DONOVAN’S BIG HURDLE

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1929, Page 5

DONOVAN’S BIG HURDLE

HATTON A GREAT FIGHTER.

(By

“Referee.”)

It scorns to bo the general opinion that Tommy Donovan, the Waitara fireman, will meet defeat at the handjj of the clever Aucklander, Matt Hatton, in the New Plymouth Opera House tonight. Many good judges of a boxer’s ability say that tho Taranaki Boxing Association has placed an almost insurmountable hurdle across the fireman’s pugilistic highway. They contend that Hatton’s all-round ability will nonplus Donovan and that the fireman will be outboxed and outgcncralled.

But Referee thinks otherwise. Admittedly Hatton is a clever exponent of the noble art. His ability and his willingness to “mix it” when the occasion presents itself are unquestioned. He is a fast mover (he had to be to beat Charlie Purdy); he is a straight hitter and he hits hard, often and rapidly; lie uses head and feet to the best advantage, and makes full use of the squared circle, and in his corner he has one of the shrewdest mentors in .the game. Hatton’s condition .is perfect—as in Donovan there are no frayed edges to his silk. He has the confidence born or experience; he is a great ring general; and, next to Johnny Leckie, is considered the best featherweight New Zealand has produced for years. Thus on the one hand there is what appears to be the complete boxer of an old-timer’s dream. What have we cm the other? Tommy Donovan! A rough, rugged, forceful, wildly swinging fighter who wades in with arms flailing like a windmill, head down, eyes closed, and with not a semblance of defence? No! Referee, while he does not consider Donovan in the same class as Hatton in boxing ability, yet gives the Waitara man credit’for a large amount of clever stuff. Do you remember the amazing exhibition Donovan gave when opposed by Aucklander G. Leslie? On that occasion you probably noticed that time and again a slight move of the head and Donovan had slipped a left lead. You will say he was swinging his punches. He does swing a few, but so very seldom that they can be forgiven. Donovan’s shoulder development is abnormal, and it is probably owing to this abnormality that his arms appear to swing. It is a queer punch that the fireman delivers. In sending across a right he drops his right shoulder slightly and then throws it forward with all his great strength, his clenched fist travelling outwards and slightly upwards at the same time, but certainly not swung. For the first half of its journey it is almost a right hook, but it then suddenly straightens and the hook counter is not sufficient to block it. His left hand he used to swing, but when fighting Leslie it was as straight as an arrow and delivered with terrific force. In close Donovan is positively dangerous, and he has won most of his fights through sickening his opponent with terrific blows to the lower regions and then concentrating on the head. In a clinch he sets himself, head down and with eyes wide open watches his opponent's mid-section. The slightest opportunity and he sinks right or left wrist deep in the stomach. And Donovan is fast; his blows travel with lightning-like rapidity. Also he has the additional benefit of several recent fights beneath his belt. In his short career as a professional he has compiled a record equally as-good as, if not better than Hatton's. Tommy knocked out Australian Joe Boyle in less than a round and a half, while Boyle went the full distance with Hatt-on. Taylor succumbed to the might of the fireman’s blows in five rounds while he lasted a little longer with his fellow townsman. Donovan has had eight professional contests and Hatton seven. The knowing ones will say: “Yes, but Hatton easily outpointed Leckie for three rounds prior to the latter s trip to Australia.” Admittedly, but then the wily Matt so far forgot himself as to run into a terrific right, flush to the jaw. Thereafter he laid sprawled on the canvas while the referee monotonously and needlessly counted the seconds over his recumbent form. If the Aucklander was foolish enough to place his jaw against one of Leckie e rights then perhaps he might repeat the performance with Donovan. If he does so Referee “Mick” Stewart’s task will be an easy one. In providing such a treat for its patrons the Taranaki Association is to be commended, and ringside, dress circle, stalls and gallery should again be packed with enthusiastic fans. Naturally, to secure a boxer of Hatton’s class, the purse had to be a large one, and it Donovan is successful, as Referee thinks he will be, the association should be well repaid. It is stated that the next contest will be Donovan versus Tommy Griffiths, the bantam champion of Australia and New Zealand. It is rumourec that Johnny Leckie intends returning to the Dominion before his quest for the world’s championship. Donovan has signified his intention of meeting the “Little Wonder” under the auspices of the Taranaki Association if contest can Be arranged.