EMPIRE CHAMPION

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3670, 20 February 1940, Page 2

EMPIRE CHAMPION

BOXER UNFIT FOR ACTIVE SERVICE Tommy Farr, former British and Empire heavyweight boxing champion, who fought Joe Louis, the world’s champion, for 15 rounds, has been discharged from the Royal Air Force for medical reasons. Eye and ear trouble prevented him from passing the necessary medical test. Farr, who is very disappointed over the matter, returned to London from his camp in the north of England last week. He joined the Royal Air Force on the day following, the declaration of war, having done a considerable amount of flying during his American tours. He hoped to become •either an air gunner or a pilot observer. A medical board pronounced him unfit for either of these duties. “Continual punching on my left ear has punctured the dr cm,” he said, “and the nerve of the right eye has been affected. It is very disappointing, but I shall probably be able to do my bit in some other way. I have already been approached to go to France and give boxing exhibitions to the troops. I am not temperamentally suited fo ra job as a physical training instructor. This eye trouble is not new. It has given me concern for a number of years. Although I never did like walking round the streets wearing glasses, my friends have known that for some time now I have used them for reading and going to the cinema. “My future as a professional boxer is uncertain. There are not many opponents for me to tackle at the moment, but I feel well enough to go in with anybsdy who is about. I hope that these injuries will not affect my boxing. “I was quite happy and contented with food and conditions in the Royal Air Force, and, believe me, I am terribly sorry to leave the force. I still want to do my bit, but will take a few days to decide whether I shall join the army or whatever course will -serve the "country best. Anyway, I will be ready whenever I am wanted.” -