The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-30

Never before in more than five hundred ring contests had suspicion had been directed on my work. It had been the source of pride and great hand, to hear friends say that I was always on the level and that all ways gave them my best.
 For two years I had been aware of .tbe fact that the end of my career was approaching and while I looked to the end with regret l felt that I should be proud in leaving a fine record behind when I was finished.
 Quite naturally then. it was a severe blow just before the start of my last contest with Mickey Walker to hear the announcement made to 10000 fans at the ringsde in Ma dison Square Garden:
 All Bets Are off On This Con- test"
 I looked across the ring to Walk CTS corner and he seemed just as surprised as I felt. l turned around corner and he told me to go ahead and do my best and that everything would be O. K
 Before going into the ring I had ar idea that something was in the air but I passed 1t off as I had things of more importance to occupy my mind.
 While I was getting into my ring togs. Tex Rikard came into the dressing room. Rickard and l have always been good friends and when was boxing for him in Madison around to the dressing room to have few words before the bout. Rickard I. Curious. l How do you feel. Jack ?" he asked me rather casually. and I told him | felt pretty good.
 You're tho champion, Are you go- Ing out to vim ho came back ! quickly
 thought ft was an unusual ques- tiUn and would have considered 1t a joke had his expression not been so serious. After little hesitation answered that l certainly was going | to try to get the decision.
 Aren't you in good shape?" he continued.
 I'm in as good Il shape as can get in." I told him.
 | I added that I didn't feel as good as l did before the Leonard fight In Juno but that l had been training in- doors and that I had not been able | to sleep well. l also reminded him tfat I was getting old and that couldn't work myself into condition like youngsters can.
 odds Changed Suddenly. | Dan Morgan than came into the dressing room and Riclard told him there was some funny betting going on and that the boxing commission was on him,
 "They were betting & to 5 on Brit ton this afternoon and up until the time the doors Were open. Now they're offering to 1 and 2 to l that Walker wins and some of them have money that Britton will be knocked out" Rickard said.
 There's nothing wrong with that l betting, It's wise money going down on Walker, Anyone who saw them when they weighed in this afternoon V ould know that Britton shouldn't be the favorite," Morgan replied
 That's partially true, but I can't understand the reason for the sud- den change in the betting" Rickard said,
 Well, there's nothing wrong with our end" Morgan said. You'd bet ter see who your judges are and talk to the roferree.'
 Morgan Cheers Jack.
 Rickard then went out. He re- turned later and said that he couldn't find out thing but that | he would be satisfied if l would as- sure him that l was going out to do my told ns5t' him that I was going to give the bout my best efforts and he l went out again,
 After he had gone, Morgan said to me; old man, you were right when you said you were going to try your | best to win and you're going to have | helluva t.me, Did you see that Walker boy when he weighed in?" l I told him that l had seen him. l had noticed in what perfect shape he 1 seemed to be and had been i'm pressed that he was down to IA pounds. 8 weight at which he Nas