Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-13
BOXING STAYS AT FORE
ELEVEN HUNDRED BOUTS
HELD DURING PAST YEAR
Percentage of Knockouts Shows Class
OF Light Men-Willard Draws
Hlnnk.


NEW YORK, January 12.-That box
ing held its position as one OF the
leading sports. from the standpoint: OF
attractivencss to the spectator, during
1917, is amply demonstrated by the
ring records OF the past year. Neither
promoters nor pusilists are inclined to
play the game unless there is reason
able remuneration involved. and the
fact that some seventy OF the leading
glove knights participated in close to
LOO bouts during tho twelve months
Just ended indicates that tho box Of
fee receipts were up 10 the usual
standard.
Such statistics as are available show
that large majority OF the LOO bouts
held, were staged in Eastern cities,
where the contests are limited to en-
Eagements ranging from six 10 twelve
rounds unless cut short by Knockout.
AS result. Il large percentage OF the
bouts terminated in draws or no-dc-
cision affairs, but even allowing for
this handicap the percentage of knock
outs was trifle better than per cent.
Lightweight champion. Benny Leonard,
leads in this respect. his record show
Ing the surprisingly high standard OF
by knockouts.
Some idea OF what this &C % per
cent efficiency means can be gained
from a comparison Of this record with
that of other American title holders for
the year just closed. Pete Herman, the
bantam champion. won about . per
cent OF his bouts by the knockout route.
Johnny Kilbane, holder OF the feather
weight title did better, winning 10 per
nf ri D.,
outs. Ted Lewis. tho wclterweight
champion, won % per cent of his bat
ties in a like manner. The middle
weight title holder. Mike O'Dowd. just
crossed tho lG per cent mark. while
less Willard, custodian OF the heavy
weight crown. did not indulge himself
TO tho extent OF defending his title and
SO drew blank.
That the value OF athletics in i'm
proving the mental and physical condi-
ton Of all men from the standpoint OF
military service is appreciated by Eng
lish well as United States govern
mcat officials is shown by tho follow
ing statement by Brisadier-Gcncral
Wiifrcd a. White after several years OF
observation OF the western front:
When the athlete has gone to the
front his place in athletic ranks should
foundation for health. and too much
emphasis cannot be laid upon its bcnc-
fits and necessity. Athletics arc OF
paramount Importance in keeping the
soldier fit, and the same is true OF the
man who must be prepared to become
a potential soldier.
The soldicrly qualities developed are
many. Discipline is encouraged. mas
much as discipline is tho very essence
nf MIA Out nf
and speed and agility arc not to he
overlooked, and what cricket. and foot
ball do for the l;nglishman baseball,
football and track athletics do for the
American"
The WildinE Memorial Fund being
raised by Australasia tennis players to
purchase a perpetual trophy to COM
memorate the memory of Anthony l..
Wilding has passed the $500 mark and
gives promise OF doubling these figures.
Tho New Zealand Lawn Tennis Asso-
citation has been presented with the
racket that WildinE used in the Davis
cup matches OF 1908. The racket was
first offered as a trophy in war time
tournament and the ultimate winner
deed II to the association as per-
petua1 property.
iHe oedtH Is announced AT the front
Of Captain ". +. G. Holland. one OF
the best-known track athletes and
oarsmen in England. He was a YER
satile track athlete. winning British
championships at the 10o-yard. half
mile. mile, and long jump. lie rowcd
in the Oxford Varsity eight for four
years. and was president OF Oxford
EoatinE tUnb int.lSs9. He rowcd No.
: in 1895 il. the Lcander crew. which
defeated Yale. For several years af-
terwards he coached the oxford crews.
and for ten years before the war
acted as judge at the Henley recattas