Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-27
REACH
MIAMI FOR FIGHT
Sharkey-StribIing Encounter,
However, May Not Fill
$4,000 Seats.
BY ALAN J. GOULD,


MIAMI BEACH, Fla, February 27.-
In Roman holiday fashion, the new
Winter capital of Fistiana today took
on the enthusiasm and gala spirit of
an old fight town. The roar of the
crowd tonight will echo from Flamingo
Park, where Young Stribling and Jack
Sharkey fight for heavyweight su-
premacy.
BY railroad, boat, airplane and auto
mobile thousands of fans poured into
the metropolitan Miami district over
night and steadily throughout the
morning.
It was estimated close to 1000 per-
sons arrived by noon, with the biggest
delegation coming from Palm Beach,
Tampa and Havana, which sent 300
fans by btsit and train.
Crowd Not Excessive.
Despite the new arrivals, however, it
was learned the attendance probably
will fall short of the $4,000 capacity
Of the pine board arena. At noon there
were 1000 unsold seats, SO that even
with last-minute rush it is not ex-
pected the crowd will pass far beyond
&c, 900.
At the same time, the ticket sale
was reported to have reached S330,000
in actual cash, so that regardless Of
the final figures or failure of the bout
to be a sell-out, Promoter Jack Dempsey
and the Madison Square Garden Cor
poration are assured a good profit.
Both Appear Hearty.
After night of more or less wild
rumors of fresh ailments to both fight
ers, Sharkey and Stribling appeared to-
day to be In excellent condition.
Prior to the weighing in scheduled later
in the afternoon, each took short walks
and some caliSthenics to loosen up their
muscles.
Indication that there has been some
basis for concern over Stribling'S con-
dition following rib injury was seen
by "Pa" Stribling's statement that an
osteopath, DR.. Cecil Ferguson, former
ball player, will be in the Southerner'S
corner tonight. It is understood Strib-
ling's side has been given daily atten-
ton for the past week.
Despite strong influx Of Stribling
partisans there was comparatively lit
tie fluctuation in betting odds as well
as apparently little actual wagering. ex-
cept on a friendly basis. Bookmakers
quoted not more than TO on Sharkey
to win, with chances Of either scoring
a knockout figured at l to 3.
Activity at Arena.
With pennants f1uttering from poles
In iyrci NitNn hna atl
freshness sparkling in the warm sum-
the arena at Flamingo Park became a
scene of colorful activity early in the
day Shortly after noon seven ticket
booths were opened but there we're
few in line. Most of those gathered
around the ringside had business there.
Those outside were chiefly curiosity
seekers.
Wire companies were busy completing
installations and testing AZ ringside
wires. In addition to 81 others located
In two rooms beneath the outer edge
Of the SIS seats. Two special stands
were erected to accommodate 43 photog-
raphers.
A corps of 400 ushers,, recruited from
the University of Miami, from the
American Legion and the Ringing
Brothers circus, was drilled for tonight's
job.
Crowds Feel Warmth.
With balmy weather. temperature
around so. the crowds that crowded the
hotels, beaches and pleasure grounds
perspired in shirt sleeves. Hotel space
was at premium and most of the
fans arriving today planned quick get
aWays after the fight.
Because of the slack ticket sales there
were few reports of speculation except
in the case of SIS tickets which had
been sold out. They were offered at
So and $40 apiece.