The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-12-18
AD WOLGAST TO
 TRY COMEBACK

A few weeks ago the boxing world was informed that Ad Wolgast, the Michigan Bearcat and former light weight champion, intended to return to the squared circle. Fistic fans did not take the threat seriously, but however, according to word from the Pacific Coast, Ad is busy preparing himself for the comeback in a Los Angeles gymnasium. Not only is the once famous gladiator getting ready for future ring contests, but he has even gone so far as to appoint manager. Wolgast has selected Hobo" Dougherty to fill the position once held by Tom Jones. Dougherty was recently discharged from the sub marine base at San Francisco, where he has been holding forth for about year. This is the second time that Dougherty has been interested in Wolgast's affairs. -
 When Wolgast was first climbing the-Iadder of fame Dougherty acted as his trainer, and it was he who put Ad in shape for his battle with Bat ting Nelson which resulted in the Michigan Bearcak winning the light weight title. Soon after that affair the two engaged in a verbal battle and split That was in 1910, and they never spoke until about a month ago when they met on the Coast. Ad, with plans for his return in his mind, patched up the difference between them and secured Dougherty's ser vices.
 Wolgast in preparing himself to re- turn to the ring might do we'll to pre- pare himself for a cold reception at the hands of the fans. By coming back he certainly will not do the game any good. It is hoped that while sojourning in a Milwaukee sant- tarium Wolgast did not make himself believe that he is better than some of the present day Hghtweights. What chance would Wolgast, who will be 31 years old next February, have against Benny Leonardo the present champion, or Ted Lewis? Ad would no doubt have to step lively to make a fair showing against the idol of l Paterson, Tommy Tuohey.
 Had Remarkable Career 1 Wolgast started his ring career in | 1906 and it ended in 1914, his last ! battle being fought here with Fred die Welsh. sDuring the contest Vol gast broke an arm and the bout was stopped in the eighth round. Over the stretch of eight years Wolgast | fought many memorable contests. He rose to his height in 1910 when he won the crown from Nelson. He held l the championship until 1912, when he lost on a foul to Willie Ritchie. 1 After ha lost the title he found the going tougher than ever before in his career, and he was nothing short of a target for his opponents in the bouts that followed. Many fistic fans are of the opinion that the late beatings the Michigan Bearcat received were
 responsible for his physical break down. Ad was so bad that he was placed in a sanitarium and he remain
 ed there for more than a year. About
 two months ago, at the time Battling Nelson was recovering from an at-
 tack of Spanish influenza, Ad was
 heard from. He was a lumberjacB
 in the Minnesota forests then.
 Promoters who have the interest
 of the game at heart can do much tc
 balk Wolgast's comeback by refusing him matches, but as promoters of that
 type are in the minority, it is not like
 ly that Ad will encounter a great dea'
 of trouble when he sets out to secure
 matches.