Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-27

a new and spectacular outpost
today if the weather be fair.
Amid scenes and surroundings that
are strange contrast to the old days
when prize fighting was fugitive game
in the South, the wealthy and fashion,
able, the great and the near great of
business and politics, Of the pleasure
grounds and the sports world, have
gathered here for the l0-round heavy
weight match tonight between Young
Stribling and Jack Sharkey
In one of the greatest fistic shows and
the most spectacular sports event the
old South has ever known, Stribling,
pride of Georgia. and the pugilistic hope
of Dixie. will box Sharkey. the hard
hitting Boston sailor for the right to
battle for the crown that Gene Tunney
has laid aside. To the winner may 60
the chance to meet the promoter of
this remarkable affair. Jack Dempsey,
for recognition as the heavyweight
champion of the world.
Sharkey is the favorite to win. The
betting odds early today wavered around
six to five and seven to five in his
favor. The expert consensus likewise
favors the chances of the rugged sailor,
but the lean son of Georgia is the senti-
mental favorite in the biggest test he
has ever faced before the home folks"
Close to $4,000 spectators, the capaci-
ty of the miniature edition of Boyle's
Thirty Acres in Flamingo Park, will
see the youthful ring craft and wallop
of Stribling pitted against the rugged
defense and counter attack of the Bos-
tonian.
Millions more will hear the details of
the fray over Nationwide hookup of
nearly go broadcasting stations. the
greatest ever arranged for fight and
remarkable evidence of widespread in
terest in match that has itself no
championship significance.
Expect 100000 Gate.
The promoters estimate that the
gate" at prices of SIS to $25, will be
close to 100000. When the box Office
opened for its last days business today
there was nearly $3.50 900 in actual cash
in hand. sufficient not only to pay
Sharkey 100000 and Stribling 20 per
cent "cut" of about 100000, but also
enough to assure the Madison Square
Garden Corporation profit of about
100000.
This is the fruition of the last fistic
dream of Tex Rickard, whose daring
fortunes carried him on from Goldf1eld
to Reno, Toledo, New York, Jersey City,
Philadelphia and Chicago 1t will seem
somewhat strange at the ringside to-
night without Tex, for the first time
since big fights became hobbies of
wealth and society. Tex, with his in
evitable cigar and cane, would have
liked to stroll about this arena, COM
pairing its tiny yet picturesque points
with the massivenesS of Boyle's Thirty
Acres, chatting with the big fellows"
he liked to entice to his shows and re-
marking he never seed nothing like
it,
The completed venture, as 1t turns
out. not only exceeds the fondest dreams
of Richard before he died in January,
but also surpasses the hopes of his as
sociates who, with Dempsey's Import,
decided only after many misgivings to
carry on the promotion. Instead of an
expected deficit they are assured big
profit as well as prestige for the organi-
cation left by Richard, but now directed
by big Bilf' Carey and others of the
Gardens famous 900 millionaires."
Fighters Have All to Gain.
The Accommodations of events, the
color and the novelty and perhaps the
spell of the moon, have helped arouse
interest in fight that seemed at the
start to be doomed to a dismal and
lethargic prospect. It is the big chance
for both Sharkey and Stribling after
variety of fortunes along the f1stic
path. The circumstance of being in
a Nationwide spotlight have spurred
them and their hackers.
On the form he has shown in train
ing, on the basis of his 10-pound ad-
vantage in weight and the assumption
he win be at his best, Sharkey has ac-
quired the backing of most of the
critics. But on youthful ambition, a
daring spirit and an admittedly stiff
punch, Stribling may be accorded at
least an even chance of victory. Both
have everything to gain, every incentive
to throw their best weapons into the
battle that can last only 80 minutes
even If it goes the limit and thus re-
Quires decision by Referee Lou Mag
nolia of Network
Stribling's stock slumped trifle when
1t became known he had injured a rib
and possibly also his right hand in a
training session just a week before the
fight. But his father-manager, PA"
Stribling; his physician and his con-
Guiding workouts testify to the Geor--
CLANS readiness to put forth his best
without handicap.
Capone With Sharkey.
Those who scan the inside stuff" for
iIlOASOIiOllo dCtdIiI W
the word that Mike Capone, brother of
Scarface Al Capone. former Chicago
gang leader, will be in Sharkeys corner.
The Capones live sumptuously in an
island residence here. But the idea of
any influence being brought to bear, or
any suggestion of intimidation, is
secuted in both fight camps, where
spokesman are agreed on the fairness
as well as fearlessness of Magnolia,
who has handled many of New York's
most important bouts.
The facts Of battle. already fairly
we'll ballyhooed. are that the big show
starts at 7;45 Eastern standard time,
with an array of seven preliminary
bouts as well as battle royal involving
IL negroes. The main go is for 10
rounds TO an official referees decision.
The rules of the New York State Ath-
letic Commission also will govern the
contest
In event Of rain the whole program
Will be put over TO Thursday night.