New-York tribune., 1922-07-12

Patrick Mullins did the same lot v
The fourth clause OF the agreement
contains the only mention Of the ap-
proximate time at which this widely
discussed heavyweight struggle may
take place. This paragraph provides
that the contest must be held within
period Of sixty days from the accept
anee by the parties hereto Of the sue
eessful bid for such contest II stipu-
lates no date for closing Of said bids.
This means that the fight might be
held this year or next year or perhaps
not Al all SO official bids have as yet
been received. but Jack Kearns and
Dan McKettrick, his partner, expressed
the belief 10 the writer last night that
several would be submitted within the
next forty-eight hours. Tex kiekard
is the promoter considered most likely
90 stage the fight, but II is a fact that
there are others in the held who have
the confidence Of Wills and Dempsey
and their respective managers.
When the writer showed copy OF
the agreement TO Tex Riekard yester-
day the country's leading hstic promo
ter declared cmphatieally that he
would put in a bid for the bout. but
ne refused 10 say when he would do
this. lie was equally emphatic in de-
elaring that he would not attempt 70
back Wills-Dempsey match this year,
and he added that he did not believe
that any ether promoter would under
take such a thing.
Dempsey to Meet Willard
Riekard stated that Willard and
Dempsey would meet in fight for the
title some time between September %
and September p under his promotion
and that this was the only heavyweight
encounter he would back until the
spring Of 1923.
The agreement signed yesterdy by
Jack Kearns and Paddy Mullins created
a stir in hstic circles all over the coun-
try and speculation was rife as to
whether il was the first move in a Sc
rious desire 70 bring the worlds lead
ing heavyweights together or whether
IL was simply a gesture designed TO
placate the New York State Boxing
Commission. which has accepted Wills's
official challenge 20 Dempsey and
which has been demanding action in
the heavyweight division.
No mention Of terms or a division OF
receipts Is made in the agreement and
Il is understood that this vital detail
will not be taken up until the various
bids are under consideration. The
only bid made for the fight in which
actual figures have been mentioned is
that OF Harry Frszee, theatrical pro-
moter and owner Of the Boston Red
Sox, who offered S350,000 for the match.
This offer was made before Dempsey
started on his European tour, but moth
ing ever came Of II.
The general impression In we'll in
formed sporting circles in this city is
that Tex Rickard is the only promoter
who would be seriously considered by
either Kearns or Mullins. Rickard
said last night that he expected 10 have
a conference with Kearns and possibly
Mullins to-day. He admitted that the
main topic TO be discussed with Demp-
sey's manager would be the proposed
willard battle, but he said that in the
event Of the meeting being attended by
Mullins he would take up the prelimin-
airy phases Of the Wills-Dempsey en-
counter. Richards whole attitude was
one Of complete confidence that he
would be the one TO stage the bout be-
tween the champion and his negro chsl-
lenger.
The Agreement Signed
The agreement signed yesterday by
Kesrns and Mullins reads as follows:
This agreement, made this eleventh
day Of July, 1922, between William
Harrison Dempsey, otherwise known
as Jack Dempsey, and Jack Kearns,
as manager Of said Jack Dempsey,
hereinafter designated as parties Of
the first part, and Harry Wills and
Patrick J. Mullins, as manager Of
the said Harry Wills, hereinafter
designated as party OF the second
part.
Witnesseth: That for and in con-
siderstion Of the sum Of one dollar,
lawful money Of the United States,
by each 10 the others paid, receipt
whereof is hereby admitted, and
other valuable considerations, the
parties hereto agree as follows
/. The said Jack Dempsey agrees 20
I box the said Harry Wills FOR the
4 heavyweight championship Of the
world.
2. The time and place Of such
contest for heavyweight champion
snip 70 be mutually agreed upon by
the parties hereto.
3. Bids for the holding Of such con-
test from promoters must be sub
mitted 10 all the parties hereto and
HAnt bt oahleAANeyil " all
4. This contest must be held within
period Of sixty days from accept
snce by the parties hereto Of the sue
cessful bid for such contest.
In witness whereof the parties
hereto have set their hand and seal
this eleventh day Of July, 1922.
(signed) JACK KEARNs.
for Jack Dempsey
(Signed) PATRICK MULLINS,
for Harry Wills.
II contest is held in New York
State il is understood that it will
be held under the rules Of the New
York State Athletic Commission.
II is hereby mutually agreed that
either Jack Dempsey or Harry Wills
may take part in any bout during the
continuance Of this contract.
July II, 1922. J. K. P. NJ.
The signing Of this paper was pre-
eeded by a long period Of wrangling In
which Mullins, speaking for Wllls. In
sisted that clause be inserted proyid-
ing that in case the fight should be
held in this state il must be under the
rules and regulations Of the Boxing