MATCH OF THE SEASON

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1935, Page 12

MATCH OF THE SEASON

WALKER AND McCREADY

BOXING AND WRESTLING

(By

“Second.”)

Walker and McCready, it seems certain now, will shortly meet for the Wrestling title of the British Empire. If they do the greatest ring promotion since the memorable Barren-Donovan boxing contest at New Plymouth will have been achieved. It may be remarked that Walker and Sarron have in common the aloofness that attracts interest.

It would seem that the contest will be held .at Christchurch, where the following cryptic statement was given to the Press this week: A telegram has been received from Mr. A. F. Stacey, president of the South Island Amateur and Professional Athletic Club, stating that he has completed arrangements for the holding of an Empire title wrestling bout at Christchurch on October 30, and has also arranged that the Winner will wrestle again for the championship on November 11.

As to who would win out of Walker and McCready, if that be the bout, opinions are divided, but generally McCready is favoured because of the doubt about Walker's fitness. One cannot tell with Walker, however, and a win, for him would not be surprising. Given another three or four matches to get him into condition he would be favourite. Walker will meet one of the most recent importations at Auckland tomorrow night, Fezul Mohomet. The newcomer is a fearsome specimen, standing 6ft sin and weighing 18st 41b. The bout is being arranged by the new club, the Dominion Sporting Club. Auckland is to have quite, a feast at the week-end as in addition to tomorrow’s bout (incidentally Walker’s first appearance in his old home town this season) Blomfield and Cestoldi will meet on Monday. The first is the bout that will draw the crowds.

Auckland has another good contest for the very near future, Walker and Tiger Duala. The latter has a great reputation and the meeting should throw some light on the ranking of this season's wrestlers. Glen Wade is keen to meet Walker. He claims a victory over Walker in Ohio in 1927 and says he can repeat the performance. The next fight arranged in England for Maurice Strickland, former heavyweight boxing champion of New Zealand, is against Tommy Loughran, on November 12, at Wembley. This should prove the toughest test so far experienced by the New Zealander. Loughran, 33 years of age, commenced boxing professionally in 1919, and up to the end of last year had fought 143 bouts for 81 wins (13 by k. 0.), 18 losses (twice by k. 0.), 5 drawn, and 39 no decision. Loughran won the light-heavy title, from Mike McTigue in 1927, but renounced the title in 1929.