Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 03 June 1932

Boxing at Wombwell

Thu news that a syndicate has acquired the Wombwell skating rink for the purpose of promoting boxing contests has created quite a “flutter” in local pugilistic circles.

Who have we capable of upholding Wombwell’s prestige in the roped enclosure? Unfortunately at moment choice is lather limited but at least two lads have the makings of champions.

These are the brothers Bob (picture) and Matt Watson. The latter is best known under his fighting nome de plume Matt Moran, which by the waywas his mother’s maiden name.

Both lads have graduated through the rough and rocky school of the boxing booth, and can give and take bard knocks with the best.

Bob Watson, who is twenty years of age, and weighs 8 stone 10 pounds, has had a long run of successes in this country. He set sail for America on the Scythia last week, where he is already booked for half a dozen contests.

A big family party and a number of boxing pals, including Don Volante gave him a hearty send off at Liverpool.

Matt Moran is the hero of over 60 fights and has won most of them by the quickest route. He has beaten Jack Dolan, Frank Ryan, Arthur Dean and McDonald of Manchester. Moran is anxious to meet Jack Skelly of Barnsley. Recently, Skelly was forced to retire after five rounds with Bob Watson and Matt thinks he can finish the job in a more workman-like manner.

Moran returned last week-end from Len Johnson’s boxing booth, where he has been meeting all sorts and sizes, for the modest sum of ten shillings for three rounds. He arrived home on Saturday, and started road work early on Monday morning.

Moran, who is 17 years of age, weighs two pounds more than his brother, intends to put himself under the guidance of Charlie Hardcastle, a former champion.