Mexborough & Swinton Times, March 16 1928.

Boxing at Denaby

The second of a series of tournaments arranged by Mr. Frank Lane in the Denaby Baths at Denaby was held on Saturday and was quite as attractive as the first., The Hall was again crowded, and each bout was fully enjoyed.

Although it was not the main item, the 9 stone competition was the most interesting and perhaps the most exciting – it certainly was the most enjoyable from a spectator’s point of view but probably not from the boxer’s point, of view. It was unorthodox, but interesting in its crudeness, and in this way it provided many thrills. Each contest followed on a similar plane, blow for blow, a careful weighing up; blow for blow and then a clinch. That was repeated in each heat.

Young Newbold, of Mexborough was seen as the most promising and knocked his man, B. Jones, of Denaby, out in the first round alter Jones had been down for a count of nine.

Ford, of Denaby, and Jimmy Stokes, of Denaby, were the only pair to go the full four rounds, Ford winning up on points. Slater, of South Elmsall, was disqualified in the first round for hitting Bob Simmons (Denaby), whilst he was down. This was not a deliberate foul, but was one caused through over eagerness.

The main contest was one of ten rounds between Bert Priestley,(picture) of Mexborough, and Ernest Bicknell of Edlington. It was not an interesting contest but it had its good points. It proved to show that Priestley has yet a lot to learn. He is a great lad at forcing openings, but he is slow to follow up his advantage. It was just this point on which Priestley did not shine. Had he followed up he would have been well ahead of Bicknell on points at the finish. The pace was fast throughout but neither lad had a good punch. They were both quick in their footwork and did well at in-fighting. Although Priestley was the lighter of the two, that did not worry him much and he boxed well. Mr. Fred Eastburn decided the match a draw. After the bout. “Tosh” Price, of Mexborough, challenged Bicknell over 15 rounds at 9st 9 lbs, and the offer was accepted.

Reg Tierney of ‘Edlington, deputising’ for Steve ‘Finnan, of Swinton, beat Johnny Regan, of Edlington on points over six rounds.