The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-12-22
Ban tam Title and Match With
Wilde Depend on Victory
by Title Holder.
BY CHARLES #. MATHIsoN.

For the first time in three years Peter
Gulatto, known In the ring as Pete
Herman, will defend his title in a bout
to a referees decision. He is 10 meet
Joe Lynch of this city in Is round
contest at Madison Square Garden to-
night, Herman may lose his title either
by knockout or on points at the close of
the scheduled bout. AS his record con-
tains but one instance of a knockout,
which was inflicted by frankie Burns
of Jersey City in 1914, three years be-
fore Herman won the title from Kid
Williams, 1t would seem unlikely that
Lynch will stop the champion inside
the limit of Is rounds. A year ago
last September Lynch and Herman
boxed a decisionless 10 round bout at
Waterbury, Conn, and Lynch received
the unofficial verdict on points.
Possibly Lynch has improved since
then, and his knockout of Sharkey in
their last encounter would seem to in
dictate the West Slider Is hitting with
more force than in the past
At the same time Herman has doubt
less improved in the matter of defensive
work in the past year. which would tend
to make Lynch's task much harder.
In all his career Herman has not
knocked out a bantam of any class.
and since he captured the title In 1917.
Williams, the champion has stopped but
two opponents-Johnn Ertle and Kid
Regan, both on the down grade.
Herman had two 20 round bouts with
Kid Williams, the first one being called
a draw. and the decision and title go
ing to the Crescent City boy in the other
bout by a ruling that was violently dis
agreed with by majority Of the spec
tators.
If Herman outpoints Lynch in de-
cisive manner or achieves the unex-
pected and knocks out the West Slider.
1t will furnish indisputable proof that
the title holder has not been half try
ing in the three years that have passed
since he got the honors away from
Williams.
Lynch Should Win.
Providing that both men box accord
ing to past form, Lynch should win by
a fair margin on points. But if the
champion has concealed his form for
three years he may spring a surprise on
his opponent and the spectators.
1t cannot be denied that Herman's
performances have been anything but
interesting. he seemingly being content
to get through his decisionless encoun-
tiers with as little trouble as possible
and without caring who received the
popular verdict. But Herman has a
great deal at stake In to-nights contest,
not only his championship crown but
$4,000 match with Jimmy Wilde In Lon
don. and if Lynch takes the title from
him the loser will forfeit his match
with Wilde.
These considerations make the match
an interesting one. and 1t can be de-
pended on that Herman will fight as
he never did before.
The farther Jack Dempsey gets from
Madison Square Garden the more cheer
full his demeanor On arriving in Salt
Lake City yesterday the champion was
the guest of honor at the Rotary Clubs
luncheon. He declared that he was not
a speaker, and this reminded him of the
story of the man who went to a dance
and who could neither sing nor dance
but was willing to fight. ITO be socia-
Bile, l will fight any one in the room"
said Dempsey. This sally naturally.
brought forth roars of laughter.
Pete Herman weighed 117% pounds
yesterday. He and Lynch will weigh
11S pounds at 2 o'clock this afternoon
or forfeit $1,000. In addition to the
main event of fifteen rounds, Promoter
Richard will serve his patrons with
three good bantam bouts. The semi
final of ten rounds will bring together
Midget Smith. who recently knocked out
Phil Franchini with punch, and
Johnny Buff Of Jersey City. Young
Montreal OF Providence. r. l., tackles
Kewpie Collender Of st. Paul.