MURPHY MET HIS MASTER

Wanganui Chronicle, 25 February 1947, Page 5

MURPHY MET HIS MASTER

SHOULD ADMIT IT AND GIVE UP, SAYS MANAGER

Wellington, Feb. 24. It is probable that Bos Murphy, New eZaland welter-weight boxing champion, fought his last fight when he was beaten on points by Willie Jones at Petone on Saturday night. Murphy's manager, Mr P. J. Galvin, told "The Evening Post” to-day that he had advised Murphy not to fight again. Murphy’s reply was that he would think things over and discuss his future with Mr. Galvin to-morrow. "Bos met his master on Saturday night,” said Mr. Galvin. "He should admit it and give the game best. There is the danger that from now on his fights will cost him too much in damage to his health to make the financial return worth while.’’ Mr. Galvin said he thinks that Murphy’s nose was really broken on Saturday. When it was first damaged by Patrick there was some uncertainty as to whether a fracture occurred, but there seems ‘to be little doubt about it this time. The nose will be examined by a doctor on Wednesday, the delay being due to the desirability of allowing the swelling to subside. "I asked Bos yesterday how he felt,” continued Mr. Galvin. "He replied that apart from the fact that his nose felt about twice as big as usual he had suffered no ill-effects. He denied that lie was affected by headaches. It is not generally known, and the Murphy camp have given no publicity to the fact through fear that some people might regard it as a "squareoff," that the champion’s handlers attempted as late as Wednesday of last week to have the return contest with Jones postponed for a week. Murphy was suffering from a slight cold and was not responding as well as usual to iris training schedule. When, however, the reply was received that the date could not be altered the matter was not pressed. bugbear of career Murphy's nose has threatened to be the bugbear of his career ever since Patrick damaged it. The need to safeguard it has affected his training and he has also been conscious of it in his lights. The loss of blood which it cost him throughout Saturday’s bout must have been considerable. Murphy, who is engaged to be mar. ried, regards boxing as a means or I building up some capital so that one i day he may establish a business of I his own. Though he likes boxing, it is not his ambition to climb to the heights that brings him into the ring against such internationally kno.vr. I opponents as Patrick and Jones. The ifact tnat he has hesitated to embark I upon overseas tours has been due to I the fact that he has wanted to be sure I that the monetary returns would be , adequate. If he retires at this stage two contests scheduled for him will have to be cancelled. He is due to tight Roy Stevens for the middleweight title at Petone on March 8, and Cliff Hanham at Hastings a week ’ater. Even if he does not hang up his gloves it is difficult to see how he can fulfil that programme. UPLIFT FOR JONES. Whatever effect the result of Saturday's fight may have had upon Murphy, it certainly enhanced the repuI tation of Jones. There was no disI honour for Murphy—rather a great ! deal of honour—in the defeat lid the manner in which it was suffered, but it he does decide to continue in the game and to pursue the negotiations with Stadiums, Ltd., he may find the Australian concern offering a reduced price, Jones, however, is now on the box seat. His box-oflic appeal in the eyes of Australian —and American —promoters should be much greater than it was earlie;'. Many people have asked whether Jones will now meet Patrick, forgetting that Patrick decided after his clash with Murphy that henceforth lie would coniine himselt to lightweights. It is hardly to be expected that Jones could take off enough ol by sinewy frame to make the 9st. 91b. limit.