Evening star., 1941-07-27
Thomas and Vernon,
Fine Pro Prospects,
Face in Feature
Program Of II Battles
Studded With Sturs
Collected by Blake

Amateur boxing in Washington
arrives at a crossroads of its rather
drab career tomorrow night at
Turner's Arena, where the A. A. u.
will present the second in series
of shows aimed at building up the
sport.
Twelve bouts are scheduled, fea-
turing Buddy Thomas against Reds
Vernon for the unofficial amateur
lightweight championship of the
city All will be the customary 3-
minute, Ground affairs.
The card. arranged by Bill Blake,
prime instigator of the movement to
put the boy battles on year-around
basis. is studded with standout
ringsters, and while the star bout Is
one of the best arguments set before
fans in several years no one can
prophesy where the firing will be
heaviest.
7 Such fighters as Alan Shreve,
Johnny Smerick. Benny Rodlll, Ray
Cleveland and Ray Buell. can be
relied on to give the customers
large evening, but, as If to guaran-
tee the shows success. Blake also
has listed another battle of cham
MONS between Danny Petro, District
bantamWeight titlehoher, and Proc
tor Heinold, Oklahoma State champ,
now residing here.
Vernon. Thomas Good Prospects.
Vernon, Golden Gloves 135-pound
king, and Thomas, A. A. U. klngpln
in this baliWick, are rated two OF the
finest prospects to come along In the
last five years. AS matter of fact,
they are the only youngsters con-
ceded a genuine chance of making
good in professional ranks, with the
exception of Jimmy De Chard, de-
veloped since the well known trio OF
Lou Gevinson, George Abrams and
Steve Mamakos graduated into the
punch-for profit division.
Several changes have been made
In the original program but the
revamped card actually shapes up
better than that previously an
nounced. Newsboy Bob Brodlgan,
replacing Billy Francis, will meet
lanky Larry Baldwin of the St.
Mary's Club in what should be a
rip-snorting furry of leather.
District A. A. u FeatherWeight
Champion Lew Hanbury, anxious to
redeem himself after his upset at
Charley Petros hands, will get the
chance hitting for Bernie
Mason against the Apollo Clubs
Preston Drew.
Substitute Bout Hot.
A substitute bout, between l12-
Founders Pete Celinski of st. Mary's
and Gene Miller OF the National
Training School. is expected to be
a four-star attraction. These two
clashed recently in an exhibition
bout at the Board of Trade shad
bake, Celinski winning a split de-
cision in a knock-dow drag-out
duel
But the most torrid argument Is
expected when Vernon and Thomas
answer the bell Both are deadly
punchers and good ring generals for
their limited amount of experience.
Their courage never has been ques-
toned and if either connects with
his Sunday punch his opponent
likely will be carried from the ring
on a shutter.
This will be the first formal meet
Ing of the two, who formerly were
clubmates at Police Boys Club No.
s. They were booked earlier in the
year but Vernon twisted an ankle
PLAYING baseball for Eastern High
and was unable to keep the date.
Reds is trained and coached by
"Winky" Hart and Thomas by his
father, Walter tRat Thomas, sr.,
and the elders, incidentally, played
football together on the old Mercury
teams of years ago.
A note of color and melody will
be added to the setting by the Chest
nut Farms Dairy Band, which will
play before the first bout goes on
$50, between bouts and during the
intermission.