BOXING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 220, 17 September 1928, Page 3

BOXING

WANGANUI AMATEURS SATURDAY NIGHT’S DISPLAY A SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT. That amateur boxing is rapidly gaining in favour z was evidenced by the large crowd which gathered in the Drill Hall on Saturday night to witness the contests staged by the Wanganui Amateur Boxing Association. Nine bouts were provided—all willing,too willing in the opinion of many who would have liked to have seen a more scientific display. In several of the lighter weights some cleverness was shown, but it was not until the heavy-weight contest that a combination of foot-work and neat well-placed hits was seen, and that by only one of the protagonists —Gus Carlson. Carlson had his man at his mercy, but refrained to hit him hard. Perhaps it was his good sportsmanship that lost him the medal for the most scientific boxer of the evening. Bill Clark, of Fordell carried away that trophy after putting up a fine show against a heavier opponent. During the whole of the evening there was a lamentable lack of the correct use of the straight left. Three boxers indicated that they had an elementary knowledge of the king hit, but even those who showed something of it neglected it when wonderful opportunities presented themselvs. O ’Keefe ’s appearance in the ring for something over the 130th. time, to fight a draw with Clegg, a hard young fighter, indicates something of the fascination of the game. Mr E. Manly was referee and the judges were Messrs F. C. Atkinson, and A. G. McKay. Novice Class. J. Hoskin (Aramoho) 9.2 v. T. Whelan (Wanganui) B.lo—Whelan commenced to attack from the gong, but his leads were weak and Hoskin frequently countered with a left hook. Hoskin finished off strongly in the last round using both hands with good effect. It was noticeable during this bout that the rabbit punch was frequently used. J. Thomas (Wanganui) 10.7, v. W. Smith (Marton) 10.7.—The former accounted for Smith in IJmin., and little science was shown. Middle-Weight. H. Scown (Patea) 11.0, v. Thurston (Taihape) 11.5.—0 n top of recent successes, Scown’s reversal of form was surprising, Thurston being the aggressor throughout. It was evident that 1 Scown was waiting to use his right, but 11'/? opportunity never came, and though he did not show a great deal of science, Thurston won by a narrow margin of points. Light-Weight. Bill Clark (Fordell) 9.10 v. A. Bourke (Wanganui) 10.12. —The bout was illustration of how a light, fast man can beat a slow, heavy puncher. Clark gave away 16 pounds, but by quick attack carried the decision. Several times Bourke had Clark groggy, but the light boy persisted, coming time after time with both hands. In the last two rounds Clark had Bourke bailed up in he corner, and won by a handsome margin. Welter-Weight. Phil Corliss (Wanganui) 10.8 v. Eagle (Taihape) 10.8.—The fight was exciting throughout, but it cannot be said that it was more than a show of slogging. Eagle fought after the style of Donovan of Waitara, but without the effective upper-cuts and hooks of the Taranaki man. Corliss was the only man with a hit —a straight left, which he used as both a guarding and an attacking medium during the latter rounds. Light-Weight. R. Forward (Wanganui) 9.9, v. T. Mercer (Patea) 9.3.—1 n a willing bout the latter did the leading throughout the fight, but Forward’s advantage in reach and height enabled him to hold Mercer off. Forward used a straight left which could have been employed more often to greater effet. The bout kept the audience at fever pitch all the way. Feather Weight. Hoskin (Wanganui) 8.2 v. J. O’Reilly (Feilding) B.l2.—Hoskin was not seen at his best, although he used a straight left effectively. O Reilly was too set on his feet and was reluctant to lead, until the last round when he improved somewhat. Hoskin was the winner. Heavy-Weight. Gus Carlson (Wanganui) 13.5 v. J. Adams (Marton) 12.12.—This was the star bout of the evening. Carlson demonstrated his superior science and speed throughout, making good use ox right and left hooks. He won each of the four rounds by good margins, and showed good sportsmanship in the last round in sparing Adams after having him down for eight and thoroughly groggy- Adams kept his head down, and did not watch his opponent’s attack. Carlson’s style was ope.p and clean and he used both hands well. Light-Weight. J. Clegg (Wanganui) 9.9 v. O’Keefe (Feilding) 10.0. —This light proved a suitable wind-up to a successful evening. The bout was willing all the way, Clegg dancing round his experienced opponent. O’Keefe brought numerous tricks of the trade to aid him, but the decision, a draw, was popular. It is pleasing to note that Gus Carlson won his last fight in such a sportsmanlike manner. Although he has had a successful ring career Gus as no particular longing to continue the game, and signified that Saturday’s bout would be his last. During the evening Mr John Coull, official announcer, presented, on behalf of the Association, trophies won at the last amateur tournament in Wanganui. The prizes were as follows: Welter-weight Championship Cup.— J. Lockett. Lightweight Championship Cup.— A. Karten. Feather-weight Championship Medal. —A. Morton. Midleweight Championship Gold Medal.—H. Scown. Bantam-weight Championship Gold Medal.—S. Gray.

HEENEY DELIGHTS CROWD AT GISBORNE APPEARANCE IN BOUT. [ Per Press Association. ] GISBORNE, Sept. 15. To the great delight of a packed Opera House last night, Tom Heeney made what is to be his only appearance in the ring in New Zealand during his visit, his brother Jack being his sparring partner. —• Tom Heeney was obviously out of condition and was carrying about a stone and a-half above his real fighting weight. In three fast rounds he simply played with the former middle-weight champion of New Zealand. Much change in Heeney’s style was in evidence since his last appearance in the Dominion. There was no idling and he went to work like a tradesman. HEENEY LEAVES GISBORNE (Per Press Association.) GISBORNE, Sept. 16. Tom Heeney left by car for Wellington this morning to participate at the Wellington Boxing Association’s function to-morrow night.