The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-11-09
BOXING BOARD HAS
PUZZLING PROBLEM
Effort Being Made. to Ascer-
tain Who Punched Artie
NfcGovern.
BY CHARLES r. sIATHIsoN.

The unsolved mystery as to tho cow
ardly assailant of William Patterson
has been overshadowed by deeper
problem. Chairman Muldoon and his
fellow members OF the New York State
Athletic Commission are trying to ap-
prehend the person or persons who in
flicted sundry and divers uppefcuts,
rabbit punches and kidney blows upon
the person of Artie McGovern. official
referee. following the bout between
Terry Martin and Eddie Anderson at
the Broadway Exhibition Association
last Monday night.
Mr.. McGovern, who Is dapper little
chap weighing about 1877 pounds after
q haircut and shave. had finished his
arduous task of telling Messrs. Martin
and Anderson to break clean" and had
gone to his dressing room to array HIM
self In his street apparel. Without a
thought of impending disaster he stepped
out on the street and was looking about
for his sedan and chauffeur, when sud
denly he was violently pushed from be-
hind. With the defensive instinct OF
boxer Mr.. McGovern started to pivot
In order to face his foe, but before he
could make any progress he received
a rabbit killer thump on the back OF the
neck and fell on the pavement with
much force. A policeman vino was near
at hand helped McGovern 10 aS,se and
restore in measure his official dig
nifty. A@
There was no count over. the fallen
referee. As soon as he got on his feet
he looked about in an effort to locate
the person guilty Of the assault, but
could not pick him out OF the crowd
He then journeyed to his Bronx home
and yesterday told his story to the
boxing commission. This body obtained
testimony yesterday morning placing
the attack to the account OF Johnny
Keyes, manager Of Terry Martin. There
was not enough evidence against Keyes
to warrant the revocation OF his license.
but he was suspended pending further
Investigation.
William Muldoon was asked yesterday
II ne intended to resign from his posi-
ton of chairman of the State Athletic
Commission, in view Of approaching
change in the administration of State
affairs.
II do not" ne replied. hut II Cover
nor-elect Smith, on taking office. desires
to put some one In my place I will
cheerfully step out. My term of OFFICE
does not expire till July /, 1924. and
there Is yet lot of work to be done to
put boxing on a proper basis.
II do not think many patriots will
be eager to get a non-salaried position
like those held by George X. Morris.
Frank Dwyer and myself. We have all
worked hard and unselhsfly for the good
of boxing and have not received, nor
would we accept. penny for our serv-
ices. 1 accepted the position of chair
man, because Governor Miller urged me
to take hold Of the problem of how to
conduct boxing honestly and In the in
terest Of the public. There have been
few scandals OF serious nature since
became chairman, and last year there
was turned into the State Treasury
100000. No one can deny that the
standard of the sport has been raised.
However. I repeat that IL the incoming
Governor desires to put some other man
in my place 1 will step out with cheer
ful alacrity."
AS indicating that Mickey walkers
manager Is not enthusiastic for bout
between the new champion and Dave
Shade. his recent utterance is convinc-
ing. He says: Mickey Is only waiting
for a legitimate offer. and as soon as
one comes along I'll be the first man.
ager to snap It up. Don't think that
Mickey doesn't want to fight He does
II Mickey can't hold the title by licking
the best men IN his class, he doesn't
want It."
That's saying a whole lot. and Man
ager Jack Bulger asserts ne will stand
behind II. He Is not disposed to jump
at the Shade chance. because he be-
lieves Dave has got to show he is en-
titled to the first crack at Mickey by
doing a lot more than he has contributed
to his record in the last few months.
In view OF the vigorous manner in
which Shade has been moving down
numerous and various welters. Burgers
statement does not have the true ring.
Shade Is the weller who is entitled to
the first battle with the champion.