Boxing

This year's boxing was notable for its many new faces or perhaps I should say new blood. Nevertheless the standard was high and much favourable comment was heard from local boxing officials. I personally thought that at least five of this year's winners were superior to last year's.

Although Victoria again succeeded in winning only one division, light-middleweight Barry Joyce being our sole victor, the team overall fared better than at Dunedin in 1957, both Peter Rich and Barry Gibson losing what must have been very narrow decisions. Barry Joyce must easily have been the toughest, roughest and strongest boxer at the Tournament. In both his bouts he fought more polished opponents but his admirable determination plus excellent fitness carried the day. Barry absorbed lots of punishment but always handed out more and won his bouts decisively.

Southpaw "Vic" welterweight Peter Rich won his first bout inside the distance but lost a very even final with a decision that might well have gone either way. Peter proved himself a very able boxer; indeed, one well-known local trainer declared him the best boxer of the Tourney.

Barry Gibson, "Vic" middleweight, turned on the surprise of the night when, after drawing a first round bye, he opposed the competent and experienced Aucklander Bill Walker. Underdog Gibson gave an aggressive display and employed a useful left jab and straight right. Gibson appeared to sneak the verdict but the judges thought otherwise. Nevertheless full marks to the local boy for a fine performance.

With memories of his fine bout with Farrey in '57, team captain Doug Law disappointed with a listless display against the Fijian Vakambau. Vakambau gained the verdict but was clean bowled in one round in the final against Farrey.

M. Christie, the 6ft. 3in. local light heavy lost a close verdict to a hard-hitting Canterbury opponent but was always well in the fight thanks to his particularly useful straight left. The other Victoria boxer, lightweight S. Philips, had a big height advantage but unfortunately lacked condition and punching power and retired after the 2nd round.

R.E.J.