The Phoenix index., 1940-07-20
SPORT T BUG
By LUCIUS JONES
Jack Dempsey-Harry Wills Encounter
Suggested by Ban Burley, Harlem Scribe,
AS Joe LouiS-Max Baer Preliminary

NS JUC LOulS-sH0A DOCl lCNIiHNIoly
There was considerable doubt at first that Jack Demp
sey the OF Manassa Mauler serious in his comeback
when he took Cowboy Luttrel in Atlanta re-
Gently
Following long chat with Nat Feischer editor OF
RING magazine the column hastened to assure one ana
all Mr. Dempseys efforts definitely serious and that
in fact he had ultimate designs title bout with Joe
Louis.
The Iuttrel shindig is thing of the past Dempseys
next go is against bird named Bull Curry in North Caro-
lima. Max Waxman his manager has him billed long
list of other minor bouts.
After this minor warfare Dempsey is to challenge
major contender for Louis crown according to
Naturally if the Manassa Mauler wins it he will demand
crack at the Brown BOmber's title.
But the humane societies of the nation probably would
bak against the fantastic notion the spot Public sent
ment doubtless, wuold permit thought of such pug
stic Frankenstein.
Those who didn't regard Dempsey serious evidently be-
eved misleading material in certain papers to the effect
the or Manassa Mauler was "weI fixed" financially
The correct information on Dempsey = if Dun and
Bradstreets any guage-s that the guys near rock
bottom" The restaurant venture which seemed such
natural" has all but peered" out. In fact story has
made press to the effect that Dempseys interests in that
particular business have been completely dissolved
Dempseys matrimonial difficulties partially due
to his declining financially The problem of dual ali
mony funding" the education and careers of three
daughters coupled with the former world heavyweight
kings numerous other financial worries puts him definitely
behind the eight ball.
What intelligent person thinks Jack Dempsey fortified
by substantial of kale and comfort would be knock
ing helpless palookas like Cowboy Lutre for pary
five grand?
Strange angles have developed since Dempseys dec
sion to go back in the prize ring up few much
needed shekeIs Now Jack Johnson -faed former world
champion himself asking for bout with his namesake at
the tender age of 62!
A Dempsey johnson bout would pit 45 year old man
against IL wears his senior The natural expectation
thatDempsey would knock Johnsons ears off his head
But one sensible suggestion has come the chaos
speculation Occasoned by Dempsey's latest activities
Dan Burley sports editor of the New York AMSTER-
DAM NEWS suggests bout between Jack Dempsey and
would a the
Max Baer title encounter in Chicago this September
The column thinks Mr. BurIey's suggestion is time
ly and reasonable There is number of strong argu
for DempseyWills bout. Among the best the
following:
O Dempsey is As and Wills is At both have kept in pref
ty good physical trim and lived somewhat sobery since
their retirement;
CD Kearns and Dempsey 'drew the color line Wills
when the Manassa Mauer held the world heavyweight title
the latter has smarted with resentment over the mat
ter every day Of his life since meaning that such contest
would be natural;
(3) Both Dempsey and Wills still highly popular
with their respective followers and have retained enough
color to stimulate box office" to the tune of at least
100000 to $300000;
(4) Insertion of Dempsey Wills preliminary to the
Louis -Baer title fight would make the latter certain half
million dollar gate and
(5) Both men Dempsey and Wills would receive some
substantial cash both could mighty handy granting
that latter plenty of property and is living in
princey fashion in Harem's famous Sugar Hills"
That's such a sensible matcf-DempSey versus wills
that it's difficult to believe the public will stop without
getting it, if Dempsey keeps fighting and Wills isn't
posed to the proposed contest.
Needless say the bout would be regarded in the
nature of gOOdnaured fun than serious contest That
part wouldn't matter You bet your "bOOm dollar the
gadiaors themselves would be seriOus like the elephant
Wills has forgotten the ancient "run-arOund The
fans want the feature They'd be quick to
thing more than Exhibition
At any rate it would give Dempsey somebody much
eligible than the impossible Cowboy Lutre to pick
on The Manassa Mauer probably read declares he
dshed out punishment in two rounds to Luttre than
Louis did to Arturo Godoy in So WHAT the column
would like ask The witnessed both encounters and
can attest the fact that Lure has less business in
boxing ring than Shirley Temple CAT least Shirley can
danceD
Ezs @NN