FAST BOXING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 80, 13 March 1931, Page 8

FAST BOXING

HUGHES BEATS WHITLOW DECISION~ON POINTS WINNER’S SCIENTIFIC SHOW WELLINGTON. This Day. In a stirring 15-round boxing contest at the Winter Show Stadium last night, Archie Hughes, the Australian feather-weight, outpointed Allen Whitlow, of Arizona, the second of the American boxers recently imported from the United States by the Wellington Boxing Association. The American, who ■weighed 9st 3Mb to the Australian’s 9st 21b, proved himself a fast, aggressive two-handed tighter and showed such outstanding form that it was thought that the contest, would end early. Hughes’s Clever Boxing Hughes, however, once again demonstrated that lie is a boxer above the average. The American opened each round at a surprisingly fast clip, but the Australian showed defence of (he highest description and was in such superb condition that he usually obtained the upper hand town rd the close of each round. Hughes gave the best display he has yet shown in Wellington, and as the rounds progressed proved that he was able to hold his own with the lad from Arizona. Whitlow was so aggressive that he lent, the'impression that a knock-out might come at any moment. He used his right, to advantage, but he appeared to have two rights. One came over as a short-arm hook at great pace, and the other from the hip, which Hughes had little difficulty in evading. r fhe Australian again proved himself an adept at in-fighting, and dealt out punishment to the body in the close work. The pace the men kept up in the first four rounds was surprising, and many doubted if the contest would go beyond six rounds. Both men, however, were in the pink of condition, and seemed to thrive on vigorous exercise. It was a treat to watch their footwork and clever head weaving as they sparred about for openings. Hughes made clever play with a straight left, which, while it had little power behind it, gained him many points. Knock-out Likely As the battle progressed it appeared that, the American might, end the argument by the short, route at aiiy moment, but, Hughes surprised everyone by his speed, his splendid condition, and his fighting spirit. The thirteenth round was a thriller. Realising that he was behind on points, the American strove might and main to end the contest by the short route, hut Hughes danced to the tune that Whitlow piped, and a torrid round ended to thunderous applause. So it went on until the end. The AmeNcan forced the pace in an endeavour to make up lost ground, but Hughes responded gamely every time, and greatly enhanced his reputation by demonstrating that he possessed condition, stamina, speed and boxing ability. At the end the judges, Messrs. G. P. Aldridge and P. W. Woods, disagreed, and the referee, Mr. E. l?erry, gave his vote for Hughes. The house was aomewlmt disappointing.