HEENEY EXPECTED TO BEAT TUNNEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18469, 22 May 1928, Page 6

HEENEY EXPECTED TO BEAT TUNNEY.

GENERAL OPINION HELD IN AMERICA. NEW ZE«LANDER IS HARDER FIGHTER, SAYS AUSTRALIAN. (Special to the “ Star.”) AUCKLAND, May 2i. “ Opinion generally right through the United States is that Tom Heeney will beat Gene Tunney,” said no less an authority than Mr R. Lean, manager of the Melbourne Stadiurh, who is a through passenger by the Aorangi. Mr Lean said it was simply a case of Heeney being stronger, more aggressive and a harder fighter than the champion. He was a man who could assimilate any amount of punishment, but Tunney could not .stand much punishment and relied on his speed and cleverness to keep out of trouble. A good deal of discussion was going on in the United States at the present time in regard to the Tunney style of making full use of the whole ring. That style of fighting was unpopular in the States, and there was a move in the direction of framing regulations which would have the effect of making Tunney stand up and fight. Tf these regulations were framed the odds were that Heeney would win. Sportsmen of note who have seen both Tunney and Heeney fight told Mr Lean that Tunney will never hurt Heeney, but the latter will crowd in and punch and punch and take all that is going. Americans have been greatly impressed by Tom Heeney’s aggressiveness, strength and courage, and generally, said Mr Lean, they expect to hail a 'new world’s champion before the present year is out. New Zealand at the moment is being placed on the map by her boxers, said Mr Lean. Heeney, Purdy and Leckie were three whose names came readily to mind. They were earning, honours outside of their own country, and thus advertising New Zealand. Referring to Billy Grime, a great Australian who went to America, Mr Lean said he was staying on for a couple more contests. He was £SOOO out of pocket, but was now in the hands of Walk Miller, one of the greatest boxer managers in the States, and he thought he could make something out of Grime. He had hopes that he could bring- him up to championship class.