Northern Whig, Friday 28th March 1924
Jim Hanna, the Irish bantam-weight champion, met Johnny Jones, of Treorchy, in a 15- round contest at the Stadium, Liverpool, last night.
Hanna’s opponent of last night has a fine record, having reached the semi-final stage of the championship for the Lonsdale belt, in which Elkie Clark beat him on points, but many of the spectators were of opinion that Jones was unlucky not to get the decision.
The fight proved a thrilling struggle between the two dour, determined fighters, with the Belfast lad always the stronger. The boys were evenly matched in height and reach.
Hanna, as usual, forced the fight in the first session, scoring heavily with rights to the body and swings to the head. An uppercut made Jones wince in the second round.
Hanna never allowed his opponent a moment’s ease, but Jones countered with a good uppercut to Jim’s chin, which sent his head back, the crowd cheering for Jones.
In the third round the referee cautioned Hanna for an alleged offence, but Jones also transgressed by using the elbow. In round four Hanna was superior all over, dealing out heavy punishment, which Jones took stoically.
It was evident at this state that Hanna was superior, and that it was only a matter of time for him to win.
Jones perceptibly weakened, and his blows lacked sting, Hanna taking everything coming his way in order to get in close.
Jones was clinching to save himself in the ninth round, and though game to the end the referee humanely stopped the fight in the tenth round, as Jones was bleeding profusely, the verdict going to Hanna.
