The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-04-07

Ring promoters In Denver are very
much in earnest about bringing the
wInard-FuIton contest to their fair
city. and Colonel Miller will have lit
tie trouble finding some real money
: out there. It was lack OF money
and plethora of idle talk which
disgusted the Oklahoma Snowman in
the East The moment he showed
certified check for $4,000 and asked
a New Haven, Conn., promoter to
match Il. that second New Haven
didn't desire 10 stage the battle.
II New Orleans would agree to
stage the bout on July 4, as called
for in the articles of agreement
signed by both willard and Fulton,
the Crescent city5 would have it.
That's what Col Miller told me, any
way. But New Orleans is afraid OF
Its weather on Independence Day.
Both Dominick Tortorich and Matt
Hinkel clubbing together to raise the
guarantee, said that It would be bet
ter for the bout to take place in Sep
tember OF October, or even as late as
November. .
But I've signed up the boxers for
q bout on July T." smiled the KUN
mel" and II wait TIL later IT will
fall through. That is, SO far as this
agreement Is concerned
Col. Miller IL SuYprised.
Colonel Miller 10 greatly surprised
ut the lack of-Interest being shown in
the proposed contest BE expected
that the moment It was known that
willard would defend his title a flood
OF bona fide offers would pour in
upon him for the bout. The offers
did pour in, but not one was worth
anything II was then that he be-
gan to think OF making Il a private
affair" on his own ranch in Okla
homa. Since then. however, Denver
has begun to talk business, which
means money in ring parlance, and
Colonel Miller will go to the mile
high city some time this week for a
conference with the Denver pro-
moters.
Now that the furry in the East
, has died down, nobody east of the
Mississippi SEEMS TO care a hang
whether willard fights on the Fourth
OF July or goes fishing. Indeed, some
cruel folks have limited that IL both
big buns want to fight, let them fight
the Germans"
A newspaper syndicate. with head
quarters in Cleveland. is on the war
path against Colonel Adiller's proposed
tussle for the title. II is flooding
the country, especially the Middle
West. with circulars denouncing the
flight for dollars on the nations
birthday. when thousands of young
Americans are giving UP their lives
on European battIefieIds to save that
nstion.'' This campaign of pitiless
publicity is having its effect. too, and,
coupled with WHlsTd's. lack of pop
ularity. 10 killing about all interest
in the scramble for the crown.
There's A Difference.
There's a tremendous difference be-
tween the present times and those
preceding the Jeffries-Johnson battle
at Reno. For an entire year Jefferies'
name was in the papers, with discus
sions OF his chances. Of his physical
condition. OF his efforts to get into
shape. For three months before the
bout. newspapers carried regular
daily Stories from the rival camps.
The public was decidedly interested
in that combat which wRs to bring
back the title to the white race"
With three months to go. there Is
hardly a word said about the willard
Fulton bout. The champion is gener-
ally considered to have ruined the
boxing game in favor OF a circus
Where. he might have gained great
popularity through his victory over
tAs despised Jack johnson, Wizards
STe' ! was noticeable from the very
~ aAing, and, Immediately alienated
hose who would have acclaimed him.