CHAMPIONS TO FIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1930, Page 4

CHAMPIONS TO FIGHT

LECK lE-DONOVAN STAR BOUT. A. feast of fight will be provided, at the Coronation Hall, New Plymouth, on September fl, when two of the ablest and gamest nine-stoners developed since the days of Billy Murphy will strive each one for the master of the other. Johnny Leckie’s style of fighting is one that appeals to the sporting crowd; the. flashing left as penetrative as a rapier in the hand of a master duellist; clean, fast aud clever boxing nt command; the punch to lay low the best of them.

Only in the matter of sheer brilliance of boxing can Leckie claim superiority over Tommy Donovan, rugged idol of a host of Dominion fans. 'l’oinmy is fust, clever, when fit uncannily evasive, and has the heart of a lion. Few who witnessed his gruelling contest with Leckie at Napier have forgotten the gamester who, in the face of a thrashing, smiled a])preciation of his opponent’s clever work. The constant cheeking by a jabbing left hand, to be met incessantly by a faceful of leather, is the most aggravating thing in the world. To meet such a situation nnliinciringly earns a boxer the lans’ appreciation; to smile evokes admiration. It causes one to think that, utter all, the spriit of the grand old game still e?;ists.

And it is safe, to sav not one in that crowded Napier hall wat voiced elation at the victory of Johnny did so because , Donovan had met his Waterloo —rather ■was it that they welcomed Leckie’s re- ; establishment to the proud position he iwon in Dominion and Australian arenas I prior to that unfortunate period during which, with his life's partner and himself upon the rack of ill-health, ho was by two unfortunate thrashings from Pete Surron brought under an influence which has rendered it impossible for him to display his best against the American. Comparative form between Donovan, Leckie and Sarron is peculiar, but counts for nothing on that account. The return Donovan-Leekie bout should bo packed with nerve-tingling situations. Johnny on this occasion will bo met by a fitter opponent fighting in his own back yard; in effect, a “brighter and better” fighting fireman. The box plan for the bout opens at Collier’s Music Warehouse, Devon Street, to-morrow at 9 a.m. Patrons would , be well advised to book early, extraordinary interest already having been displayed in the event.