A HOLD-UP

Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3305, 4 June 1931, Page 5

A HOLD-UP

RECENT BOXING BOUT AT TE ' AWAMUTU. Te Awamutu boxing enthusiasts will be interested in the following extract from the latest issue of the N.Z. Sportsman, Wellington:— Though Jack Crowley and Jack Jones did not give a particularly good display at Te Awamutu on the 18th ult., “ Olympian ” is in a position to inform readers that the fight was not a “ ready.” The contestants took the ring feeling decidedly at odds with each other. In the first place, Jones refused to weigh in (it is not customary to do so in catch-weight contests except when the contestants have signed to make a particular poundage), and his arguing caused some unpleasantness, Crowley being particularly anxious that the Hawera man should step on the scales. Finally Jones obeyed the instruction of the officials, and it was discovered that he had a 10 lbs pull on Crowley. Apparently he “had it in” for the Wellingtonian, for, upon gaining the ring, he demanded six-ounce gloves (quite contrary to the rules, which provide that gloves of this weight may be used only in fly, bantam, feather, and light weight contests), and thus another argument ensued. Finally the Welshman was prevailed upon to abide by the rules of the game, and, in due course, the contest commenced, with the men boxing with eight-ounce gloves. The bout was not exhilarating because Crowley preferred to box Jones rather than run the risk of being knocked over in' a bout of wild slugging. Considering the weight he was giving away, he did the correct thing. Before Crowley left Te Awamutu the officials of the Institute approached him to ascertain whether he would fight Tommy Donovan over ten rounds for a £75 purse on 17th June. It’s now up to Donovan to fall in line, though it is not anticipated that a £75 purse will induce the champion to leave his fireside at Waitara. A more generous offer may have to be advanced to gain 1 ' Tommy’s signature.