The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-29
TENDLER NOW IN
AWKWARD POSITION
Fails to Accept Leonard's
Challenge-0'Dowd Defends
Title Tonight. '
~ CHARLES r. MATHIsoN,

It is new thing in boxing for a
champion to challenge a contender for n
title, but that is what Benny Leonard
has done n~the case of Lew Tender
Not only has the holder OF the light
weight title challenged a rival, but he
also has stipulated condito under
which the Philadelphian would have q
fair chance to win the championship. N
specifying fifteen or twenty rounds to "A
decision Leonard has imposed conditions
under which Tender, II he failed 10
SCORE a knockout, stiii would have a
chance to win on points by q referees
decision, provided the contest lasted the
limit
In view of the fact that nearly all the
other title holders are keen for the short,
decisionless bouts In which a title could
change hands only through the medium
of a knockout, the attitude of the light
weight champion toward his most for
midable rival is truly remarkable.
II Is quite evident from the demeanor
Of Tender that he is not enthusiastic
over the proposal for a long bout to a
decision. and would prefer a short con-
test minus a verdict by a referee. In
such bout Tender might possibly have
chance to gain the popular decision on
points and there would be less danger ~
the Philadelphian suffering q knockout
In longer encounter, with the referee
empowered to select the winner In the
event Of the bout lasting the limit.
Tender would have to do the greatest
boxing Of his career II he gained the de-
cision on pointa He also would be n
constant danger Of knockout from the
heavy punches of the champion
Unless Tender accepts the challenge
of Leonard by October /, II will be
regarded by the public as proof that the
Quaker fears to meet the champion
under conditions that would constitute
q true test of their respective abilities.
Stage Set for O'Dowd-Ratner.
The stage Is set for the championship
battle tonight at the Armory A. A..
Jersey City, between Mike O'Dowd,
holder Of the worlds middleweight
title, and Augie Rather, chief challenger
for the honors of the class. The con-
testants are in good physical condition,
are both at the height OF their athletic
form and have reached the apex of their
pugilistic effectiveness. The combat
should be an excellent one, as the title
holder is aggressive to the last degree,
and Rather a clever. effective fighter.
The chance of Rather winning by a
knockout Is slight and as that is the
only method by which he can acquire
the title ODowd will doubtless retain
his honors. Rather possibly may win
on points, but will have to box rapidly
and cleverly In order to do So
This will be a real worlds champion
ship affair. as the men will weigh l5s
pounds at 8 o'clock this afternoon
O'Dowd Is willing to risk his crown, for
he is positive he can conquer his daring
antagonist Rather has everything to
gain and nothing to lose. II he is for
tunate enough to score a knockout he
will be the recognized middleweight
champion OF the world.
Benny Leonard's next appearance in
the ring will be In the Detroit Boxing
Club next Wednesday night His OPP
ponent will be Charley Metric. a wolver-
zine lightweight we'll thought of in the
West, who will be fortunate to stay the
limit with the champion. On the same
programme Left Hook Charley White,
who unsuccessfully tried to lift welsh's
title, will box George K o. Brown. As
the latter is a big weller. White must