The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-08-03


Wilson was barred from New
York rings for nearly two years be-
cause of his refusal to go through
with a contract to fight Greb for
Tex Richard. Fair-minded observ-
ers declared this action practically
amounted to persecution, but VIII
SON took his medicine without
whimpering. although the loss of
his title in this State cost him
many thousands of dollars.
Johnny won the championship
from Mike O'Dowd in 1920 He
gave the ST. Paul Irishman a return
match at Madison Square Garden
in April, 1921, and won another de-
cision. Since then he has not boxed
In this State.
On Labor Day of that year VIII
son met Bryan DoWney, western
claimant of the title, in q twelve
round no-decision bout at Boyle's
Thirty Acres, Jersey City. 1t was
q terrible bout-even Wilson ad-
mits that-and the New Jersey
boxing commission held up john
ny's share of the gate pending an
investigation.
This amounted to approximately
&S5.o00 and Wilson was months col
Letting it. The investigation fell
fiat but still Johnny's money was
not forthcoming. Tex Richard, who
promoted the Jersey City fight, in
sisted on Wilson boxing Greb at the
Garden and, according to Wilson.
practically forced him to make the
match in return for Richards good
offices in helping him collect his
$4,000 for the Jersey City fight.
AS soon as he had the money
Wilson promptly repudiated the con-
tract to box Greb, claimed he was
coerced into signing it. For this he
was suspended by the New York
State Athletic Commission, and
Dave Rosenberg was appointed"
middleweight champion in tn
State. Since then there has been
no real activity in the division here
abouts.
wilson's title was recognized in
other States. but he could not get
many matches and boxed only
few times during his suspension
here. With the reorganization OF
the boxing commission last spring
and the appointment of a new
license committee. Wilson's appeal
was acted on favorably. Since then
he has had four minor bouts.
"T did not fight enough to keep
In shape when was under
suspension" said Wilson yester.
day at Summit, but / never was
as much as ten pounds over the
middleweight limit Of $50 pounds
because 1 did some gymnasium
work and a little boxing every
%
all the other champions prosper
ing when I was barred from New
York. but knew / would get
justice some day.
Last spring. after Billy NARROW
bought my contract with Marty
KilIilea, felt that 1 would soon be
reinstated. l have been in light
training since February, and for
the last five weeks I have worked
hard out here. In that time
have had three or four fights.
IT have never weighed more than
159 and today. though I have not
tried TO reduce, I am down to 165
pounds. My idea in coming out
here was to live in the open and
perfect my physical condition.
When 1 first arrived l dug bitches,
worked at odd Jobs and did every
thing to harden myself
I'VE have been fixing I'D the
place around here and I am Just
one of Jim Buckley's hired hands.
Jim has been fitting up the train
ing quarters. building a canopv
over my outdoor ring and putting
the camp in tip-top shape go
on the roads here early in the
mornings, box in the afternoons
and help around the place.
eft is wonderful out here on the
hills. / eat like a horse. but keen