The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1935-06-12

Kirk Miller fight itself
didn't come up to the public's
expectations. However, none
had any way to foresee that,
as neither Canzoneri nor
Kick had a reputation for
listless work.
So many elements augured
against q larger h ouse at
Griffith Stadium Monday
night, that, in retrospect
call it second-guessing, if you
will - it is amazing those
in charge could not foresee
them.
Recognized Fact
In the first place, big conven'
lions are not propitiouS to side
attractions of a sports nature.
Experience has established that
fact. A fight, or any sports
issue, that will not stand on its
own feet, will not be bolstered
by the gathering of a legion OF
people for another purpose
The minority Of Shr1ners at
Monday nights ringSide IS the
most forceful proof Of su6 a
statement.
AS far as Washington proper
Is concerned, it patronized the
Canzoneri Klick fight gener'
ously. I am familiar with ring
side faces around Washington
fight centers. And I also know
the crowd that usually patron
nizeS the farther reaches OF
local arenas. They were the
ones who turned out for Kick
and Canzoneri, although IN
large numbers than usual. 1
stood around the entrance be-
fore Mondays fight and looked
the customers over when the
last bout was finished. 1t was
distinctly a Washington audi
ence.
Gymnasium Session
AS for the main bout, judged
by any standard you wish'
it was nothing more than
q gymnasium workout for
the first five or six ROUNDS.
The Furr-Bruno preliminary
was a better scrap. So was the
Teems-Katz draw. The bout
following the main go was full
of action. but not appreciated
because of the Disappointing
bout and unpopular decision
which preceded 1t.
I think when the Shrine
undertook what was to be a
sports masterpiece in the in
terest of their visiting brethren
there was more enthusiasm be-
hind the Kick Canzoneri bout
than there was good, solid, prac'
tical judgment.
The Shrine was "yessed" by
all hands, including the news
paper reporters they called In
for conferences and the pro-
moters, who had nothing to
lose. Well, after all, who would
have turned thumbs down on
a Canzoneri-Klick fight, before
last Monday? Both boys have
regulations as satisfactory ring
men, and while they may
have performed cleverly enough
Monday for some, the general
thought is that the apparently
small gate receipts didn't inspire
them after they got a look at
the house.
Went Through Motions
So they just fulfilled their
contract by going through the
motions. I say, such is the per-
ponderance Of thought which
has been registered with this
observer.
But from a practical stand
point, the bout was ill-conceived
and when I made so bold as to
mention this a month ago to
Uncle Clark Griffith, the police
chiefs success with their ring
show last summer was held up
as proof positive the Shrine
fights would 60 over big, even
outdraw the police card.
But my friends, the tickets
for the Canzoneri-Klick engage
ment were not handled with
the facility with which the
local police touched-up the
Washington public for seat
sales. You know If you are
q motorist, it is difficult to tell
a policeman you don't want
his wares. Even If you are q
plain tax payer, you are not
going to say mo" to a 50 sale
attempted by the man who
helps your children across
streets to schools and who
watches your property day and
night.
It wasn't the visiting police