The Ring.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 529, 20 September 1900, Page 6

The Ring.

Tvn? LIGHT-WEIGHT championship of AUSTRALIAThe match between Otto Crib, the unbeaten exNew Zealander, and Higgins, of Melbourne, for a £ 00 pur.<e and the light-weight championship of Australia, attracted a big crowd at the Golden Gate Club on Ist. Although both men had undergone a thorough preparation for the battle, it did not last long, but it was exciting enough while it lasted In the first round both fought bard, there being an absence of sparring tactics, and before the gong sounded it was evident that there could be only one verdict —victory for Cribb, who, before the men entered tho ring, was favourite at 5 to 2 on. Soon after they faced each other in the second round, Cribb opened an old wound over Higgin’s left eye, and as blood flowed freely, the latter was placed at some disadvantage When about halfway through the round Cribb sent his right on to the v.c orian’s jaw, and brought him to the floor. He made an attempt to rise, but being on his knee was counted out. The crowd, who were, of course, disappointed at so abrupt a termination of what promised to be a real good contest, took sides with Higgins, who declared that he was on his feet' and manifested its disapproval. The calmer section of the audience agreed with referee, Don M'Donald, that the timekeeper’s verdict was a correct one, and, even if it was not, it would have been a shame to let Cribb face the Victorian again, as he had him hopelessly beaten. While Cribb very properly could not see his way to provide two contests for one purse, he expressed willingness to again meet Higgins if he was dissatisfied with the verdict, any time be liked to appoint.