BOXING

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10230, 8 January 1927, Page 11

BOXING

TL'NXEY TO DEPEND TITLE IN SEPTEMBER. BIG MONEY GUARANTEED CHAMPION. (United Press Assn—Copyright.) WASHINGTON/ Jan. 6. A message from St. Louis states that Gene Tunney to-day agreed to defend his title in September against any contender selected by Tex Rickard. The guarantee is reputed to be the largest ever made tor a fight. It is reported that Tunny 'is guaranteed 400,0-00 dollars (about £BO,000) and 30 per cent, of the net proceeds, which are expected to be over L,000,000 dollars (about £200,000). Tex Rickard is to announce his opponent not later than Juno 15.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

G.B.A. TOURNAMENT. PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL BOUT. At a meeting of the committee of the Gisborne Boxing Association last night, it was decided to hold a tournament on February 10. It is hoped to match H. -Casey and R Trowern for a purse of £lso including expenses. Failing Trowern, an attempt will be made to engage Jensen (Australia). It was further decided to put on two special six-round bouts, matching two local lads with two outside boxers.

GOOD NIGHT THOMPSON. _ SURVIVED 160 SECONDS WITH PAYNE.

THRILLING TUSSLE WHILE! IT LASTED.

George Thompson, present heavy-, weight champion of Australia, non his S title from Ern fehepjieard some little time hack when lie settled that ofknofe the champion out in 160 secondshe very nearly equalled Thompson s (11.10) knocked^ George Thompson (12.0) m the firs round twenty seconds « efoi ; e tbe be ! l aSt&SS- toYse” short

arm blows; hut his clinch work was ineffective. Payne became most aggressive and landed a couple of rights to the top of the head. The heavyweight champion of Australia at filiis stage became most aggressive, and playing his man in close, showed his superiority. Oil breaking away, the American sent two right swings to the jaw, but Thompson ducked just in time and the “Tiger’s” energies were spent on the atmosphere. Taking advantage of Payne’s position, the Australian put in a left to the head and a right to the body. The negro then changed his tactics quickly as if intending to pose southpaw. "He forced the fray, but missed several times in his eagerness to do something sensational. Moving fast, Payne delivered some solid-looking left hooks backed with pounding ,rights. On one occasion a left hander landed high on Thompon’s right check with phenomenal poundage. The champion fell back dazed in a sitting position and endeavored tt> rise. He almost stood up but floundered on his chest against the flower ropes. He was assisted to his corner. Under Ins right eye there was a large lump bigger than an eg" —the result of the sleeping draught below. There was an attendance of over 8000. The principals divided £1356.