Just come across some great reports regarding the classic Palmer/Haines M/W title bout of 1930 (just for you Francis75) Ambrose was a 'nobody' in the game at the time of the first of three devastating encounters. W. Bayliss ("TRUTH" and "SPORTSMAN") Young Palmer.. slammed his way through one of the most sensational, and certainly the greatest fight for years, to take a points decision over Australia's title holder, Jack Haines... Palmer was given an amazing ovation, mobbed by an enthusiastic, surging wave of humanity on leaving the ring, and 'chaired' to the dressing rooms... Th result was as sensational as the bout, a bitterly-contested battle, loaded with vicious hitting, possessing flashes of brilliant boxing, and spurts of furious, savage fighting... There was little in it.. a draw would have pleased. George Thatcher ("LABOUR DAILY") The result was probably the greatest turn up since Pat Brown beat Hughie Mehegan... writer regards the bout as the best in the last 15 months... Remarkable scenes marked the end, Palmer being cheered to the echo... he had staged a wonderful performance... The Victorian had won beyond all doubt. He has a useful defence and that grim fighting outlook of such men as Darcy, Sarron and la Barba. When they meet again it should be hard to pack in the crowd. (S.M. HERALD") After one of the greatest contests witnessed for years at the Rushcutters Bay Stadium, Palmer recieved a points verdict. It was a popular conclusion to a magnificent battle. In a thrilling finish the majority of those present were in such an excited state that they were unable to remain seated. A return match under championship conditions should produce an overflowing house. Jim Donald ("SMITHS WEEKLY") I thought Haines had a hair line margin, but would not have cavilled at a draw. All the honours, however, were with Palmer. A lad, barely emerged from novice class, he has fought a champion to the last gasp, and, by doing so, registered the greatest ring performance I have seen in a score of years. Jack Elliott ("REFEREE") A bright star blazened over the fistic horizon on Saturday night... Ambrose Palmer outpunched Jack Haines over 15 rounds. He surpasses Haines as a potentiality at a similar stage of development, and possesses the quintessence of boxing assets- he's punching as he goes forward. Dick Stephens. ("SUN") Palmer gave a remarkably clever exhibition and won 13 rounds. Apart from his fine fighting instinct, and heavy hitting, he has an excellent defence, and it was extraordinary to see the great number of times that he took Haines' best blows on his gloves or elbows. Jim Mattews ("SYDNEY GUARDIAN") Haines was beaten by Palmer in the most sensational fight seen in 12 months. No excuses can be made for the champion. He was outfought and outboxed. Palmer is without doubt the most promising boy in Australia. ("SYDNEY PICTORIAL") Ambrose Palmer caused one of the biggest fight sensations of the year when he defeated Australian Middleweight Champion jack Haines on points. Haines was slightly ahead at the end of the fifith, but in the next few rounds he was staggered by terrific rights... Palmer was carried by enthusiastic ringsiders to his dressing room. ******************************************************* Suffice to say the rematch filled Sydney Stadium a month later.. The result was draw!!! A third resulting match was booked and faught just after xmas.. this was Haines' last fight. Bleeding on the brain and a stroke hours later nearly took his life. REAL FIGHTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/quote]
