The New York herald., 1921-03-09
Youngster Has Chance to Ad-
vance in Heavyweight
Ranks.
By CHARLES F. MArHIsoN.

The question at issue IN the bout to-
night at the Commonwealth Sporting Club
is whether Gunboas Smith has retro
gressed sufficiently to admit OF him be-
Ing defeated by Al Roberts, the Staten
Island heavyweight, or IL Roberts has
progressed to an extent that will enable
him to overwhelm the Gunner without
reference TO the latters present puSilistic
status.
1t should not be forgotten that Smith
still holds q twenty round decision on
points over jess Willard and has met
many other formidable men without loss
Of prestige. His summary defeat by
Dempsey is not TO be taken into consid-
eraticn, for the champion still outclasses
the heavyweight field.
six or eight years ago It would have
been child's play for the Gunner 10 dis
pose of a man like Roberts. for smith
not only was speedy but he had a deadly
punch in his right hand, and he could
take beating without a murmur. But
the Gunner is past his prime as fighter,
while Roberts is in the flush Of young
manhood and carries a heavy kick in
either mitt.
IL the youngster can avoid the oc-
cipital punch Of tho Gunner for Few
rounds (and boxer with any skill
should be able TO detect the telegraphic
signals of Smith) he should get the ver-
dict
without reference to the outcome Of
the combat It should be interesting II
VIII be h battle between a waverlng vet
eran and youth trying to get flrni
foothold In the heavyweight class. II
Roberts can subdue the Gunner ne viii
then be in line for another bout with
heavyweight Of ability.
1t will make no difference whether
Rocky Kansas defeats Richie Mitchell In
their bout at Milwaukee tonight, for
tho winner viii not get 2 match with
Leonard. The champion has been put
down by an attach Of influenza and VIII
not think Of a ring contest until he re-
covers.
Therefore Rocky Kansas in his bout
tonight with Mitchell will not have the
incentive OF contest for the champion
ship. Kansas stopped Mitchell IN the
first rourd IN bout at Buffalo few
weeks ago, and then he signed articles
for return match at Milwaukee to-
night
The BrRalo hghter next got m offer
to meet Leonard in the Garden March
II. but was compelled to keep his en-
garement with Mitchell.
Tex Rickard and a committee or
MoAtreal sportsmen who have been in
conference for the last two days regard
ing the staging Of the Dempsey-Car-
pentier bout in the Canadian city nm
ished their discussion last night and the
visitors left for home. Rickard has their
proposition in full, and IN bidding them
adieu the promoter said he would give
them an answer March l5.
Two heavyweight contests that should
prove interesting viii be staged at the
Manhattan Casino tomorrow night
Battling Levinsky will hook up with
Homer Smith Of Kalamazoo, and Pinkey
Lewis viii meet Kid Norfolk In COM
bat.
Although Stanislaus Zbyszlso is con-
siderably older than his brother Vladeli.
the veteran Is standing the gaff OF time
much better than the youngster, and
is now the best wrestler OF the family.
The old chan VIII get the acid test at
tho Seventy-flrst Regiment Armory next
Monday night when he meets Joe
stecher. former champion and body scis-
sors demon. II libby can take the
measure Of Steteher, then veteran viii
then be directly In line for title match
with Lewis. lib says his turtle defence
will neutralize the head lock. Mean
time Promoter Jack Curley is raking