The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1940-02-24

Dave Clark. Notwithstanding SEN
sational events during the past sew
eral weeks. Is not convinced his
pugilistic obituary was written the
night he fought AL Gamer last May
30. in Pittsburgh. Clark wor the
decision OF the judges and referee,
but suffered an injury many be-
lieve will suspend his fighting days.
II was not with bitterness that
Dave looked back to that evening,
an evening when he suffered an eye
injury which has since been dag
nosed as a detached retina, an af-
Fiction similar to that which caus-
cd John Henry Lewis TO abdicate
his light-heavy weight throne under
pressure OF the National Boxing
Association. On the contrary. Dave
is inclined to believe he will be
back in the ring in short time
with hi seye sight unlmpaired.
While Dave made no complaint
about his plight. there Is ample
ground for complaint and disap-
pointment. Attaining high achieve
ments in the amateurs. Clark seem
ed destined to ascend the ladder
OF success when he enrolled in the
professional ranks, In 1885.
Equipped with remarkable boxing
skill. speed afoot. and mode than
average mental capacity, Dave had
projected himself into a position OF
one OF the strong contenders for the
light-heavyweight crown. Only his
unexpected setback at the hands OF
Gus Lesneyich last June %. ir Nut
ley. n. j., prevented Dave from OBJ
tanning a championship match with
Billy Conn, the Pittsburgh Adonis.
However, in return match with
Lesneyich in Detroit last New
Years Day. Clark, although he lost
close decision. won many friends
with his rally in the last rounds.
II was after the first Lesnevich
fight that John w. Roxborough.
manager OF the young Detroiter.
made an investigation and learned
OF the eye injury Clark had suffer
ed in the Gamer fight month be-
fore.
Although Dave was able to pass
the physical examination prior TO
the fight held in Detroit, II was
noticed that Clark circled to his
left throughout the fight instead OF
alternating as he had done in preyi-
Gus fights.
Clark had his eve operated on
three weeks ago. and he is firm in
his belief the optic will be as good
as ever.
And while Dave Clark is nursing
his injured eye, there's another
member OF the craft wandering
around in a maze OF disappoint-
ments and with an accomplishing
spirit And lige Clark. he bears no
grudge against the fate which has
definitely set him on the sidellnes
TO watch the pugilistic parade move
on.
Roscoe Toles. mild-mannered
Detroit heavyweight, returned home
this week from Grace hospital
where he had an operation on his
right hand. Last week Toles broke
a small bone in the hand during
his recent fight with Johnny whit
ers. He is yet uncertain about the
hand. although doctors told him II
would be as good as ever when 1t
healed.
As a result OF his win over whit
ers Toles is recognized as the
heavyweight champion OF Michigan.
and seemed definitely on the road
10 pugilIstic success. something
which has evaded him in the past.
Roscoe was sailing along In calm
waters until he ran into a squall OF
gloves thrown by Bob Pastor, last
summer. This loss deprived him
OF several lucrative purses. and
vaulted Pastor into a championship
bout with Joe Louis.
SO II was necessary for Toles 10
make a new start up the ladder. and
he seemed headed for the top when
ne was showed aside by tate.
The current disturbance in the
Negro National league typihes the
lack OF business sense which plur-
ders through Negro baseball The
owners Of the various clubs seem
unable TO arrive at any peaceful
agreement on any given subject.
The boys lust like to keen up n con-
slant wrangle.
The attempts OF certain clique
to unseat Tom Wilson aud elevate
to the Office OF president a New
York publisher Is typical OF the
chicanery practiced In the loop.
The clique Is headed by Mrs Abe
Manly, co-owner OF the Newark
Eagles.
The little femme, who almost
caused riot al joint meeting held
in Chicago a few wears hack. ac-