BOXING.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 16 March 1926, Page 7

BOXING.

LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP. MURRAY DEFEATS PURDY. By Telegraph—press Assoclatmn. WELLINGTON, March 15. Les Murray (holder) beat G. Purdv for the light-weight championship of New Zealand. Purdy boxed cleverly,, but Murray was the more agfye.s.sivc, and carried the fight to his opponent, having a fair lead at the finish.

THURSDAY'S BIG EVENT. OFFICIALS APPOINTED. Merv. Williams, the Australian middleweight championship contender, who is to meet Eddie Parker at the Theatre Royal on Thursday night, left Wellington by the ferry steamer last night, and will arrive in Timaru by this /morning’s express. To-night Williams will give a training exhibition at H. Gunn’s gymnasium. Parker finished off the strenuous portion of his preparation last night, and his condition gave undisguised satisfaction to his admirers. From the time the Seadown man startled the fistic world of the Dominion by jumping from the aipateur ranks and outpointing the reigning champion McCleary, he has been in constant demand for matches, and probably has contested more bouts during the last three years than any other New Zealand boxer. Even before he left for Australia under engagement by the Sydney Stadium management he was showing some evidences of ringweariness, but his let-up since his return has proved most, beneficial, and those who are in the best position to speak with authority assert, that, imprdved in ringcraft by the experience gained overseas, Parker is at present a better fighter than at any previous stage of his remarkable career.

The following officials have been appointed to control the tournament - . Referee professional contest, Mr L. Dewar; referee amateur bouts, Mr T. Segar; official announcer, Mr A. N. Oakey; judges amateur bouts, Messrs J. King and E. A. Earwaker; stage manager, Mr R. Heron; house manager, Mr H. Hall; timekeepers, Messrs W. Scott and L. Eaton; competitors’ stewards, Messrs P. Lewis W. Tiplady, and C. Campbell; round steward, Mr V. McKeague; assistant secretary, Mr N. Clark.

The heavy entries for the amateur tourney will necessitate an early commencement in this division to enable the main event to be started at 9 p.m. The exact time of opening will be announced later.

Members’ tickets (£1 2s Gd) entitling the holder to a ringside seat at all contests staged during the season now opening, may be obtained from the secretary (Mr J. V. McKeague, Sports Depot). Realising that these tickets are an excellent Investment, boxing enthusiasts are enrolling freely