Evening star., 1942-05-22
Interest in 1iIt
Is Is|ncreasedby
Postponement
$45,000 Gate Deemed
Likely; Heovies Fit,
Weights Indicate
BY LEWIS F. ATCHISON.


A couple Of husky young men who
were supposed to whale the living
daylight out OF one another at Grit
fifth Stadium along about 10 o'clock
last night slipped quietly into last
row movie seats instead and gazed
at mushy love scenes.
But tonight-barring another
postponement-Lou Nova and Lee
Savold will get down to the CORY
business Of deciding which will re-
main in the race to determine a
late-summer challenger for Cham
pion Joe Louis heavyweight crown.
The argument. as If you didn't
know, tops an an-star card for the
benefit Of the Navy Relief Fund.
Promoter Mike Jacobs, who had
a priority on all grade A beef in the
fight racket long before the Govern
ment was smitten with the brilliant
idea Of reserving materials, was 50
pleased with the financial outlook
he gave his loose-leaf ivories
couple Of extra special clacks be-
fore boarding plane for New York.
An advance sale of $4,000 was re-
ported at the ball park. This would
indicate a gross gate Of $45, 900, ac-
cording to Jacobs, who figures on a
gross three times the advance.
Interest in Fight Picks Up.
The fight caught fire almost over
night after being virtually ignored
by a war-minded populace since it
was announced. In every hotel
lobby and on every street corner
fans were discussing the outcome,
and the one-day postponement fig
ured to help rather than hurt in
the final analysis.
Both Nova and Savold were sharp
and on edge when they appeared
at the District Boxing Commission
yesterday at noon to weigh in. The
tedious task Of filling out five
separate identification cards, in
cluding one for the F. B. l., and OF
being fingerprinted by the Metro
politan Police consumed at least q
half hour and had the boys sweat
ing profusely before they stepped
on the scales.
Savold was first on and when In
spector Jack Whitley balanced the
beam at 18e% pounds. Manager Bill
DAILY let out with . whoop and
holler.
What did I tell you he beamed
Il said he'd come in at 100. I'm
satisfied we've got everything
worked out to perfection. 1 am
more certain than ever that Lee will
win by q knockout within five
rounds"
Nova in Surly Mood.
Nova scaled 2031a, or 3ia pounds
more than anticipated. He was
surly and a trifie short-tempered
and engaged in q brief, verbal
battle with one member OF the
commission stan, old Sarge"
Thomas. Thomas wanted to know
what color trunks he would wear
in the fight.
Red and black" Nova replied.
Cant" said Thomas. "Savold
was first here and he got them"
"An right then, you're telling me
what color I'm going to wear, not
asking me-" Lou snarled. III wear
purple-it won't make any differ
ence."
Both fighters were fed thick, me-
dunn steaks Immediately after
leaving the commission office and,
after a brisk walk, went to bed
But when 1t was apparent the show
could not go on schedule they were
aroused, baited with more steak
and given the evening of.
Nova was accompanied by q char
acter answering to the handle of
Whitley" his chef, on his movie
excursion. Trainer John Lane went
along with Savold and later gave
Lee a rundown after the fighter
warmed up in spirited session OF
shadow boxing. One thing Of which
the Savold entourage is certain Is
that Lee is ready, physically, for
the fight.
Both Declared in Trim.
A simple routine was in store for
both boys today. Aft5r an early
breakfast around 7 o'clock, they took
another long walk and then hit the
hay. Another steak meal and nap
were scheduled around 3 after which
they we're supposed to be ready for
the business at hand.
A delegation Of between 10 and
80 fans from Paterson, N. j., where
Savold now makes his home, was
reported to have arrived last night.
Some fans from Des Moines, where
Lee got his start, also we're in town.