The Washington times., 1917-06-08
CHAMPIONL LEONARD
LIKES WASHINGTON
cts Like a Big Central Park
With Houses in It."
WILL ENLIST NEXT WEEK
New Yorker Won't Do Any Boxing
Till He Joins COlOrs.
By LOUIS A. BOUCHER.

Washington today entertains the
worlds lightweight champion in the per
son Of Benny Leonard. the little East
Side boy who brought the title back to
America by his defeat Of Freddie Welsh
in New York last month. And Benny
admits that he Is glad 70 be here.
This Is my nrst visit TO Washington"
said Leonard today 10 an admirins
group OF sport lovers. 1T sure is some
pretty place. It's like a great big Cen
trail Park with houses n It. isn't It?
Leonard, accompanied by his brother.
who acts as his sparring partner ex-
poets to pass a day or so in Washing
toa. He wants particularly to see Presi-
dent Wilson and shake his hand.
Today he called upon Secretary
Daniels. Of the navy, and while not
deciding definitely. said that he prob
ably would enter the navy on his re-
tur nto New York.
VIII Beat ConscriptiOn.
.rm going to beat CONSUMPTION by
Volunteering" said Leonard. Sure,
,sristered IN New York. I'm Just turned
+Uenty-one years old. but I'd enlist,
ANYWAY. even IL ! wasn't old enough 70
register, for don't see this slack
stuff
Il have been asked several times to
enlist in the navy. but I'm undecided
whether to do that or enter the coast
artillery. I'll have to decide mighty
soon, though. for I'll be home next week
and will enlist then.
90 h.
What do / know about giving orders!
Hut 1 might make a good soldier. for
I'm In good condition. and soldiers have
70 be IN god shape. don't they?
KIIbHne Must wait.
Johnny Kilbane, featherweight
champion, must walt for his chance TO
face the new lightweight titlsholder.
Leonard has decided that much, any
way.
arm not making any matches nor
sikninE up for any stage stunt until
after I enlist" said Leonard earnest
ly. "Then, IL can get permission to
train, I'll defend my title against all
who make the weight, lS3 pounds
IF Freddie welsh wants another
chance with me, I'll give It to him. II
RiIbane wants to meet me, I'm ready.
But I've got to enlist frEt."
Leonard Admits IL.
Tie newest ring champion, who, BY
the way. shows not a sign Of his
trade. admits that his mother is his
sweetheart" as come sob writer In
New York has been telling the coun-
try ever since Welsh was compelled
10 stop in the ninth round, thereby
losing his crown to the East slider.
Yes, guess that's right" he
smiles. But is there anything wrong
in that7"
And there isn't any answer.
Champion Most Modest.
The most noticeable thing about
Leonard is his modesty. He lie willing
TO listen to the other fellow. He
doesn't figure that being a champion
should bring any changes In his atti-
tude on things.
Il don't see Why everybody should
think that / should be any different
now from what I was before winning
the championship" says he. My ap-
petite is just as good. Ny friends
are just the same fellows I've always
known. Yes, I've met a lot Of new
ones, but the old ones are just as
good for me. You can't let the old
ones go just BECAUSE new ones are
coming around. can your"
And the above Is a pretty fair pie
turs Of the worlds lightweight cham
pion- Hes 4 regular guy.