BOXING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1029, 25 November 1909, Page 12

BOXING.

ROBERTSON’S WRESTLING CHALLENGT.

(To the Editor.) Sis: In answer to Mr. Robertson s letter which appear in the last issue of the “Review” I wish to inform him that the lightweight limit is recognised all over the world as 10st; in fact, in some places in America it is 9st 71b. Mr. A. F. Bettinson, the renowned manager of tne National Sporting Club, at Covent Garden, London, arranges a wrestling tournament every year which is open to competitors from all over the world. The contests are held at the Alhambra Theatre, Leicestei’ Square, London, and the winners are recognised as world’s champions by all the leading sporting papers. The different weights are as follows: Lightweight 10st. and under; middleweight list. 71b. and under; heavyweight any weight. J. Gardiner encloses a copy of the Alhambra championship tournament regulations, which bear out his statement. (Ed. G. R).

Mr. Robertson wrote about the National Wrestling Association’s weights, but forgets to put National “Amateur” Wrestling Association of Great Britain. As Mr. Robertson knows, I am no amateur, no more is he, both of us being professionals. It would therefore be far better if Mr. Robertson takes the professional weights into consideration. Every sportsman in Auckland is acquainted with the fact that whilst in the Northern city I

tried to the best of my ability to arrange a match with any featherweight or lightweight. I am not at all particular as regards the sidestake, anything from £25 to £2OO aside will meet with my approval. I wish to let Mr. Robertson know that I am a featherweight, and my sporting offer which appeared in this paper some little time back, still holds good. I am very anxious to make a match with Mr. Robertson at the lightweight limit for the lightweight championship of New Zealand, and I go as far as to agree to weigh in at the ringside at 9st., that is I am prepared to give Mr. Robertson one stone in weight. I wish to prove to the New Zealand public that my offers are bona fide, and. therefore Mr. Robertson or any featherweight in the world can have a match for anything up to £2OO aside. I intend going to Stratford in the course of a week or so, and will endeavour to come to terms with Mr. Robertson, and he should find no difficulty in getting a match with me, together with a deposit and a guarantee as to weight at the ringside. This will I trust soon lead to business. —I am, &c, JOE GARDINER, Opera House, Wanganui.