Omaha daily bee., 1915-04-02
WILLARD PLANS HIS
"TRIUMPHAL TOUR"
white Hope" and Associates Pre-
pairing for Celebration of His
Return TO U. S. as Hero.
THEN TO GO AROUND THE WORLD

HAVANA, April I'M. j. IIinkel OF
Cleveland was today named alternate
referee for the Johnson Willard fight mex,
Monday. In case OF inability OF sack
Welsh TO act Hinkel will referee. The
decision was reached at meeting of
the principals and promoters held late
today. At the same time Bob Vernon
OF NV York was appointed official time
keeper OF the club, with Ben Harris, also
OF New York. as alternate. Sam Leonard
OF Toronto Is the timekeeper for johnson.
Otto Floto Of Denver was named time
keeper for willard.
The routine In both camps began early
today. The pugilists were on the road
at gun up to avoid the heat. Their sprints
and walks are being cut down daily.
Confident of victory.
Willard and his followers are SO con-
fident Of victory that they have planned
a triumphant entry into the United States
Of the new champion" few days after
tho battle. They expect to make tour
OF the principal cities Of Cuba on April
and II WIZARDS condition permits
and then go to New York by way OF
Key West stopping at various places en-.
route. Willard expects to be the prin.
cipal figure at great reception In Madi-
son Square Garden. Later he says he
Will make a trip around the world. His
plan is much like tho one made by JEFF
fries previous to his defeat at Reno. He
has no particular plans II lie should lose.
willard says that fighting lie a business
proposition with him and that he bears
nc chmity toward his opponent lie SAYS
liat he will enter the ring calm and de-
tefmined 70 win. because he needs the
money and knows he can win Il IN the
prize ring.
Johnson. too. says ne has no hard feela
inss for his opponents and would like 10
be on friendly terms with all OF them
before and after his fights. lie boxes
because there is money In II ana not for
the love OF fighting.
Johnson has interests in France and
after his bout with Willard expects 20
return 70 the continent and settle down
Tor good. II he wins over willard hn
probably viii visit South America for az.
hipition bouts. before going TO Europe.
Out u ne loses he will return TO France
AZ once. As winner he viii be able 10
make plenty Of money by giving exhibl-
Mons. IL Is the greatest desire Of his
me 10 retire as uncefeated heavyweight
champion of the world.
Meet Twice.
johnson and Willard have mat on two
occasions since they came TO Havana
put they exchanged only a few words
Previously they had never met. johnson
encountered Willard Unexpectedly last
night The champion was dressed az
usual in white flannel suit, white hat
ana white shoes. and was wearing a bis
diamond stud and rings. Willard was
dressed modestly In blue suit and Pan
anna hat lie also was wearing a large
diamond stud
johnson seemed studiously to avoid nav
ing the slightest attention 60 his an,aRo.
INST, talking loudly TO his friends. VIA
iard IN the meantime carefully watched
Johnson's every move.
outwardly Johnson Is all confidence
Dpt In the privacy OF his training omar.
ters he views the fight seriously. This
u something new in johnson ana cause.
many OF his followers 70 believe tha, hs
looks for hard match.
wizard does not seem 10 be Al an nary.
Gus over the approaching battle but ne
Is under a severe strain nevertheless Tn.
mere glamor OF the championship appar-
entity does not appeal 10 him as stronslv
az Il has TO johnson.
The fight viii begin at 1850. Havana
time