Evening star., 1928-12-29
FANC|ES STR|BL|NG
FOR HEAVY CROWN
Promoter Sees MandeII as
Only TitlehoIder Likely
to Retain HonorS.
BY ALAN J. GOULD.
Associated Press Sports Editor.

n YEW YORK, December 29.-Tex
N Rickard, in his annual signed
VI boxing forecast for the New
i York Evening World today,
doubts whether Jack Dempsey
will attempt a comeback and puts his
finger on w. L. CYoung) Stribling as
the most likely successor to the heavy
weight throne vacated by Gene Tunney.
While in the predicting mood, the
promoter also ventures the opinion that
new champions will be crowned in
every ring division with the possible
exception of the lightweight class,
where he regards Sammy Mandel as
well entrenched.
Richards analysis of the heavy
weight situation is particularly inter-
esting, coming on top of his definite
announcement Of the match between
two of the foremost contenders, Jack
Sharkey and Young Stribling, for Feb
ruary "a at Miami Beach. The promoter
year ago predicted Gene Tunney
would successfully defend his title
against any rival, and he remarks in
his latest survey that if the champion
had not retired "he would be the only
one whose honors would seem absolute
ly safe to me''
While he carefully side-steps any
positive forecast, Rickard takes up the
subject Of Tunneys successor thus:
II must express an opinion as to
the man most likely to come through I
would suggest that you keep an eye on
Young Stribling.
Although Jack Sharkey has disap-
pointed me at times, as has every one
of the recognized contenders for the
heavyweight honors, have thought all
along that he Is the class Of the big
fellows. But one thing in connection
with the pretensions of Stribling has
struck me forcibly-none of the chal-
lengers for the place left vacant by
Tunney is anxious to box the Georgian.
Even Sharkey SHE'D at the match with
Stribling down in Miami the last week
In February. Sharkey intimated he
would rather box Stribling in New
York for half the money he will get
for the same match in Miami Beach.
must say, however, there Is one chal-
lenger who Is not averSe to meeting
Stribling and that is Tommy Loughran."
Despite his intimation to the contrary
in Miami Beach yesterday, Rickard says
in the World:
There probably will be no comeback
by Jack Dempsey. would like to see
him climb through the ropes again, but
any one who is trying to create the
impression that Jack Is certain to make
another bid for the title is talking
without any basis Of fact. Only one
thing would encourage Jack to make
another try for his title and that is If
certain type of fighter should come
through as winner of the heavyweight
eliminations. do not care to commit
myself further on that point, but am
pretty well satisfied Dempsey has fought
his last fight
Whether or not Dempsey comes back,
the big shot" by which Rickard hopes
to turn out recognized heavyweight
champion in 1929 will be touched off
in New York, he declares, despite re-
ports that Boston, Montreal or another
site would be chosen.
Rickard believes Loughran has too
strong a chance to win the heavyweight
crown to linger any more among the
175-pounders, in which division the
promoter expects Tuffy GriffithS, Jimmy
Braddock, Jack Delaney, Leo Lomski
and others to furnish the principal ac-
ton for 1929
Here is a summary of Richards pre-.
dictionS for the Evening World in other
divisions:
Mickey Walker probably will vacate
the middleweight title, because of diff
Guilty making the weight. leaving Rene
De Vos, Ace Hudkins, George Courtney
and Dave Shade as possible successors.
Joe Dundee is not likely to retain the
Welterweight championship, with Jackie
Fields as an outstanding contender
along with young Jack Thompson and
Jimmy McLarnin.
Sammy Mandell probably will retain
his lightweight title because "he has
class and plays pretty safe" but Joe
CLICK and Ray Miller are real rivals.
Andre RoutiS is in serious danger of
oelng deposed as featherweight king.
possibly by the former title holder, Tony
There will be undisputed title holders
estapnsned In both the bantam and fly-
Welgnt divisions, with interest among
the little fellows likely to be revived h1
a tournament involving Izzy SchwartS
frankie Genaro and foreign stars like
Hill and Pladner.