BOXING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2101, 29 January 1908, Page 2 (Supplement)

BOXING.

WOELIAS FEATHER-WEIGHT OH AAi PI ON SHIP. ABE ATTELL (America) AND OAVEN MORAN (England). A TWENTY ROUNDS’ DRAW. The following cablegram was published in Sydney on January 4: “Owen Morna, an Englishman,and Abe At toll, an American, fought a 25 rounds draw at San Francisco for the Feather-weight Championship of the/World.” “The Feather-weight Championship of the World (writes “Amateur” in the Sydney “Referee”) -sends my mind back to the days of "Grilfo” and Billy Murphy. Owen Moran, by contesting a .draw with Abbo AttoLl, lias proved himself tho cleverest boxer in England has developed for several years. American authorities were unanimous in declaring Abe iA-ttell t-lic most- scientific boxer of -his weight (under 9st) that country has seen since tho days of tho Australian marvel, “Grilfo.” On November 23 Moran- -defeated tho Californian champion, “Frankie” Neil, who visited Sydney some few years ago, but failed to arrange a match. Afonin occupied 16 rounds in compelling submission from Neil, -and as the later had previously stood defeat, it did look as if the Englishmen wyald either finish as good as the Yankee top-no teller or beat him. Moran is 23 years old, and has been boxing for some seven years, during which time he has engaged in 70 odd fights. The latest is Moran’s second trip to America. The first time lie was given a decision over Dougherty in Philadelphia after six rounds of boxing, and won from Monte Atteli in New York in 20 -rounds. Moran’s principal- battles to date are: —-In England: Eddy Ware, knock-out, 3 rounds; Jim Konrick, 7 rounds; Boh Kenrick, 6 rounds; A 1 Belmont, decision, 20 rounds; A 1 Fellows, knockout, 4 -rounds; Young -Pierce, 17 rounds; Digger Stmlcy, decision, 20 rounds; Cockney Go-hen, knock-out, 3 rounds; Chris. Clarke, 2 rounds; Tommy Burns, 3 rounds; Andrew Tokol, 11 rounds. In America: Danny Dougherty, decision, 20 rounds, Now York; Tommy O’Toole, decision, 6 -rounds, Philadelphia-. For a long -time Attel, who is a Jow, fought as an amateur; ho is 24 years of -age, and oft 4in high. His record totals nearly 100 contests, and only twice was the verdict given against him. THE WORLD’S- HEAVY-WEIGHT. C'H A AhPIONSH IP. GUNNER AIOIR BADLY BEATEN. ■BURNS’ SCIENTIFIC WORKBRUTE FORCE NOT IN IT. “Reynolds’ Paper,” London, referring to 'the Tommy Birrnsj-“Gun-ner” -Alhir fight, ait -the- ‘ National Sporting Club. London, on December 2, says-: Ten rounds of unsatisfactory boxing .during which the lithe, pantherlike Burns, of America, played wit a the slow, dogged Aioir, the hope of England, sufficed to settle tho fight for the Heavy-weight Championship of the world, which had for months past been anticipated with the keenest interest- in -sporting circles throughout this country and the United States. In fact, not for many years has a light excited so much attention, consequently the disappointment- caused by the -poor show made by the English champion was all the greater. Moir’s inferiority -to Burns was most mairked —so much so that his supporters scoff at the idea that lie showed anything like his true form. In what was considered to be his forte—lie failed to show advantige. His blows seemed to lack power, and certainly made little, impression upon Burns, who received them smilingly, and retaliated in a manner which left- no doubt in the minds of the spectators as to the effect li's attack was having upon his opponent.

Compared with the high standard of importance to which the event had been exalted beforehand, the contest itself descended to a very low level. Time after time the tactics of both combatants evoked tho censure of tho referee, Burns, in the opinion of most people, being the worst offender of the two. An unseemly episode also occurred when the men first entered the ring, an altercation, initiated by Burns and bis supporters, taking place as to the deposing of the stake-money. The National Snorting Club enjovs, for an institution of the kind, particularly distinguished patronage.. and tlie spectators quite naturady strongly resented this proceeding. The scene at the club was a memorable one. Outside a: crowd of several thousand persons, assembled 1

town was tremendous —peers. Members of the House of Commons, authors, actors, -and sporting celebrities galore. Seats, for which tile lowest price was three guineas, had been at a- premium for weeks, anil long before Burns and Aioir took tho ring 't-liore was not even standing room to bo hail.

AY 11 AT THE CHAMPION WON. In -addition to the kudos ol becoming holder of the -title of Heavyweight Champion of the World, the. winner derived much material 'advantage from his victory in tile way of stakes .and bets. The stakes woro £SOO aside, and a purse of £I3OO. A large sum of money was wagered on tho rosui’.l., and for some time before Llio contest odds were laid oil Burns, who eventually started a good favorite at 7 4o 4 on. 'l he men's weights were as follow: Alois' 13st, Burns 12st 41b. The following is a description of the various rounds: Round 1. —Alter the usual handshake the pair retired' to their corners. Upon time being called Burns began tho attack, -and followed his man warily 'round 'the -ring. Getting within- measurable distance, the American twice drove the Jejt home on the body. Several times the Englishman was cautioned for holding, while Burns delivered -a succession ad right and left-handed jnlis on the head. AVhon tho round, terminated Burns had entablisheal n slight lead. Round 2. —Both quickly got to business, but ALoi'r appeared to -lack bis usual dash, while Burns wa-s content 'to keep pinking Ills mail with, the left. I lie’Englishman improved, -anal with a nice drive with the right,qjuulie the American break ground. Following his -mini up, the Gunner succecdl- - in landing lijs right twice on the head, but the deliveries on each occasion were too- high to do any damage. Round 3. —ißuriii; was . the firsL L> renew hostilities by swinging the right home on the body. Several times the Gunner tried to lie there first, but Ills blows were neatly parried. ' Burns tried to fluster his opponent, but Aioir was not to be drawn. Burns allowed bis opponent to -use both hands homo am the head, but just before the gong sounded the American swung his right, which lauded oil the point, anil Aioir r ent down. Ho quickly rose, however, and planted the left on- 'the face, which terminated the round. Round 4. —The Englishman wore a somewhat ruffled appearance when they faced each other for the fourth time. Aioir, however, was perfectly strong, -and he succeeded 1 in delivering some -heavy blows with ' both hands on the head. These blows, however, bad very little effect on the American, who unsuccessfully tried his right upon two occasions. At the end of the round Aioir was again cautioned by the referee for holding, and threatened with disqualification if lie persisted.

Round 5. —'Aioir was the first to lead, and the American 'tried to bring up ibis -dexter -hand. For some time Burns went for his man, and once oaino suspiciously near butting him. The visitor was now not quite so fast as hitherto, .and Aioir amt in some useful work. At 'the end of the round the referee had to caution the American for boring. Round o.—ln this round the American displayed marked cleverness b.v reaching the face with the left half-a-<lozcn times with considerable force. These blows left very, pronounced marks on the Englishman, who, nevertheless, continued to persevere, anal during several, smart half-arm exchanges delivered some heavy punishment.

Round 7.—The American repeatedly rushed in with his head down, and once got home a- couple of left-hand hooks on the head. Both men became rather slower, and tho round terminated without any particular incident. Round B.—ln this round Burns fought very cleverly, while Hie referee for the first time got into the ring to separate the boxers. Although receiving a- deal- of punishment, Aioir -stood up to his work unflinchingly, while towards the end of the meeting the Gunner’s efforts were rewarded by getting home some hard body blows. Round 9.—ln this meeting both men fought at a very fast rate. Al'oir, 'although during most of the time on the defensive, frequently made spasmodic efforts at punkhment, but was unable to do much damage. Round 10 (and last). —The passage-at-a-rms opened _ with the American t-lirice scoring with tho right on the hea-cl. Upon again coming together Burns swung the right, -which landed squarely on the jaw, -and Aioir went down like a log. Slowly Aioir was to his feet-, but -upon Burns again coming after him he fell through sheer weakness. Ho managed to rise again, but Burns, -after feinting with the left, shot across h'is right, and this put an end to tho contest.