BOXING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10303, 7 November 1911, Page 2

BOXING.

I{yan and Mitchell, who will meet for the heavy-weiglit professional championship at His Majesty's Theatre on Friday morning, arrived in Christcliurcli yesterday, and are finishing their preparation at two of the local schools of instruction. Both express themselves as being in first-class condition. Mitchell expects to weigh in at 13st, and llyan at 71b heavier. The winner will meet C. Herbert, of Oamoru, at Timaru, on November 22. Sid. I< itzsimmoiis, the nineteen-year-old youth of Timaru, and nephew _ of tho famous ox-champion Bob Fitzsimnions, will make his llrst appearance in Christchurch on the morning of Friday next, in connection with tho competition promoted by the Christchurch Sports Club. Fitzsimmons and Sliarplin will meet in a six-round preliminary to the contest between llyan and. Mitchell for tho heavy-weight championship. As a boxer Fitzsimmons has liad only one reverse recorded against him, that being when ho lost to M'Quarrie in tho final for the New Zealand championship at Invercargill in July last In that contest, although out-boxed, he gave a splendid exhibition of bulldog courage and determination against the greatest two-handed amateur _ heavyweight boxer seen in the dominion since the time of J. M. Griffin. Fitzsimmons, though only a youth, already possesses a very fine physique, standing six itiot and woighing over 12st. Ho gives every indication or developing into a magnificent specimen of physical manhood. Taken all round he promises exceedingly well, so much so that he is now considering an offer to go to Sydney and undergo a twelve months' tuition and preparation preliminary to taking up boxing as a means of livelihood. His opponent, J. Sharpen, has already appeared twice in Christchurch, and lia3 created a most favourable impression. Amongst those who follow tho sport closely tho contest is expected to be of a most determined and exciting character, and tho special interest attached to it is tha.t neither of the contestants is likely to bo seen again in the ring here, as Sharplin will go to the North Island in a few weeks, while Fitzsimmons, most likely, will accept the offer above referred to and take up his residence in Sydney.