BOXERS ARRIVE

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1931, Page 10

BOXERS ARRIVE

ALLEN WHITLOW, JOEY THOMAS.

AIR. EARL STEW ART’S TRIP.

Air. Earl Stewart, the well-known boxing referee, who was sent to America as the representative of the Wellington Boxing Association, to secure boxers who would prove a, draw in ‘ this country, has returned accompanied by two featherweights, Allen Whitlow and Joey Thomas, together with Afr. Billy Ritterhouse, who has sponsored Whitlow in all his contests and will have the two boxers under his care during the tour. . .’. _ . . ’ ..

Whitlow and Thomas, said ; Mr. Stewart to a Wellington Post reporter, are 22 and 23 years of age respectively, Whitlow hailing from Superior, Arizona, aud Thomas, who is of Welsh extraction, from Chicago. Whitlow’s record is 60 matches, with three losses, and Thomas has had the same number of losses in 80 bouts. Thomas favours the open style of boxing, his plan of campaign being mot oiled on the British standard, but Whitlow is more of a dogged type, carrying the fight to his opponent all the way. Both have ' arrived fit ■ and well despite 'a fairly rough passage, and Mr. Stewart is confident that they will do well in the Dominion. Air. Ritterhouse, who practically adopted. Whitlow, as a boy of 14, has many interests in the United States, including a farm at Peroria, 60 miles south of Chicago, and is connected with copper mines in Arizona. During his trip Mr. Stewart visited San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Ohio and Columbus, but was not able to manage a trip'.to New York. In the course of his travels he came into contact with practically -all the - prominent boxers of the present time, and; many whose glory has faded. He did not meet Tom Heeney, but spoke with him by telephone, and brought back Heeney’s regards to all hi? New Zealand friends. In America, said Mr. Stewart, Heeney is probably the most popular heavyweight, and his name has only to appear on the bill for a good house to •be assured. Heeney had lately fought the Californian, Max Baer, at Madison Square, New York, with Jack Dempsey as referee, and the decision by which Heeney was counted out caused; a. wide controversy. Heeney appeared' to ( have the fight in hand at the time, and since the bout promoters have been claplouring for a return match. Another who wished All 1 . Stewart to remember him to New Zealand friends was Jimmy Clabby, who is doing well. In addition to meeting Jack Dempsey, Mr. Stewart frequently came into contact with the former negro champion, Jack Johnston, who was in the pink of condition and ready to fight at any time despite his 45 years. He did not see Camera, but included in his luggage was one of the giant Italian’s gloves. Gene Tunney, said Air. Stewart, is at present travelling with a geological expedition in Egypt. Also on the Alakura were the Australian heavy-weight boxer, George Cook, and his wife and child. Cook haa been keeping in fighting trim, and expects to have a few bouts while in hit native country.