BOXING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1138, 1 February 1912, Page 14

BOXING.

On Tuesday night of last week Bill Lang, the Melbourne heavyweight, whose ring career at one time gave promise of being one triumphal climb on the pugilistic ladder of fame, made his reappearance within the hempen square, with Jim Barry, the young American boxer, as his opponent. Defeat apparently has not disheartened the big Victorian footballer and boxer, for he expressed confidence in himself to whip Jim Barry, but though the contest went the full twenty rounds, the decision was cast in favour of the American. Lang’s latest ring engagements clearly point to the fact that he is on the down grade, and he would do well to quit the game before he is stripped of what few laurels that remain after a plucky endeavour to win the world’s championship crown for the white race. It was with a joyful heart that Bill Lang departed from Australia over a year ago intent upon making his boxing prowess known in other countries but the Commonwealth, and in this he was by no means disappointed, for his contest in London with Sam Langford brought him that fame which many another equally skilled boxer has longed for in vain. Lang’s much discussed showing against the Boston Tar Baby is now a matter of history to ring enthusiasts, but there is little doubt that the Melbourne fighter’s hot headedness on that occasion was brought about more by his determination to oust the negro than by any fear he is unfairly blamed for having of the coloured man. The seriousness of the position no doubt had a somewhat unnerving effect upon the high-strung white rrfan, who would naturally be excited, since the issue meant so much to him. While there can be no question that in Langford’s case the better man won, Lang may well take credit for entering the ring against so doughty an opponent and putting up a remarkably game display, for which much praise that was due was withheld owing to the Australian in his excitement unfortunately fouling his opponent.

In losing his battle with Jim Barry on points, Bill bang has not allowed his reputation as a boxer to suffer to any material extent, wnereas had the American disposed of him via the knockout route the occasion would prooably have marked Lang’s last appearance in important contests, for the public are tiring of the said Bill Lang’s vain attempts to “come back.” In Barry he met a boxer far removed from the general run of “trial horses” that have been unearthed in America during the past few years, for Barry has the distinction of having given Sam McVea a tough contest in Paris not so long ago, losing on a foul in the 15th round. Barry has also met Langford seven times, while “Fireman” Jim Flynn and Joe Jeanette have been numbered among his opponents. It is thus seen that Lang was up against it “real hard,” and while his defeat was not of a discouraging nature, it is to be hoped the Melbourne fighter will take an opportune lesson and pay ieu to the ring before further reverses detract from the genuine merit of his eventful career as a boxer.

The meeting of Dave Smith and “Cyclone” Johnny Thompson in Sydney last week was productive of the result anticipated, the ex-New Zealander proving too solid a proposition for the American welterweight, whose one great performance consisted o. whipping Billy Papke some time ago at the same meeting place. It is even surprising to find that Thompson weathered twenty rounds with the .much-improved Smith, the latter’s victory being gained on points. Thompson’s showing against Dave Smith .makes the Lester-Thompson battle bear a more open appearance than before, as the general impression prior to the latter’s meeting with Smith was that Lester would prove far too •vigorous an opponent for the American ex-middleweight.

Dave Smith has received an offer from Mr. Mclntosh to accompany him on a tour of the world, leaving Australia for Paris in April. The dates are being arranged to fit in with the opening of the English season, while a number of matches will also be made for America.

Dave Smith has done himself and Australia proud (says the Sydney “Sun”). Not only uas he pleased thousands by his manly behaviour, both in and out of the ring, but he has provided for the land of his adoption —he is New Zealand born —one of the finest advertisements possible. And all the time he adopts the unassuming air that invariably surrounds great men. With every fight he has improved. Each time he has added to

his confidence, and now he is one of the greatest boxers ot his weight in the world. His convincing win over Jack Lester, and the closeness to whicn he went to scoring a knock-out, added to his prestige, and had he succeeded in putting the allegedly ironconstructed man to sleep there would not have been a single follower of the sport the world over who woutld not have been acclaiming him as a wonder. Smith never fought better. He was faster, punched harder, and boxed with more confidence than he has ever displayed previously. Although opposed to a probationer as far as boxing skill is concerned, he was up against an extremely dangerous man —a fighter who had shown wonderful powers of absorbing the heaviest of punishment, and an ability to retain his strength and punch all the while. But Smith fought like a true master. There was no hit and clinch for him. He made the fighting and how attractive was his every move? There was the precision mark on everything. He never let up once. After allowing Lester to “go mad” for a couple of rounds, during which the American threatened to annihilate his opponent, Smith took up the attack, and at no time gave Lester any peace. Using his feet well, and never once giving ground, he timed every punch beautifully. He hit Lester when and where he liked. The tough Yankee could do nothing with him, and did not land a single damaging punch. Smith’s was a wonderful fight, and it raised him considerably in the estimation of every true lover of a boxer and a fighter.

Matters in connection with a second meeting between the coloured pugilists, McVea and Langford, bear a very unsettled appearance at present, despite Mr. H. D. Mclntosh’s repeated efforts to ’bring the pair to terms. It is whispered in well-in-formed quarters that Sam McVea is not at all keen for another battle with Langford, and as the taller negro appears to be raising obstacles against a return match there would seem to be good grounds for the statement. McVea’s attitude in regard to a second meeting is not calculated to increase his popularity with Australian fight enthusiasts, for after gaining the decision over the “Boston Tar Baby” by so narrow a margin it is only fail- that he should comply with Langford’s request for another match, provided, of course, the conditions are favourable. An injured arm has ’been pleaded by McVea as an excuse for not entertaining the prospects of another battle at present, but as the damaged member is now sound again, there should be nothing to prevent the pair clashing again at an early date. Their fight of Boxing Day revealed to Australians the : r remarkable equality in boxing skill, for never has a world’s championship contest been the subject of so much diversity of opinion as the battle between these powerful negro fighters. A return match is certain to arouse the greatest enthusiasm in Sydney, and should such contest eventuate the gate receipts will probably show an increase on the amount paid for admission to the Stadium on Boxing Day.