Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-02-20
BR|TTON SLIPPING
AS Weller CHAMP
Like Freddy Welsh, Jack May
Be Dethroned by Benny
DENIES BEING THROUGH
BY LOUIS II. JAFFE


THERE may have been sone doubt
i as to the winner of the Jack Brit.
ton Dave Shade match. declared a draw
by the judges, in New York last week.
One fact that looked certain. however,
was that Jack Britton, thirty seven
year old titleholder, was on the down
grade.
Moving Picture of Champion
Slipping might have been an apropos
title for the Garden glove-fest last
Friday night. Fistic critics are unan-
imous that Britton has not far to 60.
| II he continues boxing-and 1t is prob.
able that he will--Jack will meet with
the same fate of Freddy Welsh.
Like Britton. Welsh was a wonder
full defensive boxer and knew n lot
about the technique Of the game; In
fact. he was such a master that his
exhibitions failed to please the fans,
and when he went down before the
younger Benny Leonard the boxing
world was glad to gloat over new
champion.
Welsh really had reached the end of
his boxing rope before he was cata.
pulled into the resin by Leonard, but
the Britisher refused to admit he was
through. 1t virtually Is the same with
BrittOn. and 1t would not be surprls-
ing II Jack finished his career the next
time he goes to the post.
Benny Leonard Is to try to separate
Britton from his welterweight crown
and many believe the lightweight cham
pion had the ability to do the trick.
Britton probably refuses to admit he
is almost through, and may not realize
that he Is slipping until the final "ten
and out" leaves no doubt.
Roper Seeks Prestige
Bob Roper. n captain in the Great
Guerre. is seeking prestige that will
warrant him match for the heavy
weight championship: Captain Bob has
been in the leather pushing lime glare
since the late war. He has been hav-
ing his ups and downs in heavyweight
competition, but now Eddie Meade, the
capn' new manager, believes Roper will
20 along and beat the heavyweights in
his path for. a bout with Jack Demp-
sey.
Philadelphia fans have never seen the
captain in action. He is scheduled
to make his lOca! debut tonight at the
Olympia. Billy MIske, st. Paul, is to
be Bob's opponent, and the Westerner
should prove good test for the World
War veteran. While Miske has been
knocked out by Champion Dempsey, he
has showed good form against such
men as Bill Brennan, BARLEY Madden.
Fred Fulton. Tom Gibbons. Harry
Another heavyweight bout to be de-
cided tonight will be- service scrap
between Ad Stone, n sailor, and Sam
La Sale, a marine. The semi final will
be lightweight fuss, bringing together
Bobby McCann and Jimmy Sacco.
Other bouts: frankie Mcfarland vs..
Joey Ritchie and Willie O'COnnell vs..
Matty Dechter.
Salvatore Has Class
An interesting demonstration Of n.
boxer versus a fighter match was given
at the National Club Saturday night
when Phil Salvatore, of California.
clashed with Joe Tiplitz. of this city.
sensational scraps of the season, with
neither showing to advantage at the
finish.
At the opening bell Tiplitz stormed
Salvatore with two left hooks to the
head, and 1t looked as If Joe would
score his third straight knockout. But
Phil began showing lots Of class as a
boxer. He displayed beautiful left
jab, and occasionally completed pretty
one-two punches with right hand
crosses.
Until the end of the fifth Salvatore
was out in front, but thereafter Tippy's
battering body attack slowed up the
Californian. SO that before the final
tinkle of the gong Joe had showed suf-
ficient stuff to earn draw.
All of the other matches were also
interesting. Jimmy Mendo was win.
ner over Jack Perry, Danny Rodgers
outslugged Johnny Rose, Earl Hartman
showed splendid form IN walloping
Yolng Sherlock md Bobby Allen nut
on a brilliant battle in whipping
frankie Julian.