The New York herald., 1921-12-26
WORTHY OPPONENTS
FOR TITLE HOLDERS
All Classes Except Heavy
weight Contain Dangerous
Rivals to Champions.
BY CHARLES F. srATHIsoN.

BY CHARLES r. MATHIsON.
Were it not for the disinclination OF
cha mpions to risk titles in bouts to a de-
cision the year 1922 would be prolific OF
excellent contests with championships at
stake. With the single exception of thi.
heavyweight class. there are plenty or
worthy opponents for the title holders in
the various divisions. Yet. owing to the
determination of the champions not to
engage in bouts to a decision, title con-
tests will be comparatively few. There
does not appear at present to be a man
In the heavyweight class capable Of giving
Dempsey battle. yet it is not unlikely
that the resourceful Rickard will dig up
a formidable opponent for the champion
before July 4, 1922.
The light heavyweight class looks very
promising, and there should be some ex-
cellent contests. Battling Levinsky does
not seem anxious to defend the honors
OF the class any more, and in any event
is apparently unable to make the weight
OF 175 pounds. Unless he does so In the
near future the real contenders will no
doubt engage in a competition for a
championship belt to be presented by Tex
Rickard.
Harry Greb. although but middle
weight. Is the most promising candidate
for the honors. Next in line are Gene
Tunney (who showed improved form in
his bout with Eddie O'Hare). Jack Re-
nault, the Canadian. and Billy Shade.
Some fine bouts could be staged between
that quartet.
MiddleweiEhts Promising.
The middleweight division is also very
promising, with Greb the central figure
If Wilson survives the attack Of the
Pittsburgh cyclone next February he will
then have to reckon with Dave Rosen-
berg. Jimmy Darcy. Tommy Robson and
Mike Gibbons. There is much good ma
terial in the 160 pound class. and there
seems to be disposition on the part Of
all to fight to decisions.
Mickey Walker, Dave Shade and
Pinky Mitchell are men who could make
matters interesting for Champion Brit
ton, but the veteran does not seem in
clined to meet any one Of them In a
title match. He is reported to be saving
himself for clash with Benny Leonard
in a decisionless bout for nothing ex-
cept the gate receipts.
The lightweight class is also afflicted
with the anti4decision complaint. Kan
sas or Tender would make it interesting
decision, but the title holder declines to
meet any of his challe ngers except IN
decisionless combat.
The featherweight division Is in the
same plight as the lightweight class. Kill
bane declines to box any Of the good
men like Chaney, Beecher and several
others. with the result that the class 4,
in a state of stagnation.
1t was announced by Johnny Bluffs
A..
won the bantam title from Herman, that
the new title holder would give all
worthy challengers a chance at the
crown. Despite the fact that Buff has
been offered much coin Of the realm to
meet Midget Smith, Joe Lynch Pete
Herman or Phil O'Dowd In title bouts
in the Garden he has steadfastly re-
fused to accept the proposals. On the
contrary. Mr.. Buff Is making elaborate
preparations for q decisionless barn
storming tour Of the entire country.
Title Looks Snfe.
In these provincial contests the holder
of the bantam title will be safe from
| deposition unless he is knocked out He
will start on his tour the latter part OF
January and his first bout will be with
Joe Schwartz in Detroit on January 90.
The Michigan State boxing law does not
permit QeCfSlOnS. ScnWartZS name lS
not one to inspire fear in any of the
leading bantams Of America.
The fyweight class. the American title
of which is held 'by Buff, is almost en-
tirely devoid of public interest, and the
contenders for the honors are very few
in number and of small ability.
The announcement that professional
boxing and wrestling contests are to be
permitted in armories of the State Ma
tional Guard will be productive of con-
siderable interest to a number Of pro-
moters who have been seeking large
arenas in this city. It is probable that
rivals of Tex Rickart will now be able
to get a building large enough to war;
rant the staging OF important contests.
There Is no question that Billy Gibson
and his associates will make strong
effort to establish a boxing club I'm riv-
airy to the Garden. So far as wrestling
In the armories is concerned, there n
| small prospect that Jack Curley will re-
sume operations. for the reason that the
| rolling fall rule of the State Athletic
| Commission has almost completely killed
interest in that form of sport in this
! city.
Dundee md jackson Again.