The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-02
CHAMPION in
GREAT COMEBACK
after NEAR K. 0.
Decision Unpopular But
Fair; Referee Voted for
Draw Verdict
BY JACK CUDDY
UNITED Press Staff Correspondent

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New York, November 2. = (UP)
- The public and Promoter Mike
Jacobs demanded to day return
title match between Middleweight
Champion Ken Overlin, miracle man
Of maui, and Steve Belloise of the
Bronx, the youthful challenger who
almost "moidered" Overlin during
last nights electrifying battle at
Madison Square Garden.
Veteran Overlin made his first
defense of the 160-pound crown be-
fore 1901 fans by rising from the
floor In the sixth round and staging
one Of the most amazing rallies in
ring history to wind up with the
l5-round decision.
This decision was unpopular with
the home town fans who booed 1t
for nearly five minutes. But 1t was
definite verdict, with the two
judges, George Kelly and George
lie Cron, voting for Overlin, and
Referee George Walsh calling 1t a
draw.
The home town fans, who con-
tributed gate of $29.838 did not
boo Overlin who gave them all the
thrills OF a resurrection in the
seventh round, when he came back
from groggy-land TO carry the fight
to the 22-year-old, dark-haired Ital-
ian who had him In a coma during
a minute and 20 seconds Of the sixth
session.
Overlin, 81, and apparently not in
peak shape after too many pleasur-
able hours in the cocktail lounges,
was smashed flush on the button
by q straight right after a minute
and 40 seconds OF the sixth. He
Sprawled backwards TO the canvas,
for the second time In his l3-year
career. He was hurt. That's why
he bounced up at the count Of one,
instead Of letting his head clear
while he took a iline-count.
No sooner had he lurched to his
feet than the rangy youngster was
after him, swapping his head back
with short hooks that sent him half
way through the ropes and then
drove him from corner TO corner
with such a savage, sickening as
sault that the fans were screaming,
stop Ill stop I'll" Had no title been
at stake, Referee Walsh unques-
tionably would have halted the mas
sacre and given Belloise victory en-
a technical knockout. But It's an
unwritten rule OF the ring that
champion must be beaten into the
dust.
And In this instance, Referee
Walsh followed that rule wisely.
Overlin came out Of his corner after
the one-minute rest period and car
ried the fight TO Belloise with such
a magnificent rally that he won the
seventh, eight, ninth and 10th
rounds. In that seventh session, the
same fans - who but a minute be-
fore had been roaring for his kayo
were brought 10 their toes again,
screaming with delighted amaze
ment at his return from the abyss OF
darkness.
Overlin, the Ancient Mariner
former sailor fought on even
terms during the rest OF the battle,
although Stunning Steve hurt him
in the 18th and l4th sessions. And
his gallant stand In the 18th earned
him the verdict, although the United
Press score sheet showed seven, seven
and one.
1t was a helluva fight. The chal-
lenger spotted the champion five
pounds and 10 years of experience,
and almost knocked him out. Over
lin scaled 1853 pounds against Bel
loise' 1853. They'll fight again, and
Overlin certainly will not be any
81 favorite, as he was last night,