BOXING WILL BE REVIVED HERE IN NEAR FUTURE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18466, 18 May 1928, Page 4

BOXING WILL BE REVIVED HERE IN NEAR FUTURE.

HEENEY HAS GREAT CHANCE, DECLARES MR G. P. ALDRIDGE. That in the near future boxing in Christchurch would be revived to the high New Zealand standard was an opinion expressed by Mr G. P. Aldridge, secretary of the New Zealand Boxing Council, and organising secretary of the New Zealand Olympic Games Association, when interviewed to-day. Mr Aldridge said that it was proposed to stage amateur contests, with an ocacsional profesisonal bout, in Christchurch during the winter* In the past lack of facilities for staging contests had been a drawback. “ I am much impressed with the fine boxing schools in this city. They are deserving of every encouragement. I have not seen better in the Dominion. Most boxing associations in the Dominion have experienced a lean year owing to the low standard in the professional class. At present, however, there is a boom in the feather-weight class. I believe that New Zealand boys are more than capable df holding their own against boxers in Australia.” New Zealand Championships. It was hoped to have a big rally in the New Zealand championships at Auckland on August' 23, 24 and 20. Christchurch would be well represented. The New Zealand Boxing Council was particularly pleased with the activity shown by the Christchurch Garrison Sports Club, said Mr Aldridge, and on his return to Wellington he intended to recommend to the council that the Treston Shield be handed to Canterbury until Wellington challenged. Visit from Australia. “It is quitd'probable,” said Mr Aldridge, “ that within the course of the next few days an invitation will be sent to the Australian governing body inviting them to send a team to New Zealand in September, just after the New Zealand championships. I know that the visit will eventuate.” Heeney-Tunney Fight. • In reply to a question on the coming Tunney-lleeney fight. Mr Aldridge said that Keeney must have a wonderful chance, especially in view of Risko’s bout with Tunney and his subsequent defeat by Heeney. Risko was the same bustling type as Heeney. Whether Heeney won or not, he was playing his part “in putting New Zealand on the map”