Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-09-06
Dempsey-Miske
.. Battle All Set

Continued from PaEe One
referee from the list of licensed Off
cials in Michigan.
Insisted on Dougherty
Then came the hitch. Dempsey in
sister that Dougherty be the third man
In the ring and Bigger objected \be-
cause the Baron was not licensed In
the state of Michigan. Meetings were
held on Friday night. Saturday morn
ing, afternoon sand night. Both sides
spokesman for Dempsey, but couldn't
get any place.
At 2 a. IN. Sunday meeting was
held in Dempsey's training quarters.
Jack got out Of bed. showed his man
charge Of affairs.
Gentlemen" he said, this thing
has gone far enough. am he>cham-
pion and should have something to say
in this fight. 1t was understood from
the start that ! should name the ref
cree and, If this was agreeable to
Miske. he would be the man to officate.
My choice is Jimmy Dougherty." =
1--WE never will agree to him." re-
piled Bigger. We have selected AL A.
Day, of Detroit"
'Then the matter is settled said
''rhe fight IN off and | shall leave for
New York Immediately. Mr.. Day
probably Is an honest referee and a
good man. have every reason to be-
lieve he is, but there is champion
ship at stake and must have a referee
who know will give me square deal.
Dougherty is my man. Goodbye and
good luck"
Dempsey left the room and from up
stairs came the sound of trunks being
dragged across the floor. The COM
missioner and Fitzsimmons departed
hurriedly and visited Al Day.
Day Steps Out
The situation was explained to Day,
and Al was asked II he would step
out.
Certainly" he replied. "If am
not acceptable to Dempsey, | would be
u sucker to try to force myself on him.
know Mr.. Dougherty by reputation
and he is high class man. Its
pleasure to withdraw in his favor
In this manner Dougherty was ap-
pointed and the bout was saved. In
cidentally, Promoter Fitzsimmons
saved $40 900 which would have been
a total loss had Dempsey carried out
lbis threat to leave town.
~ did not come out here to referee
the fight" said Dougherty this morn
ing. ~ came here to see the battle.
but il they want me to referee, | shall
be glad to serve
Now that this has been settled. We
can discuss the approaching fray with :
ont fear or trembling,
As is customary we must open ur
with the statement that both boxers are
In the best shape and each is confident
of victory. The gladiators always are
confident on the eve of the battle. II
some guy admitted he didn't have a
chance no one would believe him.
For some reason or other the experts
here are finding it difficult to pick a
winner. A few have come out boldly
and said Dempsey will win by knock :
out and, he should, according TO the
past performance chart. But Miske Is
a changed man since his wandering
vsrtebras has been pushed back into
piace,. He is us fast as a lightweight,
stronger Than ever and his sparrins
partners say he is hitting harder. Per
haps Billy will spring surprise THIS
AFTERNOON and, anyway, 1t looks ike
tough battle.
Champ Is Drawn
j.ast Friday, when / saw the men in
action for the first time, Dempsey
ssemed to be in the better condition.
Today it is the reverse. The champion
Is pale and drawn, high strung and
nervous, while Miske is the picture OF
health, and Is not even worried. ne
feels he has good chance to gain addi-
tional fame and fortune and Will give
good account of himself.
Dougherty visited Dempsey's camp
this morning to talk over the boxing
rules. They are the same as In Phila
delphia, only the boxers must break
clean and there can be no hitting with
| one arm free. "
After short discussion Dempsey
said: II will try to make it as easy
as possible for you, jim III l can
knock that fellow over In the hrst round
i shall do II. The battle cant be too
short TO suit me-
Benton Harbor Is crowded with holi :
day visitors and every hotel--all three
of them--report that no accommoda-
tions can be had, even on the roof, Res