BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1926, Page 5

BOXING.

THE GAME IN ENGLAND. (From Eugene Corri.) London, Nov. 11. So Elky Clark is to realise the ambition of his fighting life. At least news has come from America during the past few days that the Scot has been matched with Fidel La Barba for the World’s flyweight title, and that the contest will be staged in Madison Square Gardens. I am disposed to wait awhile, for further particulars before enlarging upon the possibilities of such a fight. It so very often happens that something goes wrong at the least expected moment: a fight involving World's championship is a tremendously difficult business to embark upon.

Still, although we have had but the scantiest news, I am going to assume that before very many months have gone Clark and La Barba will take the ring. More recent exchanges from the other side, howover, have suggested that the young American is finding himself beyond the flyweight limit, and from all accounts, is contemplating going up among the bantams. If he is being seriously troubled about weight, he need fear Clark, for the Scot can take the ring at Bst., and be thoroughly strong. Clark is a natural flyweight, as Wilde was, and for this reason alone I shall think highly of his chances, if and when he tackles La Barba, agrowing boy. COUNTING CHICKENS. Wo had perhaps better wait and sea what is the outcome of Clark’s defence of his belt against Alf Barber, at the N.S.C. on the last Monday of this month, before taking it for granted that he is to go to war against La Barba. You know there Is many a slip, and in fighting, just an In all games, it is unsafe to be too cocksure what the result will be. I am not expecting that Barber will beat Clark. No! But the Brighton boy is of most excellent stuff, and, after his most spirited show against Maurier at headquarters, I do not think it will be especially easy for Clark. The Scot will have much in his favour on the night of tho 29 th—an immense experience, superior height and . reach, and. a heavier punch. And if he quickly accounts for Barber, there cannot be nothing left for him but La Barba. Of fighting futures, it will come as a surprise to many people that, what time Frank Moody continues to cry for a match with Tommy Milligan, our middleweight champion has decided to take his chances against Tom Berry, the first of our cruisers. It cannot be that the Soot is strictly more than a middleweight. As such I had hoped that sooner or later he would be invited to a match with Tiger Flowers for the World’s title. At any rate, while he was waiting for the coloured champion, I expected he would accommodate Moody, who says that he returned from the States in the sure belief that Milligan, so soon as he had disposed of Ted Moore, would accept the challenge launched on his (Moody’s) behalf. by Mr. Ted Lewis. It is said that Milligan and Berry are to take the ring at Edinburgh on December 1. I assume that Milligan is mighty confident . that he can. beat the Custom House man. Else he would not have consented to a match with him. But is Milligan quite wise in going out of wliat I consider to be his proper division?