CLEVER BOXING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 196, 20 August 1934, Page 8

CLEVER BOXING

BOUT AT INVERCARGILL PALMER AND STRICKLAND AUSTRALIAN’S POINTS LEAD [ Per Press Association. J INVERCARGILL, Aug. 19. • An exhibition of clever, scientific ■ iroxing was given by Ambrose Palmer, , heavyweight champion of Australia, in his fir-st engagement under the aus- . pices of the Southland Boxing Asso- . ciation last night, when he defeated Maurice Strickland, of Wellington, on 1 points. The contest, ten three-minute rounds, was staged in the Drill Hall, which was crowded with about 3UUU 1 spectators. Palmer’s weight was list. 141 b. and Strickland’s 12.12. The result of the contest was a clear-cut win on points for Palmer. Strickland made a good foil for the Australian, nevertheless, and while at no stage could it be said that Strickland threatened danger, it was a compliment to him that Palmer held the greatest respect for his right-hand punch. Both men looked in splendid condition when they sparred up for the first exchange, Palmer well proportioned and beautifully muscled and Strickland tall, rangy and strong. The first round or two were almost wholly confined to sparring, but thus early it was clear that Palmer was going to be too speedy and elusive tor his opponent, the New Zealander preferring to try to box Palmer into position before driving in his famous punch. '1 his was not so much the forlorn hope that many expected, and more than once the target was found. Palmer was generally on a side move, however, and most of Strickland s rights no more than grazed his face and head- Palmer concentrated on his left in the early rounds and occasionally flashed in to rip a left to the body, a left hook to the head and a right to the heart. This combination of blows appears to be Palmer’s favourite, and against Strickland he rare y < failed to connect with all three. lie . .peed Of his work in this attack was ‘ amazing. In the middle stages Strick- _ land having gained confidence in his . ability to “go” with Palmer, used his weight and ruggedness to force Palmer on the ropes, but here again it was , the Australian who displayed something out of the ordinary in rope j work. He weaved and ducked and blow after blow merely shot over his shoulder or was taken on the gloves, j Upper-cuts by both men added variety to the attack, and Strickland roused a j cheer from the crowd when he rammed | in a hard right or two to Palmer s , ia Up to the seventh round Strickland . boxed veiv well, but he appeared to he wearing at the eighth and Palmer , plied his straight left with regular . success to Strickland’s head. In the final round Strickland made a determined effort to catch the champion 1 unawares with his right, but he was unsuccessful, and the bout ended with Palmer holding a clear lead. Palmer’s powerful left was a revelation and his speed of punch was re- - markable. On defence his footwork enabled him to flash out of danger and come in as quickly to take up . the attack. He was as fast is a lightweight in some of his moves and won the “crowd with his cool slipping of 1 Strickland's right. To Strickland great credit is due for holding his own up to a point with Palmer. It was a tall ' order for him but he proved that, he could box as well as punch.