The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-03-21
Wilson'S Low Blows.

Convincing testimony as to the cor
rectness of the writer's description OF
the Wilson o. Dowd contest is furnished
by Vincent Treanor, a close observer of
things pugilistic. In commenting on the
encounter Mr.. Treanor said:
1T is one thing to sit at a ringside
and critcise the work of a referee, but
pigeon of quite different hue to
place yourself in the jeans OF the of
ficial For insance, there isn't doubt
in our mind that Wilson fouled O'Dowd
not once but dozen times on Thursday
night and did it as many as four times
In succession in one round, but would
you have spoiled the evening by dis
qualifying the champion? Guess you
wouldn't. There would have been a riot.
Referee Johnny McAvoy took the easiest
way and either didn't see the punches
which landed below Mikes belt or pur-
posely refused to pay any attention TO
O'Dowds many complaints. Still there
were grounds in plenty for a referee to
disqualify Wilson.
80 often did Johnny crash that
swinging left hand below the pre-
scribed line that many around the ring
shivered with the impact of the blows,
So persistently did Wilson offend that
we began to think he had no further
use for his title and was willing to let
Mike take II back on foul.
with the fight over and done with. 1t
II just as we'll that there was no dis
qualification. but 1t Is about time that
something is done to curb fighters who
are inclined to swing in low punches.
intentional or otherwise. Wilson didn't
have to resort to low punches to beat
ODowd, but he landed them Just the
same"
The attempt in some quarters to gloss
over the foul tactics of Wilson is not
supported by the facts. On the other
hand. IL is known that Referee McAvoy
twice warned Wilson to keep his blows
up." proof positive that the champion
was hitting low. In addition, ODowd is
to-day in care of a physician and may
have to undergo an operation for hernia.
Deserved DISQUALIFICATION.
1t Is doubtless true that McAvoy took
the easiest way out and ignored the low
blows that were taking the steam out OF
ODowd. Nevertheless he should have
disqualified Wilson after the first warn
ing. for the rule so provides.
However, the subject Is broader than
the question as to whether O'Dowd could
have won had he not been weakened by
foul blows. The real question at issue
Walker law are to be enforced only in
the cases OF minor offenders. The Box
ing Commission imposed severe penalties
on a number OF unknown youngsters last
week, suspending them for periods or
thirty to ninety days. One little chap
had been guilty OF the horrible offence
OF fighting twice on the same night and
another had refused TO fight unless he
got a raise In his share of the purse.
These boys were roughly treated. but
along comes title holder and Is guilty
Of the foulest work ever seen in ring
in this state and he not only is not pen
allied by the ring officials but is not apt
to be disciplined by the commission.
Giving Wilson the benefit OF the DOUBT
and proceeding on the supposition that
the low blows were not Intentional, still ne
should have been disqualified. The rule
provides that "a referee shall not give
more than one warning for an unintcn-
tional foul" the offender to be disquau-
fled on the second offence.
McAvoy warned Wilson three times.