TRACY V. GAULT MATCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1121, 5 October 1911, Page 10

TRACY V. GAULT MATCH.

.AUCKLANDER SCORES KNOCKOUT. (From our Wanganui Correspondent.) Alf. Gault, of Auckland, put up a fine performance at the Opera House on Friday evening, when he scored a win over Tim Tracy, the wellknown Wellington lightweight. There was a big crowd to see the contest, which was a splendid one, a heap of good work being crowded into each of the rounds. Tracey scaled 9.13 and Gault 9.10%. The former is not so tall as the Aucklander, but is thick-set, and looked the heavier mam Both bore a well-trained appearance, Gault especially being very fit. The Wellington man was favourite, but the fight had not been long in progress 'before Gault was given at least an even chance. He was quicker in his movements, and used his left with great effect, while Tim seemed laboured, and had lost some of the speed which formerly characterised his ’boxing. He was very clever in ducking, and this saved him from a lot of trouble, while now and again he would get some good lefts on to Gault’s chin, sometimes two dr three in succession, but once or twice he had the Aucklander groggy, but the latter would soon pull himself together, and then send a straight left to Tim’s ear or jaw, which usually found its mark, the Wellingtonian leaving himself very open to this blow. It was a remarkably clean fight, and both men were very willing and game, first one and then the other getting to work. The pace was very fast, and several good judges, after the first round, predicted that they would not go five rounds at the same rate, but they did, and got half way through the ninth before Tracey received his quietus. Prior to getting the one on the point, which settled the argument, Tracy looked well enough to go on for some time, though the Aucklander had had the best of nearlj r every round. The winner made many friends by his display, and was accorded quite an ovation on being declared the victor. He has undoubtedly improved a great deal of late, and one or two who know the game thoroughly predict that Gault will defeat Hannan, who knocked out Tracy last Friday week. However, when Hannan and Gault clash there should ’be a fight worth a bare-footed pilgrimage to see. Without attempting to detract in’ the slightest degree from the Aucklander’s fine showing, there can be little doubt that Tracy has slowed down, and is not now quite the brilliant boxer he once was. He has reached an age—about 38—when most men begin to go back at such strenuous games as this, and he realises the fact now, though previous to going into the ring here he was confident that he could win, and was looking forward to another chance at Hannan. Much sympathy was expressed for him in his defeat,, which is not surprising since Tim Tracy is one of the most popular men who ever stepped into a ring, and deservedly so, as throughout his wonderfully successful career he has proved himself a good and clean sport, who made friends wherever he went.