BOXING TITLE

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 11

BOXING TITLE

JOE LOUIS WINS GODOV OUTPOINTED CROWD HOOTS DECISION (Unl’ed Press As«n.— tpl. Copyriarht) NEW YORK, Feb. 10 In a challenge for the world's heavy-weight boxing championship, Joe Louis (holder) beat Arturo Godoy (Chile) at Madison Square Garden yesterday on points, after 15 rounds. The pound difference in the weights was in favour of the negro, who turned the scales at 14st 71b. The crowd of 16,000 hooted the decision. The betting was 10 —1 on Louis, and B—s on the fight lasting five rounds. The takings were 88,000 dollars. Godoy Full of Fight Godoy danced about the ring full of fight at the finish after forcing the champion to retreat in most of the rounds. It was a split decision, one judge voting for Godoy. The United Press correspondent considers that the bout was drawn, giving five rounds to each man and nominating five as even. Louis concentrated on rights to the head, Godoy favouring lefts to the body. Both were bleeding from cuts on the face in the third round. The crowd howled with delight during a sensational eighth round, Godoy cornering and pummelling Louis. Godoy continued to force matters until the fourteenth round, during which he taunted the champion. Louis was the more accurate hitter throughout. Interviewed after the fight Louis said: “My worst fight. That guy is nothing but a clown.” Goday shouted, “ I’ll fight him to-morrow.” A Clown Fight The correspondent cf the North American newspaper Alliance, John Gardner, states: ”It was a clown fight, with Louis insulted more than hit. The crowning insult came in the fourteenth round when the bouncing buffoon Chilean kissed Louis on the cheek. The slapstick fooled one one judge into giving the loser 10 rounds, but not the referee, Mr Donovan.”

All except two of the ringside experts favoured Louis.