BOXING

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15754, 28 February 1919, Page 6

BOXING

THE INTERNATIONAL TOURNEY. SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM. Details have just come to hand of the great International Services ooxmg contest in London for the King’s prize. The sensation was the defeat of Jimmy Wilde over the three-rounds route by Pal Moore, of America, and the fine battle put up in the semi-final against Wilde by Digger Evans, the young Australian. Moore appears to have been considerably heavier than Wilde, and the decision in favour of the American had a mixed reception. The London Sportsman of December 12 referred to the contests in these terms: “Few of those who have known the Albert Hall in the past would have recognised the great building yesterday afternoon from its audience, for if on occasion the home of serious music has been given up for a charity show or a victory ball, it had. never until yesterday ascended to the Olympian height of boxing. No douthe old prejudice, which includes all boxing enthusiasts as prizefighters and supporters of the brutal pastime, has been at the bottom of the refusals to allow boxing at the Albert Hall; but yesterday should have taught a lesson as to the good conduct and behaviour of a sporting gathering. The great building was crowded, yet a word from the M.C. (Colonel Parker) was enough to restrain even the applouse, and no man has ever been called on to preside over more orderly spectators. They were appreciative and enthusiastic, but thoroughly sporting and impartial, and in regard to fairness could have given many points to many of the avowed opponents of sport. “The boxing was generally voted of evidence when Sir David Beatty quietly entered the hall and took his place near the ring. He was immediately recognised, and in response to the cry of ‘Speech!’ told the chering crowd that he came to see fair, manly sport, and not to make speches. Moreover, as the war was finished people were saying that the talkers were taking the place of the fighters, and so he had better sit down, which he did to renewed cheering.

“The boxing was generaly voted of really good class, considering the proportions of the contests, and a generous reception was extended to all the competitors, though naturally when an old and popular favourite like Hughes or Wells or Miller, or the great little Jimmy Wilde appeared a difference was noticeable; indeed, the sergeant-instructor has seldom received such, an ovation as fell to his share yesterday afternoon. When he had, by a brilliant display of quickness and clever ringwork, defeated his much taller and heavier antagonist, the outburst was renewed again and again.

“Still it was only fit „hat a fi w minutes later, when Admiral Beatty took his departure, the cheering should have out-done anything that had gone before. Jimmy Wilde may be a popular 'dol, but Sir David Beatty is a national hero. The scene was a memorable me and the note struck throughout ms tne right one.

“Owing to slight indisposition, the King could not attend in the evening, his place being taken by Prince - ibe"t. Again the house overflowed; every seat was taken, and many xtere content with standing room only. The sport was wonderfully interesting, and the sensational defeat of Jimmy Wilde in the bantams set all tbe company chattering and discussing the adverse vote. While not quite so smart in his headword. Pal Moore was very vigorous and purposeful, and never minded mixing it. Many did not agree with the finding, and the hissing and boo-hooing which came from the gallery lasted for nearly ten minutes during which the M.C. could not he heard. Then Jim Driscoll was placed in the ring, and he calmed the noisy soldiers, who would have it that Wilde was the winner. Driscoll stated that he as the trainer of the army, was satisfied with the verdict.

“In all, the American triumphed in five finals, their other winners being Chaney, O’Dowd, Eatner, and Brown”. O’Dowd and Eatner both gave an excellent showing, the light-heavy man completely outpointing Dick Smith, who must have been over a stone the heavier. In the final the American soldier was hard pressed by Sergeant Ring, the Marine, who, after losing the first two rounds, made a very gallant effort to bring off a surprise in the final stage, which just failed. Eatner was too well equipped at all points for Fullerton.

“The British victories were scored by Hells, Basham, and Miller. Wells was too good for MeGoorty, who was handicapped in the matter of height, weight, and reach. The British champion suR aequently overcame Beckett in a poor final. Basham was given a very resolute battle by Delaney, and Miller just outpointed Smith.

Prince Albert gave away tbe prizes which included the handsome King’s trophy, amid a scene of great enthusiasm.”