Boxing in Invercargill in 1946......

Thanks Tom for sending me information about boxing in 1946.  Yes you are right there was a lot more going on than rugby but I just publish what I get. Anyway here goes......

The first novice boxing tournament of the season was held in the Civic Theatre in 1946 and there was a large crowd.

Results were: 
W. Archer 5.2 of Gore beat W. Young of Invercargill 5.7.
Archer came in with both arms fighting all the way.  Young was quite a bit taller, but could not match Archer's speed.
It was a great match with Archer showing he has the makings of a 'champ'.

L. Baker (YMCA) 5.7 beat A. King (Gore) 5.9
Not many punches appeared to be thrown, and Baker seemed the stronger of the two. King's straight left was good but he did not use it a lot.  Baker earned the win and looks a better prospect with more coaching.

J.Cook (Invercargill) 6.3 beat T. Lynch (Gore) 6.6
Cook had the advantage of height and length and could throw a good punch.
Lynch's posture gave him a disadvantage as he tended to lean back to far, which gave Cook the chance to stand over him.

L. Baker (YMCA) 5.7 beat W. Archer (St Marys Gore) 5.2
This was probably the bout of the night as both boys fought with everything they had.  Baker changed his tact in this fight and dropped his previous shadow sparring.
The judges could not come to a decision and ordered a fourth round.
There was a bit of controversy as Archer looked as though he definitely won the last round and had also won the second and third round.  Bad luck to Archer.

B. Hickey (Gore) 9.5  beat D. Everett (Invercargill) 9.10
Everett took off at a fast pace where as Hickey appeared to take his time and when Everett looked complacent he threw three good right crosses that took his opposite by surprise.
Everett was the faster boxer but he had to defend some shattering punches that left him breathless.
Everett recovered and forced Hickey on to the ropes, but it was a little too late as Hickey had already got the points.  Both boys were brave and showed they could withstand some big hits.

L. Jones (Invercargill) 9.7  beat M. Hoffman (Gore) 9.6
Both boys were even in the first round, but Jones stepped up the pace in the second round and completely outclassed Hoffman.
Hoffman has the makings of a good boxer and with a little more experience and coaching will better.

R. M. McFarlane (Drummond) 9.3 beat B. Hickey (Gore) 9.5
Both boxers exchanged good hard punches and McFarlane showed a lot of speed but was slowed by Hickey's slogging swings.
Hickey did not get away with anything though and received what he gave, as McFarlane realised what a good straight left is and drove in one after another to Hickey's nose.  

J. Cook (YMCA) 6.3 beat D. Ainsley (Gore) 6.7
Cook was too strong for Ainsley who was nevertheless a trier with good punches in both hands.

L. Baker (YMCA) beat J. Pickles (YMCA)
​This was a sparring match in which either boys were effective.