Evening star., 1941-11-26
Phil, Always Offering
Hot Battle, Is Sure
He'll Win Tonight
Fritzie, Somewhat Less
OrotoricoI, Has More
In Physical Assets
BY LEWIS F. ATCHISON.

Phil FUR, the old war hoss who
has been in boxing long enough to
know his way around without a
seeing eye, may have to eat crow
tonight when he toes the line with
Fritzie Zivic for a 10-round bout at
Ultne Arena. But win, lose or draw,
nobody will deny the guy hasn't
enjoyed his brief return to the fistic
spotlight.
Phillip has been a little Make
Baer in some respects. The strong
est resemblance lies in their mutual
ability to talk a great fight and
soak up mental sun-tan in the
warm glow Of publicity. Unlike Baer,
Furr has given the customers run
for their money practically every
time he's gone to the post. On the
rare occasions when he hasn't been
ready they have enjoyed seeing him
get slapped around-a sight they
do enjoy.
Furr Is Superior Talker.
If this was an oratorical contest
coming up tonight Furr would win
by a couple of well chosen adjec-
tives. He could talk Morris Plan
loan out of an Egyptian mummy
when in good voice, and there has
been nothing wrong with his larynx
the past 10 days. If words could kill
Matchmaker Johnny Atten would
be shipping frisky Fritzie back to
Pittsburgh, c. o. d., today. Unfor-
tunately. for Furr, he didn't get the
1ist Of Phil's CAB.
Zivic is in good health, thank you,
and bouncing around like dub's
hrst tee shot. An A student in elocu-
ton himself, there Is little left un-
said In the battle of verbs that
Fritzie can say. The only difference
Is that the flat-nosed, Smoky City
slicker has a little more on the ball
to support his arguments, as Fur
undoubtedly will discover. But at
late hour today Furr was bearing
up nobly.
'You fellows are on the wrong
horse" he snorted with blast
through the left nostril for pune
tuation. Il been fighting since l
took an all-day sucker away from
the kid in the next cradle and
naturally I've been in the headlines
a long time. but I'm not old and
I'm not washed up. I never felt
better or stronger and I know
can beat this guy. He's no Joe
Louis. He amt even a good Welter-
weight. he's just been lucky. but
i.A f,,1 of
to beat me-and mean in his
gloves"
Phil blew couple of blasts on
the right nostril " for victory and
bowed out with the prediction of
decision for himself in 10 rounds.
Talks About his Ranch.
Zivic has been more interested in
advertising his new ranch" home
well stocked with hobby horses peer
ing over bales of hay, than in Furr
or the fight since his arrival. If
this is more than a warmup for
his next important engagement he
hasn't shown it. He acts as though
he's getting ready for a stiff session
Of shadow boxing.
"You only have two fists in this
business" he grinned in finally
dismissing talk Of a rough and
foul fight. And all Furr has to
do is swing 'em. I'm gonna be
pitching myself and he's gonna be
catching"
Fritzie will not be surprised to
see a chap by the name of Zivic
win tonight-maybe by knockout,
but he'll be shocked and chagrined
If he doesn't.
Jack Dempsey, former heavy
weight champion, probably will see
the fight tonight. He was to be
interviewed over the air this after
noon.
Other bouts on the card include
Wicky Harkins VS.. AL Franklin in
an eight-round semifinal, Lou Bass
VS.. Taylor Miller, Jackie Crawford
VS.. Johnny Como and Willie Roach
VS.. Oscar Wright.