FIGHTER V. FIGHTER

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1930, Page 4

FIGHTER V. FIGHTER

CONTEST AT NEW PLYMOUTH. Dogged in the face of punishment, grimness that would do credit to a Spartan, a fair knowledge of boxing, but a fighter qll the time, with a punch capable of turning possible defeat into brilliant victory —that is Norman Gillespie, king of Australian lightweights, and one of the greatest attractions connected with the Commonwealth ring. Gillespie is no showman, and when he takes the ring it is always with one intention: victory by the shortest route. If he docs not always accomplish that object it is not because he does not try. . A colourful figure, Gillespie was the principal in one of the most sensational contests ever seen at the Sydney Stadium. His opponent, Jack Roberts, had fought literally tooth and nail in an endeavour to flatten his man. Gillespie entered into the spirit of the moment with gusto and as round followed round the fans, worked to a frenzy by the terrific exchanges, yelled themselves hoarse. Rounds at the Stadium are checked by a mechanical* device which rings a ibell at the commencement and termination of each round. When; therefore, in the eighth session a Press telephone tinkled loudly at the ringside the champion dropped his hands and half-turned to go to his angle. Roberts, realising the mistake of his opponent grasped the opportunity and smashe<| home a terrific blow that sent Gillespie hurtling to the mat where he was counted out. Gillespie’s mistake cost him what promised to be a brilliant victory. But when they met a second time there was no mistake, and Roberts was punched to insensibility id nine hectic rounds. Comparative feffm between Gillespie, Donovan and Leckie proves there is little between the pair to punch at the Opera House on Saturday. Leckie has an easy 12-round knock-out victory over Donovan, and a draw; Gillespie almost gained a draw when first he met Leckie and at the second encounter lost in 13 rounds.

A bounding ball of muscle and tremendously strong is the first impression gained of Donovan as he takes the ring. As the contest takes its course one is led to the conclusion he is more—that to dub him a really great two-handed fighter with a heart of oak would not be claiming overmuch. If Tommy were to adopt a slogan none would be more appropriate than: Two Rolands for every Oliver. With a, great disadvantage in height, reach, weight and experience Donovan appears to be well and truly “up against it,” but to those who know him well there conviction that he will meet the position with uphold front. THE ARRANGEMENTS FINALISED. MEETING OF ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the Taranaki Boxing Association was held last night, when matters in connection with the Dono-van-Gillespie fight to be staged in the Opera House on Saturday Bight were finalised. Members of the committee who had seen Gillespie in action reported that they were very much impressed with the Australian chatnpioh’s style. There were present: Messrs. J. Garcia (chairman), W. N. Stephenson, •V. S. Pruden, A. F. Aldie, B. Hume, C. E. Roebuck, R. Harvey, A. Clarke, W. Roebuck, N. Roebuck, E. J. Carr (lion. secretary), and P. E. Stainton (acting secretary). Mr. H. C. Collier, house manager, was also present. The chairman extended a welcome to Mr. E. J. Carr, the secretary, who was attending his first meeting since his illness, and on behalf of the association congratulated him on his recovery. Advice having Been received that the Opera House was available it was decided to hold the Gillespie-Donovan contest on Saturday in the Opera House instead of the Coronation Hall. The following amateur bouts -were arranged: J. Wingrove v. C. Smith; G. Adlam v. S. Brereton; H. Hill v. T. Ryan; Murray v. J. Paterson; J. Sheehy v. G. Thomas. \