The Omaha guide., 1935-07-06
Joe Louis and the Title

WHEN announcement was made over the radio
that James j. j. Braddock had defeated Max Baer
for the heavyweight championship of the world a
mighty cheer went up In Harlem where the decision
was a popular one. The fact that the former Jersey
longshoreman was the under-dog in the contest was
one reason Harlemites were pulling for him to win.
Maybe they were also influenced by Baer's selection
of Primo Camera as probable victor over Joe Louis.
But this pro-Braddock sentiment may be primarily
attributable to the feeling existing at the time that
the newly-crowned king of the fistic arena would
willingly accept a challenge from the sensational
Detroit battler.
In picturing a meeting in the ring between Brad
dock and Louis in the very near future enthusiastic
Harlemites were making a wish the father of
thought. They did not reason like cold-blooded, un-
sentimental dopesters Of puglism who make it their
business to be in the know. These authorities will
unhesitatingly state that there is not the slightest
chance of a Braddockt-Louis fight in 1885, and
much will depend on future developments as to
whether the two engage in fistic combat in 1886.
If such a match does not come to pass it may be
a question of how much the drawing of the color
line will play. At present, however, it can be said
that other factors are chiefly responsible for Brad
DOCK failure to give Louis immediate considera-
ton. Had Baer won prospects of Louis getting a
chance at the championship title possibly in 1886
would have been bright, for Max undoubtedly
would have taken on the winner Of the Louis-Car-
nera bout. Baer and his manager never have been
as securely tied up in contracts with the Madison
Square Garden as other ~pugilists, and were in a
position to accept terms from rival promoters if in
ducements were sufficiently alluring.
When Braddock, dead broke and endeavoring to
make a comeback, signed to fight Baer under the
auspices of Madison Square Garden, it is a certainty
he made commitments which he is legally and NOR
ally bound to keep. 1t is not surprising that he has
turned down an offer Of 5000, 600 to fight Schmel-
ing in Germany. If there is to be a Braddock-
Schmeling setto it will be put on by the Madison
Of good times and the capture Of a worlds cham
pionship title possible for Braddock and quite
naturally expects to cash in on it's investment.
Jane J. Braddock is almost ten years older than
Joe Louis. Ii the latter is the fistic marvel pro-
claimed by fight experts, the champions managers
are going to see to it that much easy money is made
before they send their protege to slaughter. In all
fairness, Braddock is nothing more than a second
rate fighter. AS one writer declarede: ''While
Braddock was bad, Baer was worse"
With youth on his side and with managers
who have shown astuteneSs in his interest, Joe Louis
can bide his time, scores more knockouts and con
tinue to grow in public favor. His big chance is
bound to come. John Roxborough and Julian Black
have brought him a long way within little over
a year. That they will eventually open up an OPP
roa+.:4~ g.. H. - e.lA e ~ n,
championship title is inevitable.