JONES BEATS MURPHY ON POINTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 February 1947, Page 5

JONES BEATS MURPHY ON POINTS

GREAT FISTIC CONTEST IN WELLINGTON DRAMATIC INCIDENTS (PA.) Wellington, Feb. 23 Willie Jones, American negro, gave one of the most impressive exhibitions of iistlcs seen in a ring in this country when he beat Bos Murphy, on points, at Pctone on Saturday night. The contest was also one of the most sensational witnessed, Murphy being down in the first and third rounds, and Jones in the second. The tenth round provided the greatest highlights for the crowd ol over 10,000, Murphy being badly shaken, but he weathered all efforts by Jones to get a vital blow. It was a maivellous exhibition of boxing. Tlie American's deadly right cross to the head was the deciding factor The pair were evenly matched in speed and ringcraft, and in peppering each other with lefts, but Jones proven a superior two-handed boxer. His ability to maintain his speed surprised Murphy at limes. Alter some furious exchanges which would lead to clinches, Jones woula carry on with a flurry of blows while his opponent appeared content to move away. He vas as dangerous in these moments as when throwing punches from long range. Experienced ringside judges expressed the opinion that Jones, now at his peak, must rank highly among tlie world welterweights. His display was so superior to that when he previously met Murphy and, by competent opinions, to those he gave in Australia, that the possibility of still further progress appears an open issue.

Ringside spectators also voiced the opinion that Jones was a mucli superior opponent for Murphy than Vic Patrick.

"That was the toughest fight I have ever had," said Jones alter the contest. While naturally delighted with his win, Jones praised Murphy as an opponent ot far tougher mettle than John Thomas (America), now rated among the world's leading lightweights, to whom Jones lost on a narrow decision last year. Jones considered that Murphy possessed the best left he had encountered. He also paid tribute to his opponent’s skill in weathering the dramatic tenth round. Murphy, on that occasion, showed rare boxing courage and ability in absorbing so mucli punishment, yet putting up sufficient defence as to be able to ward oil one more vital blow which might well have ended the bout.

“It’s no disgrace to lose a fight like that," was Murphy's comment. Jones appeared to win at least live rounds and Murphy two, with the remainder even. Weights were: Jones, lOst. 511b5.; Murphy, lost. 131bs. Though Murphy took the greater battering he quickly recovered after a shov, er and a rub down. Some doubts are entertained, however, concerning his coming bouts due to the conmi.. of his nose, an injury h* received in the Patrick light. The wound was reopened on Saturday night and the nose is very tender.