Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-01-04
BIC YEAR FOR CHAMPION
JESS WILLARD WILL HAVE
TO BEGIN TO DEFEND TITLE
Frank Moran believes lie Cnn wrc,t
tro"h From CoNboy-LcwIs Looms
Strong In wclterH,

This is going to be Jess Nvillard's
big year. The cowboy has lot OF
money set aside for xhc winter coal
supply. With that off his mind Jess
mas nothing to do but pick Off the pre-
loses the title or not, he has made his
pile. and would welcome the pilgrim
age to private life. whether he simply
amblcs or is knocked there
Right now Jess has less to worry
about in the way of opponents than
any man who ever held the title. Pub
match with Johnson The only men on
the horizon who could give him any
sort or night are Frank Moran. Jim
sky.
Tom Cowler is anxious to climb on
the band wagon. and. if size is to be
considered. he is the only man who
all the contenders. Frank Moran looks
to have the best chance with willard.
ne rs terrific hitter. cool, game and
-; Willard towers above the blond
IittsburSher in size. but Moran shows
only OF "a iine set of teeth when this fact
puncher. and believes that he can brinS
Wlilard down to his level with that
right hand Of his Confidence is Moran's
this new year will see him crowned
king of the Queensberry realm.
ny Les tSo Darey Is headed for the title left
~
trallan boy has done wonders in one
short year His greatest feat was the
knockout over Eddie McGoorty, whom
americans had come to look upon as
Ketchers successor. Les fattened our
Edward and set the whole sporting
world talking about his right to the
Despite tho fact that Darcy has per
formed brilliantly, there is Il chance
mat he has been a bit ovcrratcd. Al
Lippc. who has just returned from Aus
a, hold II int
Of the youiPg blacksmith. Al tells us
Mike Gibbons will surely beat him If
be true. but just now Darcy stands out
as the greatest card for 1916.
Kid Lewis is after the welterwcight
Il formidable crew Of warriors. During
the last few years the class has be-
come almost. obsolete Willie Ritchie
n mi,n ,So ont out as l%gitimate weller
has. outlivcd the lightweight class. and
probably will never be considered n
contender for the title again His only
chance to regain the prestige that goes
with that crown would be to defeat
Welsh in 4 handicap. match. Having
done that. he could hardly claim tho
title. Revenge would be his only por-
ton.
Johnny Kilhane won't have a very
prosperous year unless he takes fash
lightweight stronghold. Featherweights
of I<ilbane's caliber are as scarce as
PINK elephants. Johnny should move
up. Attell made lot of money fight
Ing the men In the classes higher up
and there is no reason why Ktlbane
shouldn't do the same.
Little Johnny Ertlc claims the ban
tamwcight title and perhaps tho best
fight between small men during the
new year will be a distance contest for
the title, with Ertle and Kid Williams
as contcndcrs.
Bennie Leonard is the newest star
Great things arc predicted for the
Bronx boy this year. His sensational
knockout of Joe Mandot has brought
Leonard to the front in a single bound
lie has been carefully Schoolcd. and
this was his first important engage
ment. He made good with vengeance.
the knockout over Mandot being the
surprise of the year just left behind
Welsh will have to meet this boy, and
many expect that he will give the cham
pion n hard fight.
If Welsh is to he headed at all. II
must be done this year. The little
champion VIII retire at the end of 1915
to become q health farm leader. Welsh
has made world of money since the
decision went against Willie Richie
in London. He wants to leave the ring
as Jack McAuliffc dd-champion Of the
world. Welsh appreciates the fact that
retiring with the title will be advrr-
tsemcnt extraordinary for n rest farm.