New Britain herald., 1923-01-10
WILLARD BARRED
 BY N. COMMISSION
Chairman haldOcn Says Bls
 Kansan Is Too Old to Fight

New York. Jan, l0.-iess MillaFd's plans for another worlds heavy weight championship battle with Iaeh Dempsey, his eonaueT0T, were dis slpated yesterday in so far as the State Athletic commission is eonr eerned. Chairman William Muldeon reileFating the attitude Of the New York hedg, declared that under no circumstances would a license be is' sued to the Paltawatemie giant to box in this state, The thiftF,eighlryea maximum age rule of the commission eisaualiHes the former champion from the privileges Of a boxers lir eense, according 10 Chairman Mulr doom. The commission head declared that he had not changed his opinion that Willard is beyond the age limit and that the former champion can. not work himself back into lighting trim.
 .fWiliard's talk of returning 10 The ring 10 box Dempsey or anybody else is ridiculous" said Chairman Mui, doom last night at his home in fur. chase, Y. I. He and those who are discussing Willaris proposed return to the ring overlook the fact that Willard has no license as boxer in this state. and that the former cham pion cannot secure n license. under our age limit. Willard says his age is ss years. I am perfectly satisfied that he is past 4o. This age was es- tablished 10 my satisfaction some time ago"
 Other States May Act
 What effect this action by the local board regarding Willard will have re- mains to be seen. II is altogether likely that other boxing commissions through the country. which work in harmony with the Empire State off cials. will adopt a similar policy under the terms Of the agreement which exists between the various state boards. If the local boards attitude is recognized by the other commissions Willard will find himself prohibited from boxing in any state where the ring sport is conducted under supervi- sion of a state board.
 Willard's plans for his current visit here were unchanged yesterday. The tall Kansan. at the McAlpin, was as much reticent on matters pugilistic as he was upon his arrival here Monday night, but he reiterated his determin- ation to press his claims for another chance at the worlds heavyweight title now held by Dempsey.
 The former champion has two inn r$o oY,t nfn ff1a n day. He expects to see both Tom O'Rourke, matchmaker of the Repub- lie A. C.. which operates at the Polo Grounds, and Promoter Tex Rickard of Madison Square Garden in regard to prospects for ring bout. Whether he will adhere to his plan of seeking only match against Dempsey, Will lard would not say He repeated his earlier assertion. however that he would box anybody seuected for him if 1t was necessary that he demon strate his physical fitness for consider ation as a rival of Dempsey.
 O'Rourke yesterday telephoned Will lard in regard to a proposition the Polo Grounds matchmaker previously had submitted to the. former cham pion by mail. Willard pleaded press of other business in refusing to discuss terms with O'Roure but stated that he expected to see the Polo Grounds matchmaker this morning.
 Through Chasing Champion
 O'Rourke made no attempt to con- ceal his irritation at the failure of Willard to give him a hearing. The veteran matchmaker declared that he was through chasing the former champion, declaring that if Willard intended to give the Polo Grounds of fer any consideration the former champion knew where the clubs of- fees were.
 "He has my proposition for fight | against Dempsey or anybody else, I and public that he can regain fighting form" said O'Rourke. Tn my letter to him I informed Willard that the Republic A. c. was the only outdoor | place with a license which was avail able for bout in which he would | be principal. My offer and the ad- ditional information I thought neces- sary are before him. He can take it or leave it as he prefers.
 If he decides to box for me I am ! sure I will be able to hold the bout I do not think that age limit of the l State Athletic Commission would bar Willard. I have been advised on the highest legal authority that such a ruling is unconstitutional and there fore cannot be enforced"
 Rickard is expected back in town from Columbus at noon today. Willard plans to see the promoter at Madison Square Garden just as soon as Tex arrives.
 Willard spent quiet day yesterday. He gave his attention in the morning to satisfying the demands Of an army of photographers who snapped the | former champion on the McAlpin | roof. In the afternoon Willard visit ed Madison Square Garden and there posted for picture with Matchmaker Frank Tourney.