EDWARDS AND DONOVAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1930, Page 9

EDWARDS AND DONOVAN.

BATTLE. OF STYLES WILL THRILL. No bout staged by the Taranaki Boxing Association has intrigued the sporting fraternity so muchas the contest between Donovan arid Edwards, to be staged at the Coronation Hall on Saturday. From many places outside Taranaki—Bulls, Napier, Hastings and Wellington—have come inquiries regarding bookings, and it appears certain the association will be recompensed to some' extent for the lack of patronage, extended to recent bouts. It has been decided to stage the bout in the Coronation Hall, where seating accommodation will be. available for over 2000 fans. Barriers, special attendants and improved seating will obviate the many difficulties experienced when a large crowd rolled up to the hall to witness the. Donovan-Leckie bout in September. When Llew Edwards arrived in New Plymouth a few weeks ago to ; meet Johnny Leckie few gave the youngster a chance of sebing out the distance. Leckie was known to be a great boxer and a devastating right hand puncher whereas not a great deal was known of the Victorian, whose chief claim to front rank status was that he had never been extended against the boys of his. class in Australia. After a timid start that promised oblivion for Llew in a matter of rounds, he settled down to give a. wonderful display of enappy,, two-handed punching and speed the like of which has not before been seen in Taranaki. The bout developed into a classic and those who were fortunate enough to see it have since unremittingly spread the gospel of the great; ness of young Llew Edwards. < Donovan, too, has proved he is at peak form, , for a few days ago he annexed from Johnny Leckie the featherweight. crown. While Tommy did .not overshadow Leckie to the same extent as -did Young Llew, he can be relied ■ upon ■to provide, the Victorian with a great struggle. The pair will present a contrast in styles—the smashing tactics of the Waitara crack will be met by the supreme cleverness, speed, snap punching and ringcraft of the visitor. Wellington and Wanganui amateurs will be seen in action against Taranakians and popular _pric.es, will be