The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-09-24
Illinois Athletic Commission
Refuses to Consider Protest
Presented by Leo Flynn,
Dempsey's Manager - Tun-
ney Says He Could Have
Been Up Sooner if Neces.
sary

Chicago, Sept. 24.-lR)-Every-
body but Jack Dempsey has had his
full say on the ''long count" of that
thrilling seventh round in Soldiers
Field Thursday night and the ex-
champion, still wearing the ex, was
expected to give his final word on
the subject today. Jack has re-
fused to receive any callers what
ever since he returned to his wife
suite after the losing battle for the
worlds heavyweight championship
with Gene Tunney, but sent out
word last night that a formal state
ment would be forthcoming today
Manager Leo p. Flynn, whose
authority to represent Dempsey was
questioned by the Illinois state
athletic commission, presented a
formal protest to the commissioners
and was told that it would be re-
ceived and considered if it bore
Dempsey's own signature. Flynn
left to get that signature, and there
the protest rested, with the commits
sioners intimating tha4 it would do
no good even if it was officially
authorized.
Officials Make Statements
The referee, Dave Barry, the
time keeper, Paul Beeler, and one of
the two judges, George Lytton. sit
ting within inches Of the fallen
champion during the 'long count
gave the commission their formal
statements of the affair. These
concurred in maintaining that the
boxing rules Of Illinois, virtually
identical with those of other states
where boxing is legalized had been
complied with to the absolute letter.
Lytton's declaration supported
Tunney's own statement that the
title holder would have been able to
rise at the count of "four" whether
it was slow, fast, long or short, but
chose to take all the rest allotted
him under the rules.
Fighters Were Instructed
"We had our instructions about
the fight" said Champion Gene,
"about retiring to the corner far
thest away from tn. man who was
knocked down. It was perfectl,
clear to me and | assumed it wa'
to Dempsey. l can sas that coulc
have arisen after the count Of one
had wanted to. But was entitled
to remain down until the unit OF
nine and did so. My seconds waved
to me to stay on the floor. It was
not for me to figure elapsed time.'
Tunney was certain that, if the
fight had gone another round or
two, it would have been impossible
for the former champion to remain
on his feet.
The future plans of Tunney were
still a bit uncertain. It was an
nounced he would leave tomorrow
on the Twentieth Century for
Cleveland or New York, and later
1t was announced he had accepted
an invitation of Mayor William,
Hale Thompson to luncheon today
at the Chicago Athletic association,
Dempsey's Plans Vague
Dempsey's plans for departure
were also vague, but his associates
in the seclusion of the Dempsey
suite at the Edgewater Beach hotel
said the Dempseys would not start
back west until early next week.
Chicago will live long in my
memory" said Tex Rickard echoing
the sentiments of some $4,000 other
visitors. Rickard expressed his un-
limited appreciat' on of tie help Of
his associates in putting over the
heavyweight spectacle, which drew
more than 100000 persons with an
Official gate Of $2,658, $50.