RADIO LISTENERS FOLLOW FIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 13

RADIO LISTENERS FOLLOW FIGHT

HEENEY V. UZKUDUN rrcfiS Association GISBORNE, Monday. ' A unique feat was carried out on Saturday afternoon when, by arranging a "bain of wireless, amateurs had detailed an account of {he Heeney v. Uzkudun tight in Madison Square Gardens. New York, reported blow for blow while the tight was proceeding. The arrangements were carried out by Mr. Ivan O Meara, the well-known amateur, who communicated with the officials of the Radio Club of America, who attended to the details at the other end. A relay was arranged to a Jamaican amateur, who transmitted to Mr. O’Meara. The radio club sent a special operator to the ringside, accompanied by a boxing expert, who dictated the message. The message came through without a hitch, and the result was available in Gisborne five minutes after the contestants left the ring. The contest was watched by a huge crowd, which was intensely enthusiastic, distributing plaudits without favour when they were merited. From the outset the fight was thrilling and even, and the result was In doubt to the end. Early in the first round Heeney gave indications of being the better boxer. But the Spaniard got home more blows, and just before the end of the round sent the Gisbornite to the boards with a hard left. The next three rounds were even, hard hitting being alternated with a scries of clinches. The fifth round was exceptionally exciting, both being fresh and extending themselves more, from start to- finish the round was a series heavy blows, with the honours fairly even, although Uzkudun showed better footwork. The pace slackened during the sixth: but in the seventh Heeney went for his man. crowding him to the ropes, and getting several hard blows home. Later Uzkudun retaliated and turned the Gisbornite round with a heavy swing. The eighth round provided plenty of ■variety and ended in the Spaniard’s favour, and the ninth round was comparatively tame, neither having any advantage. The tenth and final round opened at a great pace, both exerting the utmost pressure. Heeney stopped several punches to the head, but replied with a hard right to the jaw and others to the body. Heavy punching was in progress when the bell ended the contest. Referee Mike Donovan awarded the ■verdict to Uzkudun. Heeney turned the scale at 1931 b. and X'zkudun at 1991 b.