Strickland Ready To Go To Australia

Southland Times, Issue 24132, 22 May 1940, Page 10

Strickland Ready To Go To Australia

Although it has come to be generally accepted that boxing engagements in Australia for Maurice Strickland are no longer on the cards, this is by no means the case, states The Sports Post Actually, Strickland may be leaving any time now on a protracted visit to Australia where his opponents will probably include Americans. Negotiations carried out in recent weeks have resulted in Strickland receiving an offer from Stadiums, Ltd., to go over for a series of fights, and Strickland is perfectly willing to do so, provided he is given a reasonable guarantee.

A cablegram received by Mr Arthur Greenhalgh, who is acting as Strickland’s manager, states- that Stadiums, Ltd., contemplate using light-heavy-weights during the season and are prepared to import Strickland to fight under their management. Overseas opponents will be brought in immediately and negotiations are proceeding for others to follow later. Strickland replied that he was prepared to accept the offer under certain conditions—he wants a guarantee of four fights within 12 months, and also wants to know the name of his first opponent—and it looks as if arrangements will be finalized in a few days. The New Zealander will be ready to leave at an early date.

Although the matter was not included in the negotiations referred to above, Strickland strongly desires to meet Ron Richards in one of the two contests which the latter has said he is prepared to have before he retires, and wants the bout to be for the Australasian heavyweight championship.