A MODEL FIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 38, 7 May 1927, Page 11

A MODEL FIGHT

BANTAM CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY ENGLISH YOUTH By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright LONDON, Friday. Baldock defeated Archie Bell, the American, for the world’s bantamweight championship, in a fine exhibition of boxing. The “Daily Telegraph” says the fight was a model of cleanliness, and one that will never be forgotten. A crowd of 7,000 men and women roared with delight when the 20-year-old youth was acclaimed the winner against Archie Bell, after such fighting as London has not seen for a decade.

Baldock is a tall, thin youth, with a childish pale face, and strange brown eyes. He fought a full-grown man and, except for two rounds, was his master.

There, could never be a more pulsating last round. Bell threw caution to the winds, but without seeing red, he stalked after his man. Baldock did not retreat, but got home with a heavy right-hander. It was “death or glory” for both. Baldock proved a worthy champion. In a great opening, Baldock landed two hard rights to the head, and a good left to Bell’s jaw. After that, it was eVen work, until the fifth round, which was entirely the Englishman’s.

Baldock missed several times with his right during the sixth round, but was in the ascendant in the seventh arid eighth rounds, when the smile disappeared from the American's face. Bell, with an uppercut in the ninth round, was evidently out to finish his opponent, but he was frustrated. Again the loser made another great effort in the 14th round, and twice forced Baldock to retreat. But the latter, with marvellous boxing. held off his opponent, and scored four lefts in quick succession. A fierce fight ensued. In the final round Bell realised that his only hope lay in a knock-out, but Baldock was far too clever for him.

The result was received with great enthusiasm. —A. and N.Z.