Tonga hopes for boxing glory

From a Nukualofa correspondent Interest in boxing is high in Tonga, and almost every radio in the kingdom was tuned to the Clay world title fight recently. Tonga has had some success in the past, and dreams of greater glory in the future.

Currently Tongans are hopeful of seeing the Tongan-born New Zealand lightweight champion, Manoel Santos, carry his success further and annex the British Empire title. Previous Tongan challengers for this coveted prize have been Kitione Lave, in the heavyweight division, and Johnny Halafini in the lightweight. Neither was successful, although both are still rated in the top ten in Britain.

Recently Santos outpointed Australian welterweight champion Carmen Rotolo, in one of a series of preparation fights.

On March 15 in Wellington, NZ, Santos will meet Bunny Grant, of Jamaica, the present British Empire champion, and all Tonga will follow the results of this most important fight of his career.

A promising youngster in the amateur field is 16-year-old Joey Santos, brother of Manoel, at present in New Zealand. Already Auck land boxing circles are saying that Joey is showing more promise than Manoel at a comparable stage in his boxing career.