The New York herald., 1921-01-13
LIGINGER HEAD OF
NEW BOXING BODY
Wisconsin Official Unanimous
ly Elected President of Ma
ti0naI Board.
NEW YORK STANDS ALOOF
Peppery Comment Follows Ac-
tion of Local Commission in
Refusing to Cooperate.

Refusing to Cooperate.
by CHARLES r. MATHIsON.
As all previous attempts to form asso-
Citations for the national control OF box
ing met with opposition. 1t was hardly
to be expected that the National Boxing
Association OF the United States would
succeed In organizing without being COM
PEELED to jump some hurdles. The fact
that the new association perfected it's or
ganization despite all obstacles Indicates
the strength of the movement and pre-
sages successful career. The final ses-
sion was important
The opposition, strange as 1t may
seem. came from the members OF the
New York Boxing Commission, who have
shown coolness to the project from the
outset and who yesterday formally an
nounced they would not join the associa-
ton. Their decision was made known In
the following communication:
"The invitation by the newly formed
National Boxing Association Of the
United States to the New York State
Boxing Commission and the license COM
ulttee to become q member must be de-
olined 1t is our decision that We cannot
subordinate our functions and authority.
clearly defined In the Walker law, to the
jurisdiction of an outside unofficial body
of any character.
THE question Of whether we would
wish to join, therefore, does not enter.
We are sure that we cannot legally do
so. This Is clearly manifest when one
reads Article of the constitution of the
newly formed association, which says In
part
New York's Argument.
Acceptance Cs membership by this
association shall bind such member to
abide by all the conditions set forth and
TO accept and enforce all decisions of
the board of directors. Any violation
of the constitution shall render such
member liable to suspension.
at would mean that an unofficial
conference could not only suspend the
New York Boxing Commission. but
could abrogate the New York boxing
statute. One does not have to argue
further.
However. We wish II perfectly under
stood that we are thoroughly in accord
with the spirit of the recent conference
as far as 1t has to do with improve
ment in boxing conditions In the United
States.
The Walker boxing law and the rules
diiu TeeuldllOuS aQOpte0 Dy the new
York State Boxing Commission appear
more complete and effective than the
constitution recently adopted by the
National Boxing Association
The Massachusetts Boxing Commits
sion also announced 1t would not join.
William A. Gavin. managing director
OF the International Sporting Club.
countered heavily on the New York
Commissioners as follows:
THE existing rules governing the
sport in this State were drawn by the
Interna tional Sporting Club and the
Army-Navy and Civilian Board of Box
Ing Control. They are compulsory and
must be lived up to by all profe ssional
boxing contests In New York.
Il now serve notice that the Interna-
tional Eportng Club will forthwith
adopt the rules of the Boxing Associa-
ton of the United States. Therefore. it's
rules will be operative in New York
by law. and must be enforced by the
New York Boxing Commission. The
latter body has nothing whatever TO
do with the rules
Rcbuke for Com m issiOn.
The International Sporting Club last
night issued the following statement
anent the refusal OF the New York Box
ing Commission to join the association:
I'VE have received the amazing in
formation that the New York Boxing
Commission is unable to give It's support
to the newly formed organization, the
National Boxing Association of the
United States This decision is regret
able, because II Is the only discordant
note that has presented itself since the
first meeting OF the convention on Mon
day last to It's conclusion this afternoon.
Seventeen States have become men,
bcrs Of the newly formed body and
pledged their whole hearted support to
the aims and objects of the organization.
New York might have waived the con-
sderation of technicalities, taken a
broader view and gladly welcomed the
opportunity of cooperating with States
that have long, clean and unblemished
records In sport.
ut is difficult TO explain the state
ment of the commission that Massa-
chusetts is opposed to the formation OF
a governing body. in view OF the follow
ing communication received from Carl
A. Barrett, Boxing Commissioner of
Massachusetts,, under the direction OF
Gov. Coolidge, who has sent the follow
ing communication to the International
Sporting Club.
THE Massa chusetts Boxing Commits
sion has agreed to assist In every way
In a uniform set OF rules and regula-
tlOnS governing tne sport IL VIII pc n
pleasure for a member of the Massachu-
setts Boxing Commission to be present
at the convention"
President LiginRer.
Walter II. Liginger OF Milwaukee,
Wis. chairman OF the State Athletic
Commission. was unanimously elected
president OF the National Boxing Asso-
citation OF the United States. Mr.. Ligin-
ger thanked the delegates for the honor
conferred upon him.
AT last boxing has entered into It's
own" he said. "The greatest opportuni-
~ boxing has ever had in all it's long
and eventful career Is now presenting IT.
self. Boxing now becomes a happy MEM
ber of the great kingdom of sport.
There Is no question In my mind that
all the States represented here will sup
port the rulings of the governing body
of boxing"
vice-presldents were elected as fol-
lows: First vice-President, w. A. Trem-
blay of Miles City. Mon; Second Vice.
President, r T. Burke. New Orleans.
La. Third vice-President. ". A. Nc
Auley. Benton Harbor. Mich. Fourth