BOXING.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17502, 8 September 1928, Page 20 (Supplement)

BOXING.

answers to queries. “ Strro ” —James J. Clabby, the American, did not have two bouts in Hamilton. His one and only opponent was Jim Tracey, whom he readily defeated on points. “Ropes ” —Australian Billy Grime is still in America. So far he has done nothing to anticipate that he will reach the world’s top class. “Retire” —Jack Dempsey has said, or someone has announced it for him, that lie will not again enter the ring. You had better adopt a wait-and-see policy as boxers, and chiefly champions, have a habit of changing their minds.

THE FRANKTON ASSOCIATION MONDAY NIGHT'S TOURNAMENT. A WELL-ARRANGED PROGRAMME The programme, arranged by the Frankton Boxing Association for the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, on Monday evening fully warrants a capacity house and, judging by the interest that is being shown, that reward is going to be realised. He would be a very fastidious person who would require a better selection than the amateur bouts the -association is to stage on the coming occasion. Chief interest will centre in the clash between Ackland Vernall (holder) and Clarrie McKnight (challenger) for the Tutchen Lightweight Belt, over C 2-minute rounds. There should be plenty of incident throughout the six rounds and it is hard to say what the ultimate decision will be. Vernal! is not lacking in the confidence that is a valuable adjunct to fighting and boxing ability, in both which departments the Frankton man is well equipped. McKnight, who has done most of his recent public efforts in Auckland, will be a lough opponent, lie has improved a lot during the past twelve months and was runner-up in the light-weight division at the recent Dominion championships. There will be no flagging of interest when A. Jones, of Auckland and G. Campbell, of Okoroire, come to ring centre to commence their G 2-minute round bout. Jones is at the top of his class in the province, while Campbell showed at the recent championships in the local ring that lie was a quality product- There should not be a dull moment while these lightweights are in action. The featherweights, Jack McPhail, of Auckland and H. Craig, of To Awamutu, are also to try conclusions over a similar journey to the two bouts mentioned. Both are smart lads and plenty of action should be present while they are facing each oilier. Another contest at the distance mentioned will find E. Bennett (Tc Awamutu) and Jock-Wilson (Frankton) together. E. Adams (To Awamutu) and Cullen (Frankton) are to box three 2-minute rounds. Further interesting milling is promised in the following bouts, all set down for four 2miuutc rounds: —A. Wright (Frankton), v. R- Singer (Huntly) ; W. Pitcher (Auckland), v. W. Brain (Frankton); Richard (Wailii)), v. B. Mutton (Frankton) ; R. Andrews (Auckland), v. 11. Carr (Frankton); J. Horan (Tc Awamutu), v. L. Ross (Frankton); S. Hogg (Frankton), v. S- Lilt (Taupiri) ; C. Sanders (Ngaruawahia), v. R. Eskrigge (Auckland). The programme is one which the executive of the local association are to be complimented in bringing about. The most fitting appreciation will be accorded through a bumper house.

THE BIG FIGHT.

TUNNEY’S SUCCESS. A PERSONAL VICTORY. Tunney’s victory was largely a personal triumph, says the New York Sun in referring to the success the champion gained over Tom Heeney. The strong-minded champion virtually trained himself. Starting in May, he put himself through a vigorous conditioning process that brought him into the ring in perfect shape. Ho mapped out his own fight in the heat of battle and carried it to fruition. The champion's mental poise was perfect. So perfectly had he mastered himself that ho actually fell asleep In the airplane which carried him from his camp in Speculator to New York, and a few minutes after he reached his hotel after coming ashore from the Hudson River, he was taking a short nap before weighing in. He was all smiles as ho entered

the ring, and chatted freely with his handlers. As he posed for a picture with Heeney he kidded the New Zealander about the Maori robe the latter wore.

Heeney Is Flustered. Tunney’s poise was in direct contrast to Keeney's mental and physical condition. Tom, with too many minds mixing in his training, came to New York badly flustered, carrying the whole world on his shoulders. He was in a highly nervous state during the afternoon and was ill at ease as he waited for the opening gong. For six minutes, however, it seemed that Heeney had a chance. That was while Tunney, during the first two rounds, was trying for a quick knockout and fighting wide open. Heeney shook the champion several times in the first and second, and hurt

him in the fourth, but thereafter Tom did not reach Tunney with punches that caused him any inconvenience. From the start of the third round until Tunney opened up wide in the tenth, knowing he had nothing to worry about, the champion gave a masterful exhibition of boxing. Gene stepped about briskly, easily eluding the punches flung at him by the shortarmed New Zealander and tying him up with ease at close quarters. Where Weight was Useless. Heeney’s weight margin did him no good. If anything it slowed him down. Tunney, weighing three pounds more than ever before, at 19 2, was every bit as fast as ever. It had been predicted in some quarters that after seven or eight rounds of tussling with a strong fellow like Heeney the champion would begin to tire and possibly go to pieces. Instead of that, he seemed just as fresh at the finish as at the start. In fact, he was working more and more smoothly as the fight progressed. Gene did not show a mark as he left the ring. It was the softest fight he had ever had since ho became a leading figure in the heavyweight realm. Did All He Could. Heeney did all he could, but he was outclassed In everything but gameness. And sheer gameness cannot prevail against skill, punch and speed when there is also gamness behind those factors. fi'unnoy may not be the greatest of heavy-weight champions, but he is a good champion. One thing must be said for him, at least, and that is that he has tiic knack of getting out of himself everything that is in him. There is nobody in sight who will push him off the throne as long as he can fight as lie fought last night.