The New York herald., 1921-03-18
WILSON DEFEATS
0'DOWD IN FAST
BOUT IN GARDEN
Judges Disagree and Ref
cree McAy0y Gives Yer
diet to Title Holder.
FRESHMAN is AGGRESS0R
Former Champion Puts Up
Strong Fight and Earns
Sincere Applause.
FRESHMAN Is AGGRESSOR
BY CHARLES r. MATHIsoN.

Johnny Wilson, who won the mid
1leweight championship from Mike
O'Dowd on a disputed decision In Bos-
ton last May, retained his title last
night in Madison Square Garden
through the medium OF a decision
which promises TO be more warmly
disputed than the one rendered in Bos-
ton.
The fact that O'Dowd easily won
eleven of the fifteen rounds, was the
aggressor from start TO finish and was
the victim of several foul blows, which
should have resulted in the disqualifi-
cation of his opponent. caused the
spectators to stare in amaZement at
the verdict of the judges and referee.
The decision was due to the radically
defective system put in force by the
Boxing Commission under which the ref
cree Is appealed to IL the judges dis
agree In the event last night judge
the bout Judge Tommy Shortell reached
the conclusion that Wilson was the win
ner. Announcer Humphreys. according
to the custom, then handed the slips
to the referee, who. after nervously fin-
gering them for several seconds, in
formed the announcer that he voted for
Wilson
1t was quite evident that the referee,
finding himself in an embarrassing posi-
tion, felt tirnid about casting a vote thar
would change the title from Wilson to
O'Dowd.
Wilson Always on Defensive.
Wilson was on the defensive from the
first round to the last, and 80 per cent. of
his blows were counters, proving that
O'Dowd was doing the leading. Not
round passed that the former champion
did not rush Wilson TO the ropes and
pound him savagely with rights and lefts.
Wilson's counters were effective in the
main. bat failed 70 check the attack of
the Irishman. who acted on the offensive
from the gong in the first round until
the bell ended the fifteenth.
Wilson certainly had none of the ear
marks of a great champion. his tactics
indicating lack of courage and conf
dence in himself. O'Dowd, on the other
hand. fought battle with his charac-
teristic courage, and, although decided
against him, received the heartier APP
plause of the two boxers at the end Of
the engagement
Considering that the former champion
was reported 10 be In poor physical con-
ditfon, he made wonderful fight. prov
ing that lie was champion in spirit and
courage.
Garden Arena Packed,
The combat attracted one of the larg-
est and most representative assemblages
that ever packed the famous arena.
Celebrants of the anniversary OF the
birthday OF st. Patrick, VINO won several
notable contests with the serpents in
Erin. were in a majority. Green ties
and other decorations were in evidence
all over the Gard en-, and their senti-
ments regarding the bout also had
green tinge.
The crowd was for O'Dowd almost TO
a man. and Wilson's supporters were
confined 10 handful OF New England
ers who deserted the northeast wind for
q few hours 10 do honor to the first
champion Boston has had since the days
OF John l..
The only nv in the ointment was the
uncertainty OF O'Dowd's condition. Per-
sistent reports i'm circulation for several
weeks TO the effect that ODowd had not
been taking the best care OF himself
resulted in the odds OF 10 being
laid against the former champion. Close
inspection Of O'Dowd yesterday after
noon when he got on the scales In the
club office gave the impression that he
was drawn rather finely but there was
nothing in his appearance to indicate
that his vitality or his stamina had been
injured.
In spite OF this those who make prac-
tice Of betting on boxing bouts contin-
ued 10 offed odds on the champion, and
while ODowd supporters covered q con-
siderable amount OF thc wagers they
i'd not seem to have entire confidence
IN the ability Of the rugged Celt TO re-
verso the Boston decision.
Manager Mullens. who handles
o'Dowd's business affairs, Increased the
doubts in O'Dowd's form when he as.
serted that his man was in good con-
dition. but he would have preferred to
have had q little more time for train