New Britain herald., 1927-04-08
TOWEL SAVES MITCHELL
 FROM PUNCHES OF BIGE
Sig Reopen Refuses to Meet Nebraska Cowboy" Be- cause of Weight Difference - Providence Water- man, High Diver), Poor Excuse as Fighter - Referee Mccarthy Gives Unpopular Decisions Promoter Bridget Offers to Refund Money.

Two decisions that displeased the fans, a poor substitution for one of the principals in the main bout, and the presence of a mere handful of customers, marred the second at tempt of the Hardware City A. C.. last night to re-eStablish profess sional boxing in the calendar of New Britain sports.
 Had it not been for the sports manship of Promoter Patsy Bridget there would have been no show last night. When Sig Reopen of New York refused to go on with Irwin Bige who had five and a half pound weight advantage Bridget was forced to look about for a sub stitute He signed Billy Mitchell of Providence.
 Realizing the possibility of disap- pointment, Bridget had Announcer Art Pilz inform the fans after the first bout that their money would be had at the box office if they were not interested in watching the revised card run off. None appeared anxious to cash in and the show went on.
 When a fat, flabhy, bald-headed gent took his place In a corner op- posite Bige the crowd guessed right. for Mitchell lasted less than a round before his seconds tossed in the towel. Bridget again had 1t an- nounced that money would be re- turned to any dissatisfied fans. To the credit of New Britain's boxing enthusiasts who appreciated the difficulties under which the club labored to make satisfactory showing. 1t can be said that not single patron called on Secretary Eddie Ziegler of the club for re- fund.
 Curtain Raiser.
 Kid Mccoy of Providence. was substituted for Stanley Rogers Of Meriden in the curtain raiser. He lost to Tony De Palma of New Ha- ven in a clumsy bout. The two lads went into the final round on even terms but De Palma slugged his way to q win. When Referee Jiggers Mccarthy raised the New Haven boys hand he awarded the only verdict that won approval during the night.
 Jimmy Bones of Bridgeport re- ceived classy trouncing from Lew Goldberg of Brooklyn. but he also received McCarthy's decision and was declared the winner amid roar ing boos The diminutive Hebrew cantor toyed with Bones when he felt so inclined and pummeled him whenever the spirit moved him. His body punching was superb and his defense was remarkable. Bones gave his usual hardworking eHhibi- ton.
 Frcnchman Is Favorite.
 Jiggers Mccarthy failed to see 1t the way of the crowd in the semi final, at least that was the conclu- sion one would reach from the re- ception given him when he declared Frankie Mack of Hartford, the win ner over Jean Borde, former light weight champion of France. Borde showed the kind of fighting that won for him the title, The French Bull dog" His bouncing tactics and solid punching. together with his amusing ring tactics made him & favorite. Mack landed solidly at times and fought good. clean. cool fight all the way through.
 Bige was announced as weighing 147 pounds. and Mitchell who looked q good 20 pounds heavier was said to be 14s. Mitchell remained in his corner until a moment before the bell with a cap on his head. and when he tossed 1t into the corner he revealed shiny bald dome. Folds of excessive fat at the waist limo told the story Of an lex" and that was just what Mitchell proved