SOLDIER BOXERS IN EGYPT

Southland Times, Issue 24433, 13 May 1941, Page 7

SOLDIER BOXERS IN EGYPT

SOUTHLAND MEN DO WELL HEAVY CHAMPIONSHIP TO CORPORAL TODD Southland boxers shaped well in a tournament conducted for members of the Third Echelon in Egypt. The heavyweight championship was won by Corporal Gordon Todd, of Invercargill, who beat Lieutenant G. Pepperal, of Taranaki. The following account of the tournament has been received by The Southland Times from Sergeant W. Hardy, secretary of the Divisional Boxing Club. LIGHTWEIGHT S. P. Harding (Southland) drew with A. J. Smith (Canterbury). J. Todd (Otago) 9st 41b beat R. Newport (Auckland) 9st 101 b on points. WELTERWEIGHT R. Hunt (Oamaru) lOst 51b drew with T. Vaatu (Otago) lOst 81b. Vaatu, a Fijian, was a boxer of very high class and only Hunt’s cover-up and good footwork kept him out of trouble. W. Clarke (Invercargill) lOst 11b beat Kincaid (Otago) lOst 31b on points. A good fast fight, both using lefts well. Clarke proved too fast and strong for Kincaid to win well. MIDDLEWEIGHT T. Dallow (Auckland) list 51b. beat C. Chapman (Christchurch) list 41b. HEAVYWEIGHT W. H. R. Thompson (Wyndham) 13st knocked out B. Davis (Otago) 12st 121 b. In the first round Davis came out with a beautiful left and worried Thompson continuously with it. In the second round Thompson floored Davis with a right for eight and when he rose was sent out with a heavy cross. W. Lloyd (Auckland) 13st 81b lost to Le Foy (Australia) 13st 61b. This was a great battle between two hard punchers. Lloyd was the better boxer, but Foy’s hard tactics had him bustled at times. The last round was a vicious battle with Lloyd doing the better. The decision was unpopular. B. Miles (Canterbury) 14st 101 b beat L. O’Donnell 14st 21b (Southland). O’Donnell was well ahead until he sprained his thumb. The fight was stopped. Miles, who was once heavyweight champion of Australia lost to Todd on the boat tournament on the way over.

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Corporal Gordon Todd (Invercargill) 13st 121 b beat Lieutenant G. Pepperal (Taranaki) 14st 101 b. This was the best fight in the tournament. Todd, a beautifully built young soldier, showed speed and science seldom seen for a heavyweight. The first round opened with both men boxing clean and hard. Early in the second round Pepperal led with a hard right and Todd countered with a terrific right which floored Pepperal for a count of eight. The last round was a great show of courage and determination by both men. Todd boxed like a champion and deserved his win against a much bigger man.

A week before the tournament Corporal Todd knocked out the heavyweight champion of the Welsh Regiment. He was to have fought for the Middle East Forces title, but a wounded foot prevented him. He is recovering and it is hoped that he will be in action again soon.