The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-11-15
BILLY FOX NEW HEAVYWEIGHT FISTIC 'FIND'
By JACK CUDDY United Press Sports Writer)

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 While the boxing world awaits a white hope, three wise men quietly are grooming tan, terrific "Croak- CT" to smash his way to Joe Louis heavyweight throne.
 Billy "CroaKer" Fox of Philadel- phia is the new ring sensation be- ing polished up these busy after moons by a trio of experts at Still mans gymnasium.
 He originally was called "Croaker" because he spent six boyhood years learning to punch on croaker sack stuffed with rags - one of those heavily meshed produce bags used down in Dixie.
 But that "Croaker" handle has more deadly meaning now, for 19- year-old Fox has blasted out the most amazing freshman record in ring history. He has registered 34 professional fights. No opponent straight knockouts in his first 34 lasted seven rounds, and most of them were stiffened in one or two.
 When Joe Louis was coming up. he knocked out g of his first 2 op- ponents put was belted out by Max Schmeling in his 28th pro start. Joe was more matured when Schmeling ended his winning streak than Fox is now. Joe was 9 then, three years older than the current "croaker." Second Joe
 Though Fox is only light-heavy- weight now, scaling 172 1-2 pounds Fa, I,te 1o oek l,a tc urAuyikno ond will be full-fiedged heavy before he is P. And he resembles Louis in many ways. His well-proportioned, muscular body is light sepia in color. He is a dead-panned Shuffler as he stalks his man for the kill" He uses the same semi-upright stance. He throws straight punches or hooks with either fist, with stunning im- pact. He is quiet and soft-spoken. But, as yet, he lacks the champions defensive skill.
 That's why the polishing job is being done at Stillman'S - to sharpen his defense. That's why Manager Frank "Blinky' Palermo and trainers Whitey Bimstein and Jimmy Reed are riding close herd on his sparring sessions every after noon. They want him to become an elusive target. Not that Billy can't take it. No-indeed! Billy is plenty more rugged than Louis. No profess sional opponent has benc able to floor him, although he often was on his back as an amateur.
 Whitey Bimstein, perhaps the best known and most respected among Americas active fight trainers, said today: FOX will be the natural successor to Joe Louis. He can't miss. He's the greatest prospect I've seen in more than 30 year of working with fighters. He's the deadliest man I ever saw in the ring. His record so far is perfect; but he's not perfect yet, by any means. He needs lot of polish"
 Fox has met no name fighters" yet. although his victims include some fair performers like Speedy Duval, Johnny Finazzo, Rocky Lu- ciano and Freddie Flores. However, he is being prepped for a major test at Philadelphia sometime next month, when he will be thrown into the ring against Georgie Kochan, Jose Basora or Johnny Walker.
 Manager Palermo said we hope Billy wins that test-and by knockout; but even if he is beaten wei keep moving toward the heavy weight title, maybe knocking of the light heavy crown in passing.
 No beating will discourage Fox. He was the worst looking amateur l ever saw. All he could do was punch at stationary object. You see, he was born in Oklahoma, but spent most of his life on his fathers farm near Richmond in Virginia. On that farm he practiced punching on croaker sack for six years. And how he could punch - something that didn't move. He spent half his time on the canvas as an amateur in Philadelphia
 T tried again and again to get him to quit the ring; but he insisted he wanted to be fighter. l didn't agree that he'd ever be one until he had hung up Is professional knock outs. After that he convinced me And now l know he'll ultimately ne- come heavyweight champion"