Boxing

The 1952 Tournament will see the introduction of the two new weight divisions, light welter and light-middle, accepted in 1951 by the N.Z.A.B.A. to lessen possible weight disparities in the old welter and middle-weight categories. Because of insufficient entries, bantam-weight was eliminated from Tournament by N.Z.U.S.A. last year, so we are left with but one extra division, giving a total of eight.

Last year, although unsuccessful ill wresting back the Shield, our team as a whole was the strongest at Auckland. All of our five reps reached the finals, and two titles were won. By comparison, A.U.C., the winners, were virtually carried by two men, who won three titles. The nucleus of our 1951 team will be available again this year.

Jim Donald, albeit reluctantly, will be our light-heavy, and if he can reproduce the form he showed in last year's final, should retain his title.

Bob Street, 1950-51 N.Z.U. champion, does not look like losing his monopoly of the middle weight title. A clever boxer, and a heavy puncher with both hands. Bob is ranked as one of the best amateur middle-weights in New Zealand.

Featherweight representative will be Tony Keesing, runner-up last year. Tony is fitter this time, and will be a strong contender.

Mick Davis, from Massey, will probably move up to light-welter. Although then virtually a novice, last year Mick fought a Homeric battle against F. Davis of A.U.C. in the light-weight final. He proved to be very fit and very strong, and should be the man to beat in the new division.

Brian Bull, 1950 light-weight, may once more be entering the lists. Extremely aggressive, and surprisingly strong, a lack of fitness has hampered Brian. That remedied, he would be a major contender for a title.

Promising newcomers are Jim Hutcheson, and Bruce Carran. Jim possesses an unusually long reach for his weight, and he hits hard and often. He is training hard, his boxing is rapidly improving, and he could well win the light middleweight title at his first Tournament.

Possible heavyweight rep. Bruce Carran has done little competitive boxing, but is learning fast. A naturally heavy puncher, he is improving his timing and defence. On last year's criterion, the heavyweight championship is not beyond him.

If all these man are fit and available, Vic. should regain that Shield.

—B.M.B.