PREPARING FOR THE FRAY

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1930, Page 4

PREPARING FOR THE FRAY

SATURDAY NIGHT’S FIGHT. — ” Those who saw Norman Gillespie in action during training operations were greatly impressed with his skill, speed, and driving force. He was assisted in his work by three well-known amateurs in L. Christiansen, S. Brereton and J. ■Sheehy, all of whom are in good condition" for their respective preliminaries on Saturday night. Gillespie appears to have become thoroughly acclimatised to New Zealand and is in splendid condition, a much improved lad to the Gillespie who stood up to Johnny Leckie at Napier for 13 rounds shortly after his arrival in the Dominion, a performance that stamped him ..s high-class. Trainer ■ Sammy Chapman is vary, pleased with the improvement shown by his protege and is confident that he will give Donovan the fight of his career. Sammy,’veteran as he is, never makes the mistake of under-estimating an opponent. Apart from Donovan’s ■record on paper, which includes three decisions over Sarron, the astute Aushas had first-hand reports ’as to Donovan's prowess from Doble and Crowle, the latter of whom was also trained by Chapman. Tommy Donovan is leaving nothing to chance. He knows that Gillespie will be much harder now that he has properly found his land legs. Tommy is giving meticulous attention to his own preparation. He expects to win again but realises that he will have a hard battle. Unquestionably his match with Johnny Leckie at New Plymouth a few Weeks ago taught him some points and it will be interesting to see the Waitara lad apply them. The preliminaries should provide something out of the ordinary. Mr. A. Maxwell, the referee, is expected to arrive in Taranaki to-day. As the Opera House is available the Boxing Association has decided to alter the venue from the Coronation Hall. In-tending-.patrons would be well advised to reserve at Collier’s Music Warehouse.