A BATTLE ROYAL

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1931, Page 3

A BATTLE ROYAL

iBOXING AT WESTERN PARK. The spectacle of nearly a thousand disappointed, boxing fans sweeping like a’ flood over the turnstiles, smashing down doors and whisking aside resisting officials in an effort to join in the Wellington Winter Show bujlding the 5000 fortunat.es who had secured seat® in New Zealand’s largest indoor stadium to witness in action two of the finest nine-stoners yet to grace the ring in these parts, gives an indication of the magnetic force of the “Ghost..in Gloves,” Bobby Blay, and his doughty opponent, Tommy Donovan, who scheduled to meet in a return battle at Western Park Stadium, New Plymouth, on Saturday. ; . . Over the Wellington struggle there was not one who was not thrilled at the tremendous pace and force .of the stirring exchanges. When the Fighting Fireman tore from his corner in the first round it seemed he must overwhelm the 19-year-old Victorian, but the boy responded, in truly magnificent style; so effectively that the rugged Taranakian ere the referee intervened in the fourteenth round been battered. to the canvas in the fourth, eighth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth and fourteenth : rounds, indomitable pluck alone saving him from the full count. In this return bout Tommy Donovgn will bring into the ring again his great fighting spirit plus the lessons learned from . his former, engagement.. of “The Ghost.” If the result of their first 1 meeting" a very fine contest, the return should, .be even more, a battle, royal—a ring classic. At Western Park there will be no scramble for 1 , seats for . there will be ample accommodation. for all. The arrangements that worked so smoothly under Secretary E. J. Carr in handling the huge crowd at the Sarron. bout will again be in operation, ensuring complete orderliness and an uninterrupted view of the ring. Reserves are at Collier’s, Devon Street, and at Hawera bookings may be made at Miss Blake’s.