The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-06-21
Of Ex-Champs
 Line Up For Louis
Johnson Picks Schmelng Again-Baer Switches to
 Joe But Says Max Is Hardest Hitter

Copyright, 1888, by United Press)
 New York, June 21.-(UP)-The living ten former heavyweight cham pions were asked today to pick the winner of tomorrow's fight and only one-Jack Johnson, only negro ever to. hold the title before Joe Louis came along-favored Max Schmel- ing.
 Johnson, who was laughed at when he picked Schmeling to beat Louis in their first fight in June, 1886, said he thought Schmeling's "cun- ming and strategy will win over Louis poor craftsmanship"
 Here's what the ex-champions said:
 James J. Jeffries, champion from 1899 to 1906, speaking from Los Angeles: T haven't followed either of them closely. I don't have any selection to make"
 Tommy Burns, 1906-1908, Vancou- yer, B. O.: Louis will retain the title. know Schmeling and would like to see him win. But if I were betting money, it would have to go on Louis. There is no doubt that Louis wasn't in good shape for his first contest with Schmeling."
 Still Likes Max
 Jack Johnson, 1908-15, New York: T pick Schmeling to beat Louis. Schmeling has the technique, and technique in fighting is more i'm portant than strength or punching ability. was the first man ever to point out flaws in Louis ring tactics long before he was knocked out by Schmeling. Max, at 32, should be right at his peak. I was at my peak at 32 when beat Jeffries in Reno. And I fought a good many fights after that. I think Schmeling's cunning and strategy will win over Louis poor craftsmanship"
 Jess Willard, 1915-191o, Lawrence, Kansas: "In a heavyweight cham pionship fight, I would say that 80 per cent depends upon the condi- tion of the fighter. I have not seen either Schmeling or Louis at work; therefore would rather not at tempt to DICK a winner"
 Jack Dempsey, 1919-1926, New York: I'm not picking anybody in this fight because it's such a close contest and can go either way However, favor Louis because of his youth, strength and punching ability. If Louis tears in, in the early rounds, and crowds Schmeling he should win, probably by a knockout. But if Joe tries to fight the same kind of fight he fought before, giving Schmeling a chance to get set and throw his own right hand, Louis probably will be beaten or knocked out"
 Hedging
 Gene Tunney, 1928, New York II have watched both men in training and >have considered the possible outcome of the fight for many days. give Louis a slight edge in the battle. He should win because of his youth and harder punching and speed afoot. ! believe if Louis forces Schmeling into ex- changes, the exchanges will be un- even because Joe punches harder and faster with both hands than the challenger. However, Louis will be in constant danger because Maxie has the trickiest and best educated right in the business, al- though his right is not as hard as that of the champion"
 Jack Sharkey, 1932-33, Boston: I'm not picking the winner, but I like Louis. If he is like most fight CTS, he'll remember what hap pened to him last time and be a lot smarter. Joe has had plenty of experience since Schmeling knocked him out before. It would be a good thing for boxing if Louis won. Then the search for white hope would continue. If Schmeline wins; he'll take the title back tc Germany and retire. Then there will be another set of eliminations tc decide the new champion" Primo Camera, 1933-34, Udine Italy: "Joe Louis will be an easy winner. Although Schmeling is ar excellent boxer, believe Louis can- not lose this time. My opinion is that he will score a knockout ir an early round. Although I never met Schmeling in the ring. I still remember the power behind Louis punches"