The sun., 1916-12-06
CARPENTER LIKELY
| TO MEET WILLARD
Tex Rickard Arranging Heavy.
weight Championship Bout
for the Garden.
FRENCH FUND TO BENEFIT

FRENCH FUND TO BENEFIT
In order to turn the searchlisht Of
truth on the numerous rumors as to the
pugilistic intentions OF Tex Richard he
was interviewed at the Waldorf. Astoria
last night and asked for the facts. The
reports In circulation were that Richard
had signed Georges Carpenter. the
heavyweight champion OF Europe. to box
Sess Willard In Madison Square Garden
within I'VE months. and that numerous
pther big matches had been arranged.
II Near Q statement by me at this time
y . bit premature" said the man who
staged the JefYries-Johnson n Willard
Moran bouts. but as some Of the re-
ports are misleading. l will say that I
have not as yet obtained the signatures
Of either Carpenter or willard. although
have sent a contract to the French
boxer and expect to receive 1t with his
name attached In a short time.
at has been declared that II would be
impossible for Carpenter to leave the
French military service long enough to
box in the United States, but that OBJ
lection has been overcome.
"Oficers II the American Fund for
french Wounded have drawn up a con-
tract in triplicate and one Of these was
Gut in Paris to-day for the signature Of
the French pugilist. The contract. which
oklpulates that Carpenter shall meet any
white boxer selected by me. calls for the
pAyment OF $25 1000 to the American
FUND for French Wounded. 2 5000 to
Carpenter In addition to $1,000 for his
travelling expenses. and a like amount
Tor his share OF the moving picture re-
osipts.
"The FUND is to receive approximately
one-third Of the moving picture proceeds
and . certain percentage Of the gate re-
eeipts should they exceed a given figure.
The films are expected to prove re-
mArkably profitable II shown in France
Cor the benefit Of the fund"
Won't Dicker with Curley.
carpenter is on record with the as
oortion that he would not box a round
for his own personal gain till the close
OF the war. but when the opportLnity
was afforded for him to assist the relief
fund so materially he consented"
Richard Is conducting his negotiations
With the French champion through the
members Of the American Fund for
French Wounded. one Of the man. allied
var relief organizations in this country.
Il was necessary to obtain the assist
ance Of this association II Carpenter Is
30 get a furlough from the French army.
When Richard was informed that Jack
Curiey. one Of the managers of Willard.
had wired from Chicago throwing cold
water on the proposed match. and as
osvting that neither he. Willard nor Tom
Jones knew anything about II. the pro
moter said
'Curley's talk will not affect me In the
slightest. for I shall not pay any atten.
ton to II. shall refuse to have any
dealings with him. As a result Of my
recent visit to Chicago. have a fairly
good understanding with Willard. n
say unhesitatingly that he will consent
TO box any time within six weeks. ]
don't doubt that at the proper time ]
shall get his signature. but my negotia-
lions will be carried on through Jones"
willard Asks Biz Figures.
Richard declined to name the figure
demanded by Willard for a bout with
Carpenter. II Is understood the cham
pion has asked for $4,000 for his share.
eff willard should refuse to make the
match" continued Richard. II will match
Darcy against Carpenter. At the same
time I think willard. as the champion
Of the world. would be the best drawing
card in "A contest with Carpenter, the
champion OF Europe"
When the question OF the place for the
Bout Was brought up the promoter said
Madison Square Garden Is. OF course
the ideal spot, and that is where ] hope
to stage II. The Garden will probably
be sold at auction in a few days, and
then I will try and get a lease from the
new owners. My impression is that the
lease will go to the highest bidder. and
not depend on political preferment.
"If l am successful In getting the
Garden ! will stage only championship
bouts, and will do all I can to build up
the sport of boxing and put It on . pros.
porous basis"
Carpenter has not engaged in q prize
ring battle since July. 1914. After his
enlistment he served with the French
aviation n motor corps and has beer
sent to the rear at least once due e
wounds. Recently he ave an exhibition
IN Paris, and though heavier an
stronger than Of yore. appeared to pos
Ocss his old speed.
Frenchman in Condition.
As the result Of his army training and
campaigning he Is reported to be In
splendid physical condition and ready &c
step into the ring again after a shorl
period OF boxing practice. Carpenter Is
not quite 90 years Of age. but has had
q most remarkable ring career. lie be
gan boxing at the age Of 10 Is a
featherweight n progressed from
class to class as he grew older and tool
on weight. winning the title In each
class.
He weighs about 100 pounds in fight,
ing condition at present and Is conceded
20 be the cleverest boxer and hardest
hitter among European pugilists. HI,
best bouts, as "A heavyweight. includ,
two knockouts OF Bombardier Wells, tn,
English heavyweight champion. In foul
1913. lie is said to have been winning
from Gunboat Smith at the time tn,
Gunner was disqualified.
willard. should the pugilists meet
will outweigh Carpenter by nifty Il
sixty pounds and will tower fully 81,
inches above his French opponent. Not
w~ithstandlng these physical handicapI
many who have seen Carpenter In &C
zion abroad, think he will win his bou
with Willard. They base their faith OF
the Frenchman's cleterness, hard hit
ting. speed and gameness.
Carpenter was matched with Jacl
Johnson. but the breaking out Of tn,
war prevented the contest.
~A A~-yy -.n--~~r -~-,.