New-York tribune., 1918-07-29
Points to Willard's Retire
ment, but Hopes for Cham
pionship Battle

Jack Kearns, on behalf Of his
protege, Jack Dempsey, has laid claim
to the heavyweight championship of
the world. In making this announce
ment yesterday the manager of the
latest sensation among the heavy
at all times to defend the honor against
the world, Jess Willard preferred
Dempsey" said Kearns, will base
his claim upon the fact that Willard,
at the time his proposed match against
Fred Fulton was called off, announced
his permanent retirement from the
prize ring
eve realize. of course" Kearns con-
tinued chat the public may not
seriously regard this presumption on
the part of Dempsey, at least until he
has met and vanquished the conqueror
of Jack Johnson in twenty four foot
ring. Nothing would give Jack greater
pleasure than to meet big Jess at any
time.
"But / think the sporting writer's
will agree with me that Willard, at the
moment of writing, is as much passe
as was Jim Jeffries when he retired
voluntarily after clearing up on Jack
NlOul Oc, DeCduSc vi lack Ol SulUHDlo OD
ponents.
Subsequently Jack johnson became
the acknowledged heavyweight cham
pion of the world simply because he
disposed Of all active heavyweight op-
position Of his time When Johnson
and Jeffries met at Reno in their
memorable battle the negro was the
champion and Jetfries the challenger,
you will remember
Thinks Eight Rounds Enough
And so, think, the sporting public
should look upon Willard as a retired
champion, he having announced such
intention. | see by the papers that
Willard now recants his retirement. If
he wants any of Dempsey's game he
can be easily accommodated provided
the authorities countenancc such a
meeting. am sure Dempsey could
dispose of him within eight rounds in
Jersey.
"Many acquainted with Willard's
physical condition declare he will never
be able to train down to fighting weight
again. Whether this is so | do not
know. But meanwhile, until he proves
his seriousness, Dempsey proposes to
usurp the throne and stands ready to
give satisfaction to every one He in
tends, like champions of the old school,
TO be busy rather than an dling
champion-to mix it with all comers
worthy of his consideration.
dempsey does not intend to exploit
his new found fame in the soft and
easy manner of later day champions, :"
kearns continued. "He wishes to be of
some use to his country in its figh, for
democracy. For that reason he will re-
turn West and reegage in his occupa-
ton of shipbuilding. He is young, with
his whole career practically before him.
He is likely still to be in his ,verv
prime when the war has ended Then
he can step out and gather the fort
une that his prowess has assured him.
Meanwhile he can be of good use in
building ships"
Offers Fulton Chance
OF course, if public sentiment de-
mands further action on the part of
Dempsey and leave of absence can
be arranged now and then with his
employers, the new heavyweight Won
der Will not pass up the opportunity
of occasional exchanges Of fisticuffs.
He has said that he will give Fred
Fulton first opportunity for revenge.
Also he is de 'rous some time in the
near future of a return bout With
Billy Mske.
Fulton and his manager. Mike Col
Inns, were at loss yesterday to ex-
PLAIN the quick defeat OF the Roche.