BOXING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 7

BOXING

MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST The South Canterbury Boxing Association will again next Tuesday evening present a first-class programme of contests, headed by the middleweight title contest between Cliff Hanham (holder) and Stan Jenkin (challenger). The Association is to be congratulated for arranging such a match, for in their first meeting, 1500 boxing enthusiasts at Dunedin accorded the fighters an ovation for their bright contest. The appreciation shown by the large Dunedin audience was prompted mainly by the open style of fighting adopted, which maintained the interest of the audience throughout the whole of the contest. Hanham, as followers of the sport are aware, prefers long-range fighting, and with his perfect condition, maintains a fast pace over the championship distance of 15 rounds. The Waimate boxer has experienced a wonderful run of success since joining the professional ranks, having lost only two bouts, namely, to George Allan and Stan Jenkin. In his return bout with Allan, the Waimate boxer clearly showed his superiority, and it remains to be seen whether he can reverse the tables on Jenkin in next week’s contest.

Many sound judges who witnessed the first meeting of Hanham and Jenkin are of the opinion that the Dunedin boxer will again prove too fast and clever for the Waimate boxer. Jenkin is undoubtedly a great boxer for as an amateur he was two years ago awarded the Jamieson Belt, given to the most scientific boxer at the New Zealand championships. There will be little advantage to either contestants as regards height, reach and weight. Both contestants are practically equal in height and reach and in weight. Hanham will probably weigh in at list 31b and Jenkin at list 11b. Both boxers are 22 years of age. Seeing the importance of the contest the local association has again appointed an outside referee, Mr E. Pocock, who will be in sole charge. Judging from inquiries received, much interest is being evinced in the contest in North Otago where Jenkin’s home is, and also in the Waimate and Mackenzie Counties, where Hanham is well known.

The Otago Association has advised that Foster, the Canadian champion, will be present at next week’s contest and is desirous of meeting the winner. Vic Caltaux, the Auckland middleweight who is to fight at Dunedin shortly, has also intimated that he will be present.

Should the local association be rewarded with a good house, it is understood that overtures will be made to have the’contest between Foster and the New Zealand middleweight champion decided at Timaru.