackers and Messrs Houlihan. The next evening (Thursday) Ray Nicol and Bill Pasco (of Invercargill) paid us a visit and delighted the crowd with some bright sparring. George McEwan was also present. He and Pasco each sparred seven rounds with Nicol. It was instructive and entertaining.”

I thank my contributor for his notes and will welcome a further budget anytime, especially particulars of the Tuatapere boxing school, membership, etc. Everybody appeared to be pleased with the fare served up by the novices on Monday night. Some good boys were seen out for the first time and the next time they make an appearance in the ring even better form can be expected. The handling of the huge crowd at the big night on Monday left nothing to be desired. For this the S.B.A, officials, headed by Mr A. D. Burn, are to be complimented. Bert Lowe, who is to fight George McEwan in Dunedin later in the month, was at the. ringside on Monday night. There were many visitors from Dunedin and Timaru.