Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-07-03
by }. Ogden Armour,
The Famous Chicago sinnncic,

jury Us III right or wronE-this
tremendous spectacle to which i
thrilled this afternoon with 10000
other American men or women?
Is il worth all this GREATNESS cx-
citcmcnt. shared not only Ly the
crowds at the ringslde. but by mil
lions of people anXiously awaiting
the news i'll every quarter of the
globe?
Having just seen my first real
puEiliStic battle. l should like to an
swer these questions by drawing a
distinction: 1 believe that boxing is
one OF the greatest of all athitic
sports and should bc encouraged in
every legitimate way; hut | cannot
ccnscientiously say that | approve of
the knockout, or the striving for Il
Knockout.
cannot say that approve Of two
men being put into the ring for such
a purpose. But from what | am told
deem that the Knockout, while
wrong in Itself. may he a necessary
evil to maintain high interest in this
otherwise admirable and manly sport.
This being true, il seems to me that
boxing presents many elements of
positive good To offset this one posi-
bic reSrctablc feature.
Hna Much Value.
'oSihS anu the lTalHlnS tnHt goes
with il arc certainly OF wonderful
value in developing fine qualities of
mind and body-physical strength
and endurance. the power TO think
quickly and accuratcly--to co-ordi-
nate muscle and brain
AS | watched both men lighting |
realized that IL must not only require
marvellous physique and stamina TO
give and take such blows, but very
high degree of moral courage as well.
And however developed, or FOR what
ever purpose, il is admitted by all
that such qualities are noble in them
selves.
AS Georges Carpenter stopped into
the ring, severa! minutes before the
champion his charming manner ana
infectious smile imm edatcly won my
heart. Al once, In spite OF myself. for
had been determined not to take
sides, ! felt myself wishing he would
win. ! found myself following with
keen interest the adjustment OF his
bandagcs. and admiring the scal-like
watchfulness OF the picturesque Des-
amps. At the same time. the classic
grace and beauty of the young
frcnchman aroused my sympathieS
He seemed too perfect, too fragile for
such Il contest.
Dempsey Needed no sympathy.
When Dempsey entered the ring a |
few moments later, one glance as
surcd me that here was Il man who
needed no sympathy. 1t was too APP
parent that he could take care OF |
himself. Not a classic Greek ath-
Ictc, but rugged battler. Il fighter
born. While d'scount!nE Dcmpscy's
intelligence as ring fighter. felt
that il was going to be a battle OF
hT:l i,.
cal strength against intellect and
specd--and | was earnestly wishing
for brains TO win. had no rca
reason. II was just the personality
OF the two men
when they began 10 fight. wit
messed what seemed to me almost a
series of miracles. | have seen many
fine athletes in other sports. but
never have ! seen such lightning
rapidity OF movement. such marvellous
play of muscles, such display or
the human physical mechanism raised
TO the nth degree in speed ana power.
haven't the technical knowledge
10 describe the battle round by round.
but no one could fail to be impressed
by the different lighting manner OF
the two men--Carpenticr crouching
like a panther, lcaping on the man
he hoped to make his prey. ana then
rctrcating after shooting forward his
wonderful right arm; Dempsey. on
the other hand. towering like Il giant. |
battcrinp. pounding. seeking 10 crush
his shcndcrcr and more Eraccfui op-
poncnt.
Held own In First Round.
In the first round. although car
pcnticr received some severe blows.
] fcl, that he was holding his own
and his marvellous grit and courage
made me feel that wanted 10 cheer
him, In the second. one of The
Frenchman's terrible right-handcd
blows landed fairly, and for "A second
saw the giant iottcrng. Hut in "a
moment lie was steady again and
more wary.
IN the ,hird round Ceit that both
men were Fighting bravciy dcspcr-
ately. nasnihcently. and tha; both
deserved nigh praise. for both. i;
seemed to me. were being terribly
punished. Bul began I" realize
that Drawn was going 10 win.
Fc.lnG as did and know that the
battle mus; lie fought Ia - finish.
almost hoped ,hat j, would come
quickly. aud was not surprised
though u hi; maddcned. when II came
IN the beginning ot the fourth round
Carpenter StllI II Hero.
dempsey remains the champion.
and he fought Il magnificent tight but
Georges Carpenter is Sill Il hero. I
think all Americans and all true
sportSmen everywhere feet like salG;-
ing him for his splendid gamcness
and courage.
However. the outcome OF the fight
WAS not the big question for me. The
game itself and the attitude Of the
American public toward il. is the big
ccst question of all While 1 reDnat
that cannot approve OF the knock