The New York herald., 1921-02-24
JACK JOHNSON MAY
BOX IN MICHIGAN
Practically Matched to Fight
Wills at Benton HarbOr F,
August 8.
BY CHARLES r. MATHIsON.

On the heels of the report that Jack
Johnson will be liberated from prison
next July much discussion has arisen
regarding he return to the ring of the
former chr mpion. Several promoters,
including Tex Rickard. have been asked
IL they would match the negro, and
each answered in the negative.
But there is one promoter who Is not
averse to putting Johnson in the ring
as soon as he emerges from behind the
bars. This is Floyd F'itzsimmons of
Benton Harbor, Mich, who Is quoted as
announcing n match between Johnson
and Harry Wills for August O. This Is
the anniversary of Emancipation Day,
and Fitzsimmons is of the opinion that
there will be a great turn out on the
negro holiday to see the battle.
However. Fitzsimmons may have to
reckon with the Michigan Boxing Com
mission before he succeeds In putting
the convict In the ring. and II that body
acts Johnson may have to look else
where TO find bout.
Beyond question those States repre-
sented in the National Boxing Associa-
ton of the United States will refuse
licenses to Johnson. and while New York
the national association there is small
question they will negative any request
on the part of Johnson for a permit
to box.
Organized boxing. which is at present
in splendid condition, cannot afford to
open the gates to Johnson. whose con-
duct during the time he was champion
did not reflect any glory on the sport.
Beyond doubt the negro will find some
spot in which to box. for there are
managers outside the Jurisdiction of
State and city commissions who will
utilize the negro's unpleasant notoriety
to attract a crowd to tlfe ringside.
II Is to be hoped that Johnson will
insist on boxing In Mexico. South Amer
lea or Alaska, and thus relieve the pro-
moters In the United States of the neces-
sity Of refusing him a match. Johnson,
with characteristic egotism. is confident
he can regain the title he once held. 1t
is altogether likely that IL Wills and
Johnson meet in the ring and fight on
their merits Johnson will be effectually
eliminated from the title hunt.
When Dundee and Jackson meet in
the Garden tomorrow night IL will be
the tenth contest between the pair. In
their first bout Jackson stopped Dundee
In the first round. and the Harlem light
weight expresses the opinion that he
will repeat the knockout Jackson Is
favorite over the italian so far as the
decision is concerned but few are bold
enough to wager on a Knockout by jack
son.
Charley Peters, who is to wrestle
Stanislaus Zbyszko at the Seventy-first
Regiment Armory next Monday night, is
a Sheriff In Nebraska. If the Pole be-
comes obstreperous he may find him
self encompassed with a double wrist
lock with steel bracelets.
James Kolb, formerly manager Of
Raymond Mcmillan, who fought under
the name of Mickey Shannon, and died
after bout with Al Roberts at Jersey
City on December last. was arraigned
In the Second Criminal Court, Jersey
City, yesterday on n charge of en-
bezzlement The complaint was filed by
James Mcmillan, brother of the dead
pugilist. who claimed that Kolb had
withheld money belonging to the fighter
when he turned over McMllan's effects
TO his family. The case was laid over
until February 26.
Johnny Dundee and Willie Jackson.
who In their last meeting boxed Is
rounds to- n draw. will face each other
again In Madison Square Garden next
Friday night. The winner thinks seri-
ously of meeting Leonard-in a social
way.
Tex O'Rourke, matchmaking-d director
Of the International Sporting Club, yes
terday announced the complete pro-
gramme for the big boxing carnival
which will be held by the club in the
grand ballroom of the Commodore Hotel
next Tuesday night. In addition to the
international match between William
Spenglor champion OF the New York
Police Department, and Capt. u. v.