BOXING DECISION QUESTIONED

Southland Times, Issue 23182, 24 April 1937, Page 7

BOXING DECISION QUESTIONED

SUGGESTION OF FOUL DENIED SYDNEY, April 23. There are conflicting opinions as to whether the American, Jimmy Leto, fouled the Australian lightweight, Alt Blatch. The newspapers boxing writers agree with the referee s decision, but other ringsiders say that Leto’s punching was absolutely fair. The Stadium medical officer found Blatch to be suffering from the effects of punching on the side of the body and the back, but not upon the kidneys. Leto declared he would recommend that no more boxers should be sent to Australia. He also claimed that he had been disqualified without justification. Leto’s manager, Mr Viscusi, said he would advise American promoters that it was dangerous to fight in Australia. At the Stadium on Thursday Blatch (9.11), received the decision on a foul in the fifth round against Leto (10.3). Early in the fifth round the referee warned Leto about low punches, one which sent Blatch sprawling: he took the count of nine, but rose ana fought back with great spirit, When he was again floored by a kidney punch the fight was stopped and Blatch was declared the winner. Leto was vigorously hooted. LETO NOT SO ANGRY WILL RETURN TO FIGHT CARROLL (Received April 23,10.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 23. According to The Sun Leto will return to fight with Carroll next season. “Now that I have reflected over the happenings last night, I am not so angry,” he said. “I think the sympathy of the crowd was with Blatch because he was a local lightweight boxing in the welterweight class.”