The Washington times., 1921-04-06
CORBETT IDEAL
AS THIRD MAN
Public Has Faith in His Ability
As Dempsey-Carpentier
Referee.
BY KIRK MILLER.

While two continents are holding
their breath until Tex Rickard, fight
impresario, makes up his mind to an
nounce the time and place for the
impending Dempsey Carpenter fist
leuffs, Washington, peculiarly
enough, is drawn for the moment in
to the heavyweight championship
outlook, in that the man who is most
prominently mentioned as the likely
referee for the mammoth event, is
sojourning with us this week.
Meet Gentleman Jim Corbett. who
is footlighting hereabouts. the man
who is widely favored to act as traf-
fic cop when Dempsey and Carpen-
tier finally start silhouetting around
the ring.
From an out-and-out sporting
standpoint, no man in the country is
more qualified to WELD the Dempsey
Carpenter baton. The prize rings
Of all nations have never produced
a more scientific, highly educated
and finished boxing genius than Jim
Corbett, and his redeeming qualities
as a gentleman, renowned for fair
ness and honesty. should eliminate
all other suggestions for the third
party to the duet.
If the public is considered. Corbett
will referee the affair. for the world
knows that he couldn't possibly he
induced to mishandle the thing in
such a manner that there should be
an unnecessary draw or any ques-
tion left as to which fighter is su-
perior, after he has once rendered a
verdict.
PUBLIC SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
But, unfortunately. the great
sporting public is too often over
looked in staging championships
which attract thousands. yes, and
half millions, of dollars to the jeans
of one or two promoters and partici-
pants. and 1t may be that Rickard
may have to yield to the whims of
some political or sporting circle in
the location where he presents this
spectacle and allow the local lights
to name the referee.
1t is a significant thing in plan
ming the huge mass of details for
big sporting shows. that the conces-
sions for everything from peanuts to
taxicab privileges. are apportioned
to the various interests which thrive
in the particular locality.
II this element does not press Tex
Rickard too hard, the willy promoter
will no doubt exercise his better
judgment, and not only favor Cor
bett. but actually insist that he ham
die the approaching fight.
WOULD BE vERITABLE MAGNET.
Here is the one man in the United
States who can step into the ring and
carry the dignity and sincerity OF
purpose to assure the waiting world
that nothing awry is to be permitted.
His presence would popularize the
fight game in the minds OF those who
may have become soured by the repe-
titions of scandals and unbecoming
things which dot ring history in this
country. Moreover. Corbetts presence
would be veritable magnet to the
box offcie-an angle which Rickard
ct al. can well afford to respect.
1t is to be hoped that nothing will
intervene between the managers OF
the championship event, to prevent
the positive naming of jim Corbett for
this important position. There is no
iota Of doubt as to his qualifications.
and no person in public life in the
last quarter of century has such
sterling reputation for high character
and justice.
Universally his choice would be
heralded as the most popular thing
that has occurred in boxing circles in
years, and it would be a fine compli-
ment to one of the grandest figures
that the sporting world has ever
known.