The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-12-15
Was He a Champion?

CAN hardly concede that Michael himself in
spite of his having held the title of lght-heavy-
weight champion on two occasions, was actually
champion by force OF arms. He won the title the
first time finely-shaded decision from Battling
Sikh Negro, in Dublin St. Patrcks Day.
He it back years later in a bloodleSs
conference of the New York Prizefght Commission at
a time when his manager and James A. Farley the
current postmaster-general were as close two
fingers in mitten. Michael was, let us say, sensi-
tive.
Not to deny Mr.. McTigue his due, it will be adj
mtted that he did enjoy sort of life after DEATH
returning to the prizefght business when he seemed
to be permanently eX, and, in that phase Of his
career did something to support the tradition that
the Irish are uncommonly handy with the clenched
fist He fought with great valor then but still be-
ing strictly factua will have to point out that dur
ing this period he under the spiritual influence
of Liverpool Englishman, James J. Johnston. Mr..
Johnston never ceased to tell the bashful Michael
that he was very, very good and killer when
aroused He finally convinced him. Moreover, it was
Mr.. Johnston who was as close to James A. Farley
one finger to another in a mitten at the time
when Michael became champion by political appoint
ment.
now come to the fact that those who cherish
the tradition of which I speak have a generous hab-
it of claiming, in support of their tradition the
achievements of lot of native Americans who are
no Irish than the state of Kansas. John L.
Sullivan the head man, was an American, born IN
Boston. Joe Lynch the bantam weight champion Of
some years back is American out of that section
of New York City known as Hells Kitchen
Some of the Local Boys
TINE Gibbons boys, Mike and Tom who fought
i champions are natives of Minnesota. Mickey
Walker fst-hghter whose bravery and general
career will one day be compared to that of Sullivan
in the reminiscent writings of young journalists who
never saw him, is JerSeyman. Jim Corbett a
California man. Gene Tunney was born in Green
wich Village and Jack Dempsey, of mixed ancestry,
including, as he insists, trace of Indian,
Colorado field hand Jack Britton? Chicago
Who then, have been the great Irish f1st-dghters
out of Ireland who have upheld the tradition dur
est incentives? Not Luis Angel Ffrpo of Buenos
Aires nor Jack Sharkey, born Josef Paul Cuckoo
scfay of Binghamton, N Y; nor Max Siegfried
Otto Schmeling of Hamburg, Germany; nor Primo
Camera, of Sequala Italy, Max Baer of Liver
more, Cal; nor Benny Leonard, born Lener
the East Side of New York; nor Johnny Dundee
whose name was Giuseppe something; nor Bill
Shanks, of Chicago, who changed his name to
pentier? No. Jack Delaney? A Canadian. Paul
Berlenbach? Hardly.
Who they then?
That is what I have asked occasionally with no
better answer than letter from an association Of
Office holders avoiding the question but promising
to give me my needings in their way one of
these days.
Perhaps Mr. McTigue will be able to come up with
a real irish champion to hold the smelling salts up
to The nose Of this webbing tradition. 1t is not
minute too soon. The tradition is on the ropes.
Copyright 1894. by United Feature Syndicate Incl