HEENEY=UZKUDUN FIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 5 April 1927, Page 9

HEENEY=UZKUDUN FIGHT

NEWS FLASHED OVER GLOBE WIRELESS RELAY FROM NEW YORK GOOD RECEPTION 'IN GISBORNE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, April 4. A somewhat unusual feat was carried out on Saturday afternoon when, by arranging a chain of wireless amateurs, a detailed account of the Heeney v. Uzkudun fight in Madison Square Gardens, New York, was received here, being reported blow for blow while the fight 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. Owing to the possible weakness of daylight signals direct from New York 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 a message. As an additional precaution the pre : sident of the Radio Club maintained communication with Gisborne to ensure that everything was working smoothly. The message came through without a hitch, while the result was available in Gisborne five minutes after the contestants left the ring. The contest was watched by a huge crowd, whioh was intensely enthusiastic, distributing plaudits without favour when merited. From the outset the fight was thrilling and even the result was in doubt to the end. Heeney scaled 1931 b and Uzkudun 1991 b, three pounds heavier than when he defeated Knute Hansen in February after a much easier fight than Saturday’s. Early in the first round Heeney gave an indication 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 series of clinches.

The fifth round was exceptionally exciting, both being fresh and extending themselves more. Heavy punishment was inflicted by both sides. From start to finish the round was a series of heavy blows, with 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. Paolino had the best of the round and finished looking fresh, while Heeney showed the effects of his efforts.

The eighth round provided plenty of variety and ended in the Spaniard’s favour, while 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.

The referee, Mike Donovan, awarded the verdict to Uzkudun.