The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-04-14

soo many iIo aho c0s' ciated with the proposed Jess Willard Fred Fulton match that it is rather difficult to attempt to dope the pos sbile outcome of such fistic meeting.
 If Willard could whip himself back
 into the condition of 1915 swhen he fought Johson or that of 1916 when he battled with Frank Moran, I would pick him unhesitatingly as the victor But the champion never again can be in that superb condition. Just how close he can come to it is matter of con lecture. Upon the answer largely de- bends Willard's ability to defend his title successfully
 Willard is beyond the 30-year mark now---three years older than when he battled with Johnson. Perhaps Will lard is older than 30. Some writers claim to have established, through 2 search of records, that Willard is closer to 40 than to 30. Whether that is true or not, do not know. But the fact is indisputable that Willard has that point that the physical powers of an athlete usually go downgrade. Willard is much heavier than he was three years ago. And some of it is
 harmful fat But what counts most against him is the fact that he hasn't mingled in single battle for more than two years. This history of the heavyweight division shows that every champion has been penalized for long lay-offs by the loss of his crown.
 
 Sullivan fought Kilrane in 1889, rested for three years, and then I de- feated him. Three years elapsed be- tween my battle with Charlie Mitchell and Bob Fitzsimmons, and Bob defeated me. The freckled warrior loafed for two years took on Jeffries, and Jeff became the champion. After five years of idleness-between 1905 and 1910-- ! Jeff tried comeback" against John | son, and failed. Johnson loafed after his bout with Frank Moran in Paris, took on Willard, and Johnson lost. 1 The Willard. of 1915 and 1916 perhaps wouldn't have. a very difficult time in 1 disposing of Fulton. But the Willard of 1913 against Fulton--that's entirely different Jess has gone back, due to l age and idleness. But how far has he l slipped? That's the vital question--and | | Jess goes into training and has had a chance to test out himself
 | The Willard who faced Moran two
 years ago was in grand condition and
 sized up as a really wonderful fighter
 Not only did he have height, weight and reach in his favor. but he had l speed for so bulky man and clever ness greater than have ever seen so l big an athlete display. Willard is tre- 1 mendously powerful by nature and has
 added to that gift keen Knowledge
 of many essential points in boxing. He l didn't depend upon man-killing right 1 handler in his Moran battle. Rather he | left -jabbed almost all through the clash with Moran--and he jabbed in way l that was pretty to see. And Willard showed in that fight that he can take I punishment.
 Now, as to Fulton:
 l He's clever-amasingly SO. Fulton unlike most heavyweights of today | carries knockout in both hands. He knows the art of jabbing; knows how to do the best work in in-fghting and
 has shown willingness to stand toe 1 to-toe and slug with any foe who has ] the courage to attempt it.
 1 Fulton has been accused of lacking 2 | fighting heart I think that accusation :. is unjust Fulton has proyen1in my 1 opinion---that he is not coward. yHs l has faced some of the toughest men 1T i the game in the last two years an, eagerly mixed it with each and every one. A coward won't mix. He'll cover up and run--and continue running. Ol he'll lay down at the first opportunity I Fulton never has done that. | I feel that Fulton lacks in. ring gen | eraship; that he is inclined to get rrat tied" at critical moments. He doesn' | fight coolly at. all times--nor cautious | ly. His seagerness to win overbalances l his caution and good. judgment. Ina l failing has made ,some think that h. l is yellow" But that is not any suci ktrait, Fulton is game. And he certainl, 1 should put up great battle agains ! Willard.
 Fulton has disappointed some of hi! most enthusiastic supporters by hi poor work in the Billy Miske and Ton
 cowier battles, But Fulton's work !,
 by lack of ,genesalship. Tn Cowler' too cheaply. The lnevita able happened
 tack. Fulton. wasn't prepared for it--'
 and Cowier rolled up great number o ! points and battered Fulton around be { fore Fred -came tnr and realized h,
 had a mans sized fob on his hand. 1 after all. ss
 1 The Miske- Fulton battle shouldn' reflect on Fulton; rather IL should con
 vince the fans that Miske despite hi
 lack of potfdaEe; ID one of no hes { \ ', M i l Sjsss & S < "