The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
JACK DEMPSEY SAYS FIRPO
 STRONG AND DANGEROUS BUT THAT HE WILL DEFEAT HIM
Firpo Says He Is In Good
 Shape And Is Confident And Unafraid-Firpo's Trainer Says Argentine Will Win

NEW YORK, Sept. 13.-(By the Associated Press )-Pre-batt decla- rations of confidence In their con- quering ability were flung out to- night by Jack Dempsey and Luis Angel Firpo.
 Statements of the fighters, to- gether with those of their rival mentors-Horato Lavalle, Firpo's dapper Argentine trainer, and Jack kearns, the champions manager, follow:
 Jack Dempsey: T have trained hard for this match because 1 ex- pect it will be tough one. 1 do not pay any attention to those who expect Firpo will be an easy oppon- ent. I am not holding him lightly, but I do not fear him. Firpo Is big and strong and dangerous. They are all dangerous until you have them on the floor. I am in good condition and if beaten will have no altbis to offer If l can end the fight in one round, I'll do it, because 1 can't take any chances with him. Perhaps the fight will go farther than many eX- pect because Firpo probably can take a lot of punishment. I'll give him plenty of chances to demon- strate tkis, because I intend to SOCK as hard as 1 can from the start, but not take and early risk myself. lie is too dangerous with his right hand"
 Luis Angel Firpo: T am in good shape, I feel like fighting as l never have before. In the arena there will be many voices raised against me; some will be shouting for me. In far off countries where Latin tongues are spoken they will be eX- pecting me to win. l am confident. again 1 will come up again ana again. There will be no towels tossed from my corner. doh | think Jack Dempsey can beat me and I don't think that he can stand up under my punches. 1 came to the United States to win the worlds title; I conquered every man that stood on the road to the big test: On my body there are no scars or their battles; in my heart there is no fear of any living thing. think I will conquer Dempsey
 Jack Kearns: Dempsey is in great shape and ready for the tougnest that he is going to win and do 1t as quickly as possible. He is too speedy for Firpo and is a better puneher. He'll step around so fast Firpo won | know what it's all about. If the champion can hit Firpo squarely the fight will not go the limit, no matter how sbig and strong Firpo is. Jack realizes that Firpo is big and strong and probably will be tough. Well helf be in for a tough evening be- cause Jack is hitting faster, more accurately and harder than he was when he fought Tommy Gibbons last ! July. That fight really put him on edge. He needed it to get into great shape for this fight. Jach win not take any chances with tnls big fellow because we think ne IS dangerous. The crowd will see a slashing fight, if Firpo is as sooo as they say he is" IL,
 Horatio I.avalle: "We have the fullest confidence in Firpo, our glad iator. He is no ordinary man. Fer haps he will be hit many times @ put his great fighting heart will be HNe a great power station, replenisnlns instantaneously any power that may be taken by the champions oloWs' We feel that victory will be ours Come what may, Firpo, after the pat tie will be the fighting man or the ages"