The Washington herald., 1922-03-05
BY ROBERT EDGREN.

When Mickey Walker knocked
out Johnny Grifilths In the ninth
round at Boston a few weeks ago
he took another step toward a
championship. Just what cham
pionship il is can't DO settled for
a while, as Mickey is growing. but
those who have watched his work
are convinced that he's lining out
for either the weller or the mid
dleweight title, and perhaps both.
Just now Mickey Is elter-
weight, and he has been dSming
along rather sensationally during
the past year and a half, for he be-
eighteen months ago. In that time
Walk err has won twenty-seven
bouts, has lost a few newspaper
once, by X. o. belmont. This was
weighed only 12s pounds. He
mont got up and let go q wild
swing that caught Mickey on the
point and fiattened him for ten.
Mickey" is only a pet name fas-
tened on Walker to go with his
style of fighting. His real monicker
is Edward Walker. He was born
in Elizabeth, N. J.. Is 20 years old.
feet 6 inches tall. chunkily built,
and inclined to fight in the weaving,
two-handed, aggressive style OF
Ketchel and Dempsey.
He is a terrific hitter, either hand.
This is his chief asset SO far. He
Is fast and not easy to hit. as he
walks in with his chin protected
and forces his way to close range
before he begins punching. He can
take a punch as well as anyone, but
that he isn't hit very often Is shown
by results, for he hasn't mark.
Soon to BE Middleweight.
Mickey has grown an inch in the
past year and it's likely another
year will put him among the mid
dleweights. The present drop OF
middleweights. including the cham
pion and various claimants"
ought to be fairly easy picking for
Walker by that time.
Last summer Mickey fought Jack
Britton, welterweight champion.
For youngster with only a years
experience. pitted against the
weIters. he made a fine showing.
Britton's experience alone saved him
from serious danger of a knockout,
and perhaps saved him from actu-
ally losing his title. In the sixth
round Britton was grogEy from
the effects of two or three hard
punches that crashed through his
guard. Keeling into a clinch he
started conversation with the
smuggling novice.
Thought you were a hard punch
err" said Britton. why don't you
start?"
You're the champion" said
Walker. why don't you stand up
and fight?" Britton weathered the
rough going. but the newspapers
favored Walker for the unofficial
decision.
About three weeks ago Walker
beat George Ward, also of Eliza
beth, and a remarkably fast and
clever welterweight. Ward re-
Gently fought Benny Leonard an
even bout in Madison Square Gar
den. so he's pretty good.
Ward and Walker went to school
together. began. boxing together.
and used to help each other train
until the rivalry grew too close.
Ward helped Walker train for his
fight with Jack Britton. Some over
Jealous friend of walkers spread
report that Mickey was almost
knocking Ward out every afternoon,
This caused a split and a match be-
tween the two later. Mickey
knocked Ward down and won the
bout. although he didn't finish him.
Father Is His Trainer.
Mickey's father is his chief train
er. The old gentleman Is pretty
shifty with the gloves himself. But
he hasn't seen Mickey night yet.
The moment the bell rings he
dashes to the back of the building
and has messengers bring him re-
ports % the fight round by round.
Much the same as Pop Court
ney, rowing coach of Cornell. for
50 many years. Courtney coufdn't
stand the excitement of seeing his
crews race. and always sat out
behind the boathouse whiting a
stick until word came that the race
was over and won or lost
Mickey started in athletics by
playing baseball in school. and box.
Ing in the gymnasium. After a
whiie he spent almost all his spare
time in the gym. boxing, and his
fondness for milling earned him the
nickname Mickey" among his high
school mates. After boxing as an
amateur Mickey turned profess
sional, attracted by the big purses
In New York. only fifteen miles
away.
On his first appearance at an
Elizabeth club he was slated for a
preliminary. but one Of the main