, 1923-01-04
THE BOXING GAME WAS
VERY TAME IN GOOD OIL
NINETEEN TWENTY-FIVE

Pugtlism during the year 1922 was
almost entirely lacking in the spec
tacular features that characterized 1t
IN the preceding twelve months. This
was due largely in the enforced idle
ness of Jack Dempsey. heavyweight
champion Of the world. Although
eager to earn the money that would
come from a title match Dempsey.
because of a total lack of worthy op-
ponents, never got a chance to draw
on a pair Of gloves in defense of his
ring honors. Late in the fall there
arose a possibility of the champion
meeting Harry Willis in a title con-
test, but this was quickly blotted out
by a political campaign. Real OPP
position for Dempsey still is neglig-
1ble in quantity and quality. Harry
Wills is the only boxer that at pres
ent would be accepted by the public
as having a chance with Dempsey,
and the champion would be a strong
favOrite over the negro.
Two Has Beens
Willard is too old, slow and de-
pendent, and the fact that he refuses
to prove his condition by fighting
others in his class indicates that the
Kansan is willing (for the money in
volved) to take another thumping
from the champion.
Carpenter, owing to the Sikh af-
fair, Is in the discard in the heavy
weight class. and Brennan is very
much on the down grade. Firpo
would make a savage but losing
fight. but Floyd Johnson, while a
promising boxer, is yet too ~inexperi-
enced to face Dempsey in the ring.
Beckett would not have a possible
hance with the American, and Sikh
Is not likely to box in America.
The heavyweight situation, there
fore, is not encouraging, and unless
there appears some new and formid-
able fighter on che heavyweight hor-
lion Dempsey's crown is likely 10
rust.
The Illness of Benny Leonard also
lessened interest in the sport. The
lightweight champion fought a num-
Der OF decisionless bouts early in the
rear. but owing to serious trouble
with his teeth has remained idle for |
several months. It is probable Leon
ard will meet Charley White in al
title bout in the Garden before the
end of the winter.
Among the F1yweights
There was more activity in the fly
weight class than in any other d.
vision. This was due to the arrival
here Of Pancho Villa, the Filipino
champion. who stripped Johnny Buff
OF his title. The new champion won
his honors in a bout to a decision. |
but now refuses to meet his ablest
challenger. frankie Genaro. in a
contest to a decision on points. It
appears that Villa is determined to
take the title home with him.
The long expected downfall of
Jack Britton, welter king, took place
when the chubby. rugged and COM
bative Mickey Walker OF Elizabeth,
N. j.. battered the veteran for fifteen
rounds In Madison Square Garden. 1t
was a victory of youth over age and
even the resOurcefulness Of the title
holder would not stave off the in
evitable defeat. Walker has danger
Gus rivals for his crown. among
whom are Dave Shade. Sailor Fried
man, Paul Doyle and others. Shade
Is likely to defeat Walker In a fif-
teen round contest to a decision.
Harry Greb. the most t~ireless
fighter in the light-heavyweight
class. Is also on the sick list. his
BYE being seriously affected. He d.
vested Gene Tunney OF the honors OF
the class. and was preparing for a
busy campaign when his EYE failed. |
Except for tho remarkable activ-
tty of Dundee. VINO was assigned by
the New York boxing commission to
h task of defending the feather
weight title. following the revocation
OF kilhane's license. there has been
no action In the 1875 pound division.
Kilbane made several attempts to
box in the West. but As nearly all the
leading featherweghts hold New
York state licenses. which they would
forfeit II they boxed Kilbane, he has
practically been shelved. Johnny
Wilson ia in the same p~redicament,
the veteran Mike O'Dowd. former
worlds champion. being DESIGNATED
as champion by the commission.