BOXING

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23315, 26 September 1945, Page 7

BOXING

Stevens v. Hanham Dan O’Keefe’s victory over Dick Baker at Invercargill on Monday night, throws some light on the form of Ray Stevens who meets Cliff Hanham for the latter’s middle-weight title tomorrow night in the Theatre Royal. Baker beat Hanham on points in Hanham’s first fight this season after a protracted spell from the ring. Stevens knocked-out O'Keefe in two rounds a few months ago. Hanham has improved since he met Baker, but on colateral form he will be meeting his most dangerous opponent in Stevens. Stevens is a non-stop fighter who packs the “goods” in both hands. In his professional career he has won all his fights by the short ’route with the exception of one which he' lost on a technical knock-out having to retire with a split eyebrow. In that fight he had had his opponent on the mat on more than one occasion. Boxing enthusiasts are assured of a first-class contest to-morrow night. Hanham's ability needs no recommendation and Stevens, who is a powerfully built fellow, as tall, and with perhaps a longer reach than Hanham, has proved by his professional record, that he is the most dangerous middle-weight in New Zealand to-day.—P.B.A.