The New York herald., 1921-02-09
Boxer Not Under Suspension
and May Not Be Disci-
plined.
ny CHARLES F. MArHIsoN.

Indications point to the probable
whitewashing Of Jack Britton in con-
nection with his outbreak at the close
of the second round Of his encounter
with Kid Lewis at Madison Square Gar
den Monday night Although two offi-
cials of the Boxing Commission-Lau-
renee Mcclure, chairman OF the License
Committee. and Charles White. secretary
Of the commission--were at the ringside
and saw the entire affair. Britton had
not been suspended UP to the time the
commission ceased It's labors last even
ing. at 9 o'clock. 1t Is the custom of the
body to suspend offenders pending a
hearing. but all the commissioners said
yesterday was that they were await
ing for reports before taking action.
President Joseph Johnson. in discuss
ing the subject, asked If it was a viola
tion OF rules for boxer to cross to the
opposite corner and speak his mind to
the opposing boxer.
Had Britton confined himself to regis
tering a protest with Lewis and then
returned quietly to his corner, the Incl
dent would soon have been forgotten.
At the same time if Britton felt that
Lewis was not boxing fairly the cham
pion should have made his complaint to
the referee.
Instead of so doing. the champion not
only rushed excitedly to Lewis's corner
and started an argument with Lewis, but
followed by smashing one of Lewis Sec
onds in the face. This might have
started a free-for-all fight in the pres
ence of one of the largest and most
representative crowds that has attended
a bout since the Walker law went into
effect. Britton's conduct was a black
eye to the sport, and gave thousands Of
persons an impression that boxing is a
rough house pastime and unworthy the
patronage of the better classes OF So
ciety.
Were Britton preliminary fighter he
doubtless would be severely dealt with,
but as nc is champion, and an intel
lgent man, his offence is the greater
and he deserves severe discipline. The
commission cannot afford to overlook
the performance of Britton, for if he
escapes without discipline boxers OF all
degrees will be encouraged to indulge in
rowdyism.
The rules of boxing provide that n
man who hits an opponent after the bell
ends round commits foul. Had
Britton hit Lewis instead OF the second
the champion would have laid himself
open to disqualification. Had the blow
that Lewis aimed at Britton reached the
mark the challenger would have been
liable to disqualification. Brtton's ex-
cuse that Lewis was using rough and
unfair tactics is poor one. and no
matter what retorts Lewis and his sec
ond made to Britton, the champion was
unwarranted in making SO uncalled for
an exhibition.
Incidentally Lewis and his obstreper-
Gus second should be called to account.
Under the head of fouls is included
''profane and abusive language" and IL
either Lewis or his second were guilty
Of employing II they should be punished.
From all points of view the Boxing
Commission has before 1t a golden op-
portunity to prove that violations Of the
rules. no matter how exalted the Of
tenders. will not go unpublished.
After Britton had cooled and resumed
his customary demeanor he gave an ex-
h:bition OF scientific boxing that is
seldom seen in any boxing club. His
ceverness. strength. science and cour-
age amazed the onlookers and were In
the nature of a disagreeable surprise
to Lewis.
AS a plain matter of fact, the brill