Evening star., 1915-11-28
BY T. S. ANDREWS.

east, especially in New YORK STATE
there has been a great effort among
many sporting men to induce the poA-
ing commission to permit the giving
of decisions in the ten-round bouts helo
throughout the state, 1t has been
argued at some length by boxing fans
and critics as to whether it would De
advisable to permit the giving OF de-
cisions. Many of the eastern writers
are of the opinion that decisions would
prove great boon to the game7-ln
fact, increase interest in 1t all over
the country.
During the past week Walter n.
Liginger, chairman of the Wisconsin
boxing commission, visited with Cha}r-
man Fred Wenck of the New York
commission while in the big city, and
the two of them agreed that it would
not be to the best interests of the sport
to permit desicions. Mr.. Liginger argued
that the moment decisions were per-
mitted the decline of the boxing game
1t would only lead to a fight against
the Sport from various angles.
There is no doubt in my mind that if
the sport would be increased to a cer-
tain extent. but mostly from the bet
ting end of it. and 1 doubt whether it
would help the game any if the deci-
sions were permitted, when taken from
that angle. ! agree with Mr.. Liginger
that the salvation of the game rests
with the no-decision part of it. From
experiences of the past two years it
has been demonstrated that even no.
decision contests have been without
especially in Wisconsin. In only one
or two cases have the boxers been ac-
cused of stalling and these boys have
been called to account by the commits
sion. so there is little chance of them
trying it again, and at the same time
1t has acted as warning to the others.
There is only one way that baking will
ever be permitted throughout the eoun-
try, and that is by state regulation the
same as in Wisconsin and New York.
II decisions were given there is no
doubt that it would lead to scandals,
for there would be great deal of bet
ting on fights, and as result charges
would follow against the referee be-
Ing crooked and fighters brought up. etc.
1t has been a long fight to obtain legal
brought about principally through the
no-decision rules. and it seems to be a
mistake now to attempt to kill the very
clause that was instrumental in bring
ing about the legislation of boxing.
One Of the greatest surprises to ring
followers the past week was the knock
out of Milburn Saylor in one round by
Charlie White. the Chicago demon. at
Boston. These boys met few months
ago and there was some dispute as to
who had the better of the contest, al
Hoosier champion. saylor was SO con-
fident that he would beat White in
their second meeting that he wanted to
wager part of his end of the purse on
the outcome. and SO did his manager.
Ray Bronson, which goes to show how
uncertain a boxing match is. No one
expected White to put Saylor out in
one or even five rounds: in fact, there
were few who thought there would be
any Knockout at all.
Both Saylor and Bronson are clamor-
ing for another match, claiming that 1t
was chance blow that White put in
which scored the knockout. 1t might
have been a chance blow or wild
swing or whatever you might care to
call it, but. just the same, the Chicago
boy put over the sleep producer, and
that is what counts every time. They
are liable to meet again in limited
round bout. and il they do Saylor says
he is willing to bet his share of the
purse that there will be no knockout.
unless it is on his side. inside of the
ten rounds. 1t all depends. however.
whether Charlie White will agree to
another match.
The Chicago boy has certainly dem
onstrated the past six months that he
carries an awful kick in his left hand
He has scored not less than eight
knockouts and almost in succession. 1t
Is a record that he may well be proud
of.
Very little has been printed about
4 L.
nipeg between Freddy Welsh, the
worlds lightweight champion. and
Johnny O'Leary, the Canadian title
holder. but from reports received here
it must have been very fast and clev-
er exhibition. The papers gave the de-
cison to Welsh but say he had to
travel at top speed to get it, as O'Leary
set a fast pace from the jump The
Canadian champion formerly was a
resident of Seattle, Wash, but took up
fought for and won the Canadian title.
Johnny is an ambitious youth and
wants to fight Freddy for the cham
pionship over any distance, but he will
have to step aside and give Charlie
White and Johnny Dundee a chance.
If Johnny wants to get in on the chase
he will have to manage in some way to
hitch up with either White or the
Scottish Wop and take change on
winning the decision. That will bring
thing else.
The effort of the American Boxing
Association to bring about an elimina- :
tion tournament to decide the welter-
weight title question has brought forth
a response from Kid Graves, claimant
of the championship in that class, and
his father. who Is his manager. Mr..
Graves sends me the following state
ment: 1.-The action of the association
is to be commended. although Kid
Graves claimed the title and has been
recognized as the champion welter-
weight. He won four Journeys for the
Mcfarland. Soldier Bartleld and Mike
ODowd are worthy opponents, and we
are ready at any time to take part in
a tourney which will decide the ques-
tion for all time. 1t is our pleasure to
offer the suggestion that the associa-
fend the title. with the proviso that he
cannot refuse to meet any of the
above-named men challenging for it
within reasonable time. We do not
ask any favors. but want to assist the
association In having a real champion
recognized Kid Graves has defeated
Bartfield. but he stands ready to meet
him again. and also O'Dowd and Nc
Farland. The bouts should be over the
twenty round route, with decision. so
there can be no dispute as to who is
the winner. This offer goes for Willie
to enter the welterweight ranks If
Mr.. Ritchie wants to get the title. how
ever. he will have to battle Kid Graves,
and any weight will suit us. either 145
ringside or at o'clock"
Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan, at one
time a great featherweight and now
promOter of boxing in ST I.0uis hai,, o.