Jimmy Sharman and his boxing troupe.
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This article was published in the Young Witness on Thursday 7 September 1922, under the heading, Jimmy Sharman's Great Show. It is only a few years ago the officials in charge of our local Agricultural Show were much opposed to boxing taking place on their grounds until the popular Jimmy Sharman applied for the privilege and on account of having a reputation as a clean and genuine athlete he was finally allowed the privilege of appearing with his well conducted troupe with the result that at each year's carnival since sporting folk have been given an opportunity of witnessing boxing conducted as it should be.
Although the enterprising "Jimmy" has provided good shows in the past it is doubtful if ever his past performances came up to yesterday's standard. As from the opening till the last session was fought some exciting battles were staged, bouts that proved humorous fierce and clever were conducted. After having advertised for talent to match the numerous boxers expected to be in attendance. Some of those that provided exciting entertainment were "Doolin" Murray (Cowra's Champion) J Pealdon and a lad from Harden who had the crowd convulsed with laughter by his frantic efforts of trying to remove the head off the clever Tommy Murphy.
Another contest that drew largely and excited the audience was when Peter Woods undertook to stop Les Hampton in five rounds for £10. The former after having a severe struggle landed what the crowd termed a lucky punch, being a left swing in the fourth round dropping his opponent heavily, who pluckily regained his feet and withstood a severe drubbing until finally Mr Joe Gleeson (Referee) stopped the fight giving Woods the decision. Woods was immediately challenged by a heavier brother of Hampton's. Charlie, who has supported himself for £10 to say that Woods cannot repeat yesterdays result on him. These two fight it out this afternoon.
Another local contest yesterday caused much comment was the bout between "Tiger Woods" and one of Mandurama's footballers. Bill Butler who acted as referee was given everything but a good reception when declaring the match a draw and offering to support their man. This will be fought after the afternoon session. After witnessing several contests yesterday we can confidently recommend for all lovers of boxing to be on hand for the matches arranged this afternoon.
Boxing at the Stadium. Published on Friday 27 June 1924 in the Brisbane Daily Standard. One of the finest treble bills ever staged at the Brisbane stadium will be presented to local boxing enthusiast tomorrow evening, with six of the most promising boys showing their skills. In addition an exceptionally clever Sydney boy, is featherweight Peter Woods, will make his bow to Saturday night patrons. Woods won his first contest in Queensland on Wednesday night last, when he contested a 15 round bout with tough Jack Brown. Woods is a protege' of that great teacher and judge of boxers, popular Jimmy Sharman, and he at once became a prime favourite with Wednesday night patrons by reason of his beautiful two-handed boxing, his work being an eye-opener, and although he easily outpointed the "durable Greek" in every round of the 15 that were fought, ringsiders could easily see that in sporting parlance he was only going half pace, being content to give a delightful exhibition of the scientific side of boxing. On Saturday night next Woods will meet a tough aggressive customer in hard punching Pat Davis and he will be a much more difficult proposition to handle than Jack Brown .Up against a fighter who has improved out of sight, and as both boys are heavy punchers as well as aggressive fighters. Their battle should be at a fast and furious clip.
Owing to the length of the programme there will be no preliminaries and the first 15 rounder will commence at 8pm sharp. They will adhere to the reduced minimum price of admission of 2s.
This is part of the story of Peter and Kitty Woods. Peter was an Irish Convict and Kitty was an Australian Aborigine. They were associated with Steele Caldwell and James White as well as being the licensee's of the Star Hotel at Lambing Flat. There is more of their story to be told, if it can be found. Watch this Space.
Historian, Brian James, contributes his column each Tuesday to the Young Witness on behalf of the Young Historical Society inc.