Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-06-01
LEONARD DETERMINED TO
QUIT RING FOR BUSINESS
Will Take Step Contrary to Advice
OF His Successful Manager,
Billy Gibson.
MAY RETIRE TEMPORARILY
Corbctt Maintains That He Should
Meet Dundee, His Outstanding
Rival, and Satisfy Pugilistic Fans
Before Laying Aside Gloves.
By JAMES j. ConBETT.

Benny Leonard is reported 10 be
poised for leap from the hstic arena
into the field of commcrcialisr.
But the chances arc that II he re-
tires at all, he won't stay retired. 1t
is the unfailinG practice OF champions,
still in their prime to linEer in the
game they love. TO gather in princely
purses and TO fight one fight TOO many.
Leonard undoubtedly will prove TO be
no exception.
Billy Gibson. manager Of the king OF
lishtweights. claims that I.conard's in
tended retirement is against his ad-
vice. and tina, Leonard feels that he
horizon OF formidable foes. and that
he can make more money in future
commercialism than with his fists.
But II Leonard reasons along those
lines. he is entirely mistaken.
1t is true that the champion has
"mopped up" with most Of the young
sters who notch around 1873 But there
arc still few men left worthy OF
trial with the champion. Johnny Dun
dee is one. Leonard has fought him
won in decisive fashion. Until Leon
ard puts away Dundee. his outstanding
rival. he has not accomplished all that
fandom demands OF him.
Tender Should Have Chance.
Lew Tender, OF Philadelphia. is an
chance at the title. This left handed
fighter certainly has earned the right
to clash with Leonard. There are
others beside Tender and Dundee at
present who figure rather high in light
weight circles. and Leonard should dis
pose Of each and every one before he
hEures upon retiring simply because
there are no more men for me 10 fight"
Perhaps the talk OF the possibility
~ Leonards retirement is a publicity
stunt. Probably the purses in sight
fee ns9"a and 1 Gbso no woud IKE o
gather in. They reckon that If Leon
ard talks about retirement lot OF
promoters will, in their anxiety 10
ne quits. The game. 20 beyond the nor
NAL in their guarantee offers.
Want Benny in Business.
Some months ago Benny, together
with his two brothers, organized the
Leonard Tire Company. The business
prospecse Of being successful The
brothers Of Leonard are anxious 10
have, Benny devote his energies TO the
tire business. They feel that his pres
profits considerably. There is no doubt
about this. Blu; Leonard in a years
time could not make as much through
tire profits as he could earn in half
Benny knows IT,
Its possible that Leonard may TEN
Il is almost certainty that sooner or
later he would get back into the ring.
They all do Il while they are still in
their prime. and even beyond IT, The
call of the ring and the lure OF gold is
too strong for most humans 20 resist
Many felt that they were deaf 20 Il
in the past but they weren't;
McAuline quit With Lnurels.
or all the champions that dominated
the ring IN years gone by, only one
ever Guit-with his laurels. And that
man was Jack McAuliRe. Blu, Jack
ceased battling only after twelve years
in .puG!l:st:c harness ard twelve
mighty busy years. He had fought
every man worth while and he beat
the best. Furthermore McAuiiHe had
reached the age OF thirty, and realized
that he was we'll beyond his best days
SO he determined 10 quit pugilism be-
fore suffering the ignominy o. defeat
Talk OF Leonard's retirement would
not be taken seriously at any time. and
il certainly cannot be taken seriously
nov, despite the statement OF Gibson.
Leonard really has not reached his
prime He Is still an absolute youth
AS fighters are rcs&oned.. He has just
turned twenty three: and should be A
topnotcher for five years longer. Based
on his earnings since he ascended 10
the lightweight throne, Leonard should
earn in the next five years provided he
is as active as he vas in the past
between s250,oo0 and 100000, solely
through the medium OF his lists
SO, those who like 10 see Leonard in
action and who have grown apprehen-
Sive concerning retirement talk might
as we'll calm their fears.-Copyrigh
1919, by King Features Syndicate, Inc.