The New York herald., 1921-05-02
Dempsey AggressiveIy
Healthy and Vigorous
Champion Weighs 200 Pounds,
and Is Doing Only Light
Exercising.
ny CHARLES r. MArHIsoN.

Exercising.
by CHARLES r. MATHISoN.
In picturesque spot on the crest OF a
verdure covered hill, forming part OF
the Watching range of mountains in
Morris county, northern New Jersey.
Jack Dempsey. worlds heavyweight
champion. Is breathing fresh air, sleep
ing ten hours OF each twenty-four, romp-
ing with other occupants of the Freddie
Welsh Health Farm house, and doing all
possible to strengthen and invigorate his
already powerful and rugged physical
makeup.
The champion Is performing these not
unpleasant tasks In preparation for an
important engagement with Georges
Carpenter, a noted European scientist,
in Boyle's thirty acres. Jersey City. on
July 2.
Dempsey cannot be charged with ac-
tual training at this stage Of the proceed
ings. and IL he were to begin intensive
work two months in advance OF the oay
set for the combat with Carpenter it
would be accepted as a severe reflection
on the Judgment of the boxer and his
trainers.
welsh's farm Is five miles from the
LOWT OF ouIlfflll anu Tie iOSdllCH COulu
hardly be surpassed for quietude AMI
excluslveness.
Dempsey was lolling in an easy chair
on the front porch OF the Welsh home
stead when the writer appeared. and he
came out and stood under the branches
Of a dogwood tree that was loaded down
with pink blossoms.
The champion was bareheaded. his
thick black hair forming sufficient pro-
lection against the cool air of the noun
tains. His face is already bronzed. de-
spite the fact that he has been at the
resort not more than a week, and he
seemed to be aggressively healthy and
vigorous.
His eyes cleaned beneath his shaggy
black eyebrows and the double row OF
white piano keys that serve him as
teeth glistened as he welcomed the VS.
itor.
"You do not seem to need attention at
a health farm" suggested the writer.
We'll" he replied. with dental smile
that would have been the despair OF
tooth plumber. 'in my business we need
more health than those in other indus
tries. shall need all the health / can
muster when / face Carpenter July 2
and I am boarding my resources now so
that I will be equal to the occasion.
Taking on weight.
"You see / am not down to the hard
work as yet. I am taking on weight so
that when I begin the grind Of boxing
with sparring partners In public / VIII
have surplus flesh to work on. I weigh
200 pounds at this minute. and ] am
apt to put on more weight before start
in to take II off This will not be for
three or four weeks yet.
This is a good place In which to en-
courage the accumulation Of flesh. and
I shall remain here for probably another
week, after which we will shift our
quarters to Atlantic City. will COM
plete the work OF preparation At tn@
seashore.'
Don't you think the excitement and
noise at so popular a resort as Atlantic
City will tend to take your attention
away from the serious business OF train
ing?" was the question put to him.
mo, don't" was the reply. There
was much noise and excitement at my
training quarters on the shore OF Maui
nee Bay when ] fitted myself for he
bout with willard Yet 7 was In good
condition. When I settle down to train
I forget everything else. ard no matter
how many people are looking on my
mind Is centred In the work am doing
No. do not think the crowds at Atlantic
City will have any effect on me except
to spur me on TO greater efforts"
The change in Dempsey's appearance
from that when he boxed Bill Brennan
at the Garden was 50 great that the
writer commented on It.
IT did not like your looks or your
performance that night" l said. The
wonderful speed you possessed at Toledo
was missing. and you did not seem to
4. A.. "A ~fpn hot
ness characteristic of your work In
nearly all your battles. How do you
account for it?"
Had Gone stale.
"I was stale" was the reply. ! had
been training Off and on for two months
in expectation of fights, and when sud
denly called to meet Brennan / found
had gone stale. was unable to get into
my stride and did not seem to have my
But in the present case will
be trained to the minute. I know just
when am going to be called on TO fight
and exactly how lors will have III
which to prepare. l will therefore pro-
ceed exactly as l did In Toledo. with the
result that will be ut to fight my best
when get into the ring with the French
man."
And what do you think will be the
outcome OF the battle?" asked him.
II cannot say. l understand this
Frenchnan IL tough boy. He Is
speedy a good boxer and hits hard and
straight. Such man cannot be other
wise than dangerous. or course. / hope
to win. and l am aware Carpenter Is
not invulnerable. He has been beaten,
and therefore I am confident ! have a
chance TO win As to how long the
battle will last that would be mere
but as he hits hard and am
not deficient in that respect / have an
idea the contest will not last the limit
Of twelve rounds permitted under the law
Of New Jersey. 1t may be that he VIII
be the victor, but no matter who wins
tho people who pay viii see a good
fight"
Dempsey then asked the writer. who
was at the ringside when Carpenter
knocked out joe Beckett in so seconds
OF the first round IN the ring of the Hol-
born Stadium. London, December 4. 1919.
what sort Of q fight II was.
There was no fight" replied. only
two blows were struck. Carpenter hit
Beckett and Beckett hit the floor"
WAS Beckett knocked out7" queried
the champion.
HE fell on his side. rolled over on
his back and was counted out" said.
rs Beckett fast With his hands and