HALSEY MORRIS STRICKLAND

March 15th, 1913 – December 31st, 1994.

Maurice Strickland’s professional boxing career commenced at about the time Tom Heeney’s was drawing to a close. Strickland got to within an ace of emulating the Hard Rock’s accomplishment of fighting for the World’s Heavyweight Title. Strickland like Heeney was a world-rated heavyweight in an era when it was no mean feat to be one. Strickland had the innate talent that Heeney lacked, he was a highly skilled boxer and carried knockout power in his right hand. Standing 1.87 metres with a reach nearing 2 meters, Maurice had the physical assets Heeney lacked. In many ways, he was the perfect fighting package.

Strickland’s temperament though was his Achilles Heel. He never really liked boxing and lacked that burning desire within, driving him onto becoming a world champion. Strickland saw in boxing the opportunity to earn decent money to have a comfortable life. He was also a shy, reserved man, one who lacked self-confidence. He was described on occasions as a dour and sullen man. This was far from the truth; he just found being the center of attention a painful experience to cope with. Early on as his public profile grew, he was known to position himself towards the rear at boxing promotions so that he would not have to face the ordeal of being introduced from the ring. Again, in those earlier years, there were occasions when he refused to give interviews to the press, for much the same reason.

Strickland’s birth name was Halsey Morris, though he preferred to be known as Morris or Morrie. In the United Kingdom, Fleet Street boxing scribes dubbed him Maurice and the French spelling of his name stuck. For the purpose of this biography, he will be Maurice Strickland.

Maurice was born in the small Hawkes Bay farming town of Wairoa on March 15th, 1913. He was the youngest of three boys and learned to fight at a young age. His father Bill was determined that his sons would grow up being able to look after themselves. Boxing gloves were purchased and the boys would slug it out in the back garden. Maurice learned the hard way picking up his fair share of bumps and bruises along the way. The family moved to Hunterville when Maurice was six and by the time, he was 13 they were living in Wellington. It was there that he started to box seriously.

At thirteen Maurice attended Army Cadets in the Drill Hall, on the corner of Buckle Street. There the choice was stark, either square bashing or boxing. Not fancying the idea of marching around an army parade ground Maurice chose the boxing and he was good at it. He had his first amateur fights there. He followed in his brother’s footsteps and enrolled in Billy Crawfords Boxing Gym on Willis Street. Over the next six years under Billy’s watchful eye Maurice had 60 amateur bouts winning all but a handful. In 1931 he won the Wellington Amateur middleweight title, the following year he won both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles.

In 1932 at the National Amateur Championships held in New Plymouth he entered both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Having won his first-round fights in both classes he decided that the schedule was too onerous to attempt a championship double and withdrew from the light heavyweight division to concentrate on the heavyweight division. He won the New Zealand title defeating A. Bourne in the final.

After the championships, Maurice was keen to fight professionally. These were Depression years and times were tough, he was keen to supplement his earnings as a plumber’s mate with a few extra quid fighting. Billy Crawford now his manager approached the Wellington Boxing Association proposing that they get behind Strickland and promote his first professional fight in the Wellington Town Hall. Crawford suggested Strickland should be paid 10 quid for the fight. The WBA got cold feet and wouldn’t promote the fight.

 This lack of support did not deter Maurice. He decided to join his brothers in Australia, where they were set up in a flat in Sydney. Les was fighting professionally in and around the Sydney area. On arrival, Maurice went straight to Jack Dunleavy’s Gym on George Street. Dunleavy couldn’t believe his luck; heavyweights were hard to find and Jack quickly realized the young Kiwi was a good one.Strickland’s first professional fight was against Mick Lee at Leichhardt Stadium on February 21st,1933. He stopped Lee in three rounds. After chalking up five wins all but one inside the distance Sydney promotors were keen to have Strickland on their promotions. Local managers, however, were not so keen to have their aspiring charges tangle with him. With fights hard to come by Maurice and his brothers hitchhiked up to Queensland where they got work on the railroad laying track. It was hard work but the pay was good, Maurice saved the money and stitched it into his sock for safekeeping.

Twelve months later, bronzed and fit with fifty quid in his back pocket, a small fortune in those days, he returned to Sydney. Dunleavy was pleased to see him back. Fights though were still hard to come by.  Maurice received an offer from the Southland Boxing Association for a series of fights in Invercargill. Back home he defeated Billy Sullivan and Val Luttrall, both inside the distance, and won a 15-round decision over Ray Nicol. This was followed by another two inside the distance wins over Luttrall. In Christchurch on June 20th,1934 in the second of these meetings with Luttrall Strickland secured the vacant New Zealand Heavyweight title with a 9th round knockout.

 Back in Invercargill, he lost the championship to Ray Nicol following a lacklustre performance. The Southland Association then brought over two very good Australians to fight Strickland. George Singleton was KO’d in 4 rounds. Then followed a far sterner test against world rated Light heavyweight and Australian Heavyweight Champion Ambrose Palmer. The fight was broadcast live in both Australia and New Zealand. Palmer at 22 was a year older than Strickland but vastly more experienced with 44 paid bouts behind him compared to Strickland’s 11. Despite twice being wobbled by Strickland’s heavier punches Palmer took the decision over 10 rounds. Not for the last time in his career Strickland seemed somewhat overawed by his opponent’s reputation and appeared to realize when it was too late that a more aggressive approach from him could have altered the outcome of the fight.

Strickland rounded out 1934 with a stoppage win against Alan Campbell in Timaru. In January 1935, in what would be a busy year, he married his fiancé Eileen. On March 9th he was back in Australia to fight Jock McDonald at Newcastle Stadium. He stopped the Australian in the 7th of a scheduled 12 rounder. A month later, at the Civic Theatre, Invercargill, he regained the New Zealand Heavyweight title this time stopping Nicol in twelve rounds.

Maurice, Eileen, and Billy Crawford were keen to travel to the UK. Better fights and bigger paydays were available there and Billy Crawford had contacts. The problem was how to finance the trip. Maurice and Billy went straight to the top, to Parliament Buildings in Wellington where they were granted a meeting with Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gordon Coates. Coates explained that public funds could not be made available for personal needs. Keen to help out Coates contacted an influential friend at the Union Steam Ship Company. The group were given one-way tickets to Southhampton.

They arrived in London, late June 1935. A tour of the Fleet Street boxing scribes quickly followed. Strickland was keen to get straight to work. He was introduced to Mr Arthur Elvin, President of the Wembly Sports Complex. Elvin organized a gym try-out for Strickland. Suitably impressed Elvin explained that Strickland had arrived in the UK in the offseason as far as big-time boxing was concerned. He promised the New Zealander top billing, against an opponent yet to be decided, on the first promotion of the new season scheduled for late October. In the interim, Elvin employed Strickland as a lifeguard at the newly completed Empire Pool and provided him with a house close by.

On October 8th at Wembley Arena Strickland’s opponent was Ben Foord. The South African was considered a real prospect, he was favoured to beat the New Zealander. Strickland’s purse 500 pounds was far and away his largest, he showed he was worth every penny of it giving the South African a boxing lesson forcing his retirement at the end of the 3rd round.

Strickland was back in action on November 12th, again at Wembley. His opponent the great Tommy Loughran former World Light Heavyweight Champion now campaigning at heavyweight. Again, it was a big ask for Strickland, Loughran had the experience of over 150 fights behind him, compared to Strickland’s 17. Strickland 10 years younger than Loughran had the advantage of youth. Strickland’s purse, one thousand pounds was big money for the time, 12,000 attended the fight.

Loughran outboxed Strickland to take the decision over 10 rounds. Strickland appeared to lack the zest he displayed against Foord. For eight rounds he gave the appearance of someone who didn’t want to be there. Only in the last two rounds did he get through with some good shots but it was too late and certainly not enough to alter the course of the fight. Strickland later admitted he gave the American far too much respect and should have shown more aggression early on.

A month later in Nottingham, Stickland stopped the Egyptian, Salah el-Din in 4 rounds. Three days later he was in Swansea fighting big rugged Jim Wilde. Strickland not for the last time in his career dropped an extremely close decision over 12 rounds. The majority of the boxing press on hand thought Strickland got a raw deal and should have been awarded the fight.

The New Year did not start out well for Strickland. He didn’t like nor could he adjust to the cold damp English winter climate. For a man with strong egalitarian views, he was also upset by the poverty that he witnessed on the streets of London. He was not enamoured by life in England and this started to have a negative effect on his boxing. Added to this Billy Crawford was homesick and yearned to return to New Zealand.

 Strickland’s decline was definitely visible in his fight with American Obie Walker at “The Ring,” Blackfriars, on February 9th, “The Bearcat” taking a 10-round decision. One month later at the King’s Hall, Belfast, Strickland lost on points to Jack London and at the Granby Halls, Leicester on April 27th another 10-round decision went against him, this one to Larry Gains. The verdict of many in the press was that Strickland had lost his way. Strickland knew that he had performed well below his capabilities.

After the Gains fight, Strickland and Crawford parted company, Billy having sold Maurice’s contract to Reginald Hughes. With the winter months behind him, Strickland now started to get his career back on track. On June 26th, 1936 he KO’d Eddie Steele in the 7th of a 12 rounder in Plymouth. This was followed by seven wins on the trot. Only Dutchman Jan Van Goole survived to the final bell. During this spell of better form, Strickland KO’d the likes of 1932 Olympic Champion, Dave Carstens in 7, Giant Jack Pettifer in 10, and Belgian Gustav Limousin in 9 rounds.

It was around this time that Strickland was approached by American fight manager William Daly also known as “Honest” Bill Daly. Rumour had it that Daly, who was known to operate around the edges, was hiding out in England away from certain gentlemen keen on speaking to him back in the States. Daly’s version of events was that he was in England talent scouting, looking for good fighter’s keen to make a few bucks for themselves in America. Strickland eager to make big money and prepared to fight anybody they put in front of him was keen on the idea of living in America. Strickland and Daly linked up. 

Daly had an arrangement with boxing promoter James D. Norris owner of the Chicago Stadium that if Daly found a decent fighter keen on fighting for Norris on his promotions, he would cover their travel expenses. Maurice was one of four fighters Daly took back to America. Scottish Lightweight Joe Connally, Irish heavyweight Michael Barry, and South African middleweight Eddie Pearce arrived in New York early October 1936.

Much like in England Strickland was immediately thrown in the deep end. His first fight would be against former Heavyweight Champion Max Baer. Stickland and Baer signed for the fight scheduled to take place at the Chicago Stadium on Nov 6th, 1936. Strickland immediately went into training; he was looking forward to it. Ten days out from the fight Baer pulled out citing homesickness. “Madcap Max” took off back to his home in Sacramento leaving Strickland high and dry in Chicago. Norris came up with a good replacement, “The Man Who Beat Joe Louis” Max Marek. Marek an outstanding amateur boxer had won three Golden Gloves titles and in 1933 the A.A.U. light-heavyweight Championship beating Joe Louis in the final. When he entered the ring against Strickland, he was ranked number 10 heavyweight in the world. Strickland outboxed Marek winning the decision over 10 rounds.

Again, at Chicago Stadium, a month later, Strickland was not expected to be overly troubled against Ed “Unknown” Winston. A professional since 1928 Winston had racked up over 100 paid fights and although he did not always win his record was studded with big names. He had a reputation as a knockout puncher who had prematurely brought the curtain down on many an unsuspecting prospect. Strickland was well ahead on points in the fourth round when he experienced Ed’s knockout power. This was a major setback, prior to the fight Norris had promised Strickland that “you beat Ed Winston and your next fight will be against World Light Heavyweight Champion John Henry Lewis on January 16th”. The Lewis fight was taken off the table.

Strickland had one more fight at Chicago Stadium, on February 8th, 1937 against Art Oliver. Relatively new to the pro ranks Oliver six months earlier had represented the USA in the heavyweight division at the Berlin Olympic Games. Prior to the Games, he had acted as one of Joe Louis sparring partners. With just four fights, three wins, and a loss since going pro, Oliver was no match for Strickland.  Strickland showed no ill effects from his defeat against Winston taking out an easy eight-round decision.

Strickland’s next two fights were at the New York Hippodrome on Mike Jacobs promotions. In both fights, Strickland boxed extremely well, better than in any of his previous contests. According to such esteemed members of the boxing press as Hype Igoe and Dan Parker, Strickland won both fights. They thought he dominated against Mann. The majority of fans in attendance agreed with them and loudly booed the drawn decisions. Strickland certainly achieved moral victories. His opponents, Arturo Godoy, March 10th, and Nate Mann, April 21st, had connections, both were being carefully steered towards title fights with Joe Louis. The only way Strickland was going to win against these fighters was by knockout. Mann was a mob-controlled fighter with connections to the notorious gangster Dutch Schultz and Godoy was managed by the extremely dodgy Al Weill. Weill was a friend of Mike Jacobs and Jacobs had a strained, to say the least, relationship with Strickland’s manager Bill Daly.  Both Mann and Godoy were matched with Louis for the title within the next year, eighteen months. In later years Strickland stated that the Godoy fight was his toughest and that the Chilean was also the dirtiest fighter he faced. Strickland conceded 17lbs in weight to Godoy.

Back in London, Strickland’s next fight was at Empress Hall, Earls Court, on June 28th, against the highly-rated Finn Gunnar Barlund. Len Harvey had pulled out of the fight after a dispute over his purse. Promotor Jeff Dickson contacted Daly, Strickland was happy to take the fight and a thousand pounds payday. Barlund, strong and durable was no match for Strickland, who was well ahead on points when the Finn was disqualified in the eighth round for persistent holding.

While Strickland was back in England negotiations were taking place between Mike Jacobs and Ted Broadribb manager of Tommy Farr. Jacobs offered Farr first crack at new heavyweight champion Joe Louis. Farr made it clear to Jacobs that he wanted Strickland to be in America with him while he prepared for Louis. Farr wanted to spar with Strickland citing the New Zealanders boxing skills. Jacobs agreed by telegram that Strickland could be part of the Farr team that he would fund to America and promised that Strickland would also be on the Yankee Stadium undercard when Farr fought Louis on August 30th.

Jacobs did not deliver on the promise although Strickland was involved in Farr’s training camp out in Long Branch, New Jersey. Strickland instead was matched with George Gress a protege of Jack Dempsey on August 13th. With Dempsey at ringside, Strickland KO’d Gress in the 3rd round at the Ocean View A.A. Gress was rewarded for being knocked out by being added to the undercard of the Louis v Farr title fight where he lost again and promptly retired. Three weeks later again in Long Branch Strickland KO’d Leo “Tiger” Brown in two rounds.

Strickland was finding it hard to get decent fights in America so he readily accepted an offer from promotor Jeff Dickson to return to England for a 12-round bout against the tough highly-rated German Walter Neusel. The fight took place at Wembley Stadium on October 19th, Strickland’s purse was 1,250 pounds. Many famous faces were among the 12,000 who attended the fight. The New Zealand High Commissioner, Von Ribbentrop, Hitlers Ambassador in London, Acadamy Award-winning actor and former fighter Victor McLachlan and the pioneering aviator Amy Johnston several of the touring All Blacks were also there. Tommy Farr received thundering applause for his performance against Joe Louis seven weeks earlier when he was introduced from the ring.

The fight was hard and bruising. Neusel in typical fashion forced the pace throughout with his clubbing punches. Strickland by the later rounds through superb boxing was clearly well ahead on points. Strickland through tiredness more than anything else was dropped by a hard-right midway through the final round. Back on his feet at the count of six, he was outscoring the German as the final bell rang. Against the run of play and to the shock of the vast majority present referee Jack Smith raised Neusel’s arm as the winner. Sustained booing and shouting greeted Smith’s controversial decision. Bill Daly attacked Paul Damski with a pair of scissors in Neusel’s dressing room after the fight screaming that Damski had gotten to the referee.  The press in the next day’s papers almost unanimously had Strickland a clear winner. Smith 77, Britain’s top referee never officiated again. Frank Butler highly regarded boxing writer wrote that Smith was passed it and hadn’t taken into account the 11 rounds that preceded the final round in his scoring.

Strickland shrugged the defeat off; he was becoming accustomed to things not going quite his way. Dickson had another big fight lined up for him in London. The British Boxing Board of Control had sanctioned a meeting between Strickland and Canadian Al Delaney as a final eliminator for the Empire Heavyweight Championship. For Strickland, his 1250 pounds was another good payday. The Empire title was held by Tommy Farr, Strickland had always wanted to fight the Welshman and this he reasoned was an opportunity to force the issue. Delaney, highly regarded, had suffered just six defeats in over 50 paid fights. He had beaten Tommy Loughran and had also fought Joe Louis in the champions run-up to winning the title. Louis said of Delaney “he hit me with the hardest shots I’ve taken”.

 Strickland entered the ring at the Harringay Arena on the 29th November, against medical advice, he was suffering from flu and felt very unwell. Regardless, he outboxed the Canadian taking the decision by a wide margin. The fight itself was tedious and lacked excitement, the crowd slow hand clapped as the affair dragged on. After the fight, Strickland, unusual for him, grabbed the microphone and apologized to the crowd for his lacklustre performance, saying that he only entered the ring because he didn’t want to let people down by pulling out of the fight at the last minute.

Hopeful that another big fight was in the offing Strickland sailed back across the Atlantic. On January 11th, 1938 at Laurel Gardens in Newark he KO’d in one round Young Stanley Ketchell. This result was actually one up on Champion Joe Louis. Louis had needed two rounds to dispatch Ketchel when they had fought exactly a year to the day earlier. Strickland’s next two fights were at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit. The lightly regarded Jack Munroe was KO’d in one round on March 4th and war horse Charley Belanger was KO’d in three on March 25th. Belanger a pro since 1927 was having his 180th paid fight.

With no meaning full fights on the horizon, Bill Daly suggested that Strickland and his wife spend some time in Miami, Florida. Daly was keen to see Strickland add a few pounds to his frame. It was hoped that Strickland normally around the 185lbs mark could bulk up to at least 190lbs. In most of Strickland’s fights, he was conceding weight to heavier opponents. While in Miami the Strickland’s spent some time with Tom Heeney and his wife.

Businessman Bill Galbraith was keen to promote an Empire Heavyweight Title fight between Champion Tommy Farr and Strickland. Both Farr and Strickland had agreed to the fight scheduled to take place at the Toronto Polo Grounds on August 22nd, 1938. If that date was not suitable the fight would go ahead a week later. When the fight failed to materialize Mike Jacobs secured verbal agreement from both men to stage a fight between them at Madison Square Garden on September 16th. Towards the end of August Farr failed to show up at a meeting in Jacobs office to sign the fight contract. Strickland again was left out in the cold and Jacobs was furious at the Welshman. Farr telephoned Jacobs on the day of the signing to say he was pulling out but gave no reason. The next day Farr told the press he had never agreed to the fight. Later that day Farr boarded ship and sailed back to England. Jacobs told the press he didn’t agree with Farr’s version of events.

With Farr out of the picture, Strickland accepted an offer to fight the German heavyweight Erwin Klien in Plymouth, England on October 24th. He stopped Klien in 4 rounds. Jacobs had another go at matching Farr with Strickland this time on his Madison Square Garden promotion set for January 16th, 1939. Uncle Mike proposed that Farr fight either Strickland, Red Burman or Roscoe Toles. Farr was eventually matched against Red Burman. Strickland was adamant Farr would do anything to avoid him.

When Strickland climbed into the ring at the Laurel Garden, Newark on February 13, 1939, against Frank Donofrio he had had just one fight in the previous twelve months. Strickland in his frustration at not getting decent fights continually called out “Two Ton” Tony Galento to fight him. Strickland was prepared to fight Galento for nothing, just so long as his training expenses were covered. The Galento camp weren’t interested.  Strickland KO’d Donofrio in one round. Two more inside the distance wins followed. On March 8th in Boston, he dispatched Jack Pallat in 5 rounds. Then back at the Laurel Garden, Newark, two weeks later he KO’d the experienced German, Emil Scholz in the 8th. These fights were little more than good workouts before Strickland’s next assignment.

 James Norris set about arranging a meeting between Strickland rated 6th in the world by the National Boxing Ass and New York’s Bob Pastor, rated at number 2. Norris realizing that both fighters’ respective managers, Bill Daly and Jimmy Johnston had strained relations with Mike Jacobs was able to close the deal when he promised that the winner of the fight would get a crack at Joe Louis World Championship. Louis had been offered by Norris a guaranteed $50,000 for an indoor fight or $100,000 for a championship bout later in the year during the outdoor season if he accepted the challenge from the winner of a Pastor, Strickland, matchup. Strickland picked up 750 pounds as his end of the deal.

The fight took place, March 31st, at Chicago Stadium. Daly and Johnston performed the manager’s usual ballyhoo, both stating that their man would win and would duly go onto face Louis for the title later in the year. Set for ten, both fighters appeared evenly matched up to midway. In the 6th Pastor started to get on top and by the end of the round, Strickland was in a bad way. A longer respite than usual between the 6th and 7th, while Pastor’s southbound trunks were replaced, did not help Strickland. Pastor took the final four rounds and the decision. That was as close as Strickland would get to the Championship.

Three months later on June 14th, in Garfield, New Jersey he defeated Mario Lani, KO 4. The Lani fight was little more than a workout for Strickland, two weeks later on June 26th, in Des Moines, he faced highly rated Johnny Paychek. For Maurice, the Paychek fight was an opportunity for him to put his career back on track after his defeat by Bob Pastor. Strickland did just that ending “The Bell Boy’s 24 fight winning streak and putting him down for the first time in his career. Strickland had Paychek on the deck twice with powerful right-hand punches in the last two rounds winning an easy 10 round decision.

Strickland had always suffered from a lack of decent sparring partners. Around this time the situation improved somewhat. Two new heavyweights joined Billy Daly’s stable of fighters, young Pat Comiskey and Lee Savold. Strickland’s sparring sessions were now more intense.

A rematch between Strickland and Paychek was set for August 8th again at the Western Ball Park, Des Moines. Before the fight, Strickland kept himself busy. In Sioux City, on July 20th he beat Bruno Dooley, KO, 3. Five days later in Perry, Indiana, he stopped Bob Mason in 2. Joe Louis in training nearby was at ringside for Strickland’s fight with Dooley.

Twelve thousand turned up at the Western Ball Park to see Strickland, Paychek 2). Strickland also picked up the largest purse of his career $12,000US. Paychek this time round had brought in the big guns to assist his preparation. Benny Leonard, All-Time Great, former Lightweight Champ was in camp for the express purpose of nullifying Strickland’s right-hand punch which had wreaked such havoc against Johnny in their first fight. Leonard would also work Paychek’s corner during the fight.

It worked, this time the fight was a hard-bruising affair with little separating the fighters at the final bell. Paychek was awarded the fight on a split decision. For Strickland, it was the end of the road. Maurice and Eileen decided it was time to return to New Zealand and they wanted to be back home by Christmas. Strickland had no intention of hanging on in the game too long, he knew the dangers and did not want to finish up like so many ex-fighters he had seen in gyms around America who had had too many fights over to long a time.

There would be five more fights over the next four years. These final fights, however, were different, for a man who no longer had his heart in the game they were as one would say a planned exit. His last fight in America on December 4th, 1939 against Lee Savold was not on the level. The only fight of this kind that Strickland was involved in during his boxing career. Bill Daly was effectively managing Savold by this time and was aware that Strickland was returning to New Zealand. A knockout win over Strickland would give Savold’s career a good boost. Strickland years later said the plan almost came unstuck when he rattled Savold in the 2nd round and had to ease off. Strickland went down and was counted out in the 3rd round.

The Strickland’s with a young son Jack in tow were back home for Christmas. A year later on Boxing Day, 1940 at the Show Grounds, Palmerston North, Strickland fought Clarence Reeves, “The Alabama Kid”. Strickland was paid 800 pounds for the fight, a New Zealand record purse for a fighter at that time. The fight received a lot of publicity, “The Alabama Kid” was a good fighter, highly experienced and extremely durable. Strickland won the 12-round fight by decision.

March 31st, 1941 Strickland and manager/trainer Jack Crowley travelled across “The Ditch” for a fight with American Carmen Barth at the Sydney Stadium. Barth the 1932 Olympic Gold Medallist at middleweight, had been rated among the world’s best but was now campaigning as a heavyweight. Just prior to fighting Strickland he had fought a draw with Ron Richards. Strickland also boxed a tune-up fight prior to meeting Barth.

This was in Masterton on March 13th as part of the Patriotic Fund which raised 800 pounds for the war effort. His opponent over three rounds was New Zealand Light Heavyweight Champion Cliff Hanham. Strickland took out the decision. Meeting Carmen Barth was part of a two-fight deal for Strickland. Victory would secure Maurice a big paying fight with Ron Richards. Barth conceding height and reach to Strickland was not expected to win.

In the hours prior to entering the ring against Barth, Strickland had received distressing news from home that his wife had taken ill. The estimated 8000 crowd were treated to an explosive start. Barth was immediately in trouble, dropped by a sizzling right the American took a count of seven and appeared barely able to protect himself at the conclusion of round one. The second round was more of the same, Strickland forcing the pace, Barth backpedalling. The punches Barth did throw in the main missing. Suddenly Barth landed a smashing left hook flush on Strickland’s jaw. Strickland fell against the ropes and through them onto the Press Bench below hitting his head hard as he fell. Struggling to his feet Strickland fumbled to put his mouth-guard back and was counted out.

When Strickland returned home from Australia his opportunities for decent-paying fights locally were limited. He was content to call it a day, but like many before and many since he was tempted back one more time. The new rising star Don Mullet, like Heeney and Strickland before him, was struggling to get meaningful fights. Matching Mullet with Strickland was a natural. Besides, despite not having made a title defence for several years Strickland was still technically New Zealand Heavyweight Champion and Mullet wanted a crack at the title.

The fight was set for Athletic Park, Wellington on Boxing Day 1942. Strickland’s end was 800 pounds a New Zealand record purse at the time. Strickland appeared a shadow of his former self, in reality, he just didn’t want to be there. Mullet brought the final curtain down on the career of one of our greatest boxers in the 5th round.

Strickland had no intention of fighting again and he didn’t. He refereed a handful fights over the next few years, then gradually drifted away from the fight game. He had a short stint in California in the late 1940s then returned to New Zealand settled in Auckland’s, Devonport, and became a wharfie. He was involved in the 1951 waterfront dispute where he was proud to be among “Those Who Remained Resolute” for the 151 days of the strike. He spent many years driving taxis, loved playing golf, became interested in beekeeping, and developed an interest in genealogy. He also remained that rare example of an ex-professional boxer who put his ring earnings to good use.

In later years he had no time for boxing and never liked to discuss it. His advice to anyone who wanted to take the sport up was “don’t do it, the chances of making big money are remote and the likelihood of receiving brain injury high”.

Morrie Strickland passed away on New Year’s Eve, 1994, he was 81.

Professional Boxing Record: 58 Fights – 42 Wins (33 by KO. Remained a New Zealand Record for many years) – 14 Loses – 2 Draws.

MP 2020.