The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-01-25
By JACK CUDDY

NeW OTk, JdIl % 'C'TD Eddie Egan, new chairman of the New York Boxing Commission, will tackle soon the most perleXing prob- lem in all sports; the proper scoring of fights. He seeks an accurate, fool proof system to relace the dis satisfactory round-by-round meth cd currently used in New York and many other states.
 Blunt-noSe' Eddie, former Olym- pic and A. E. F. champion, made this announcement at the annual Boxing Writers dinner last night in Rupperts Brewery, where Lieuten- ant Commander Benny Leonard was presented with the Edward J. Neil award for outstanding contributions to the sport during 1944.
 Eagan seeks a solution to theprob- lem that has baffled experts since finish fights faded out in most states in the early 1900's. Despite improvements in technique and staging during almost half-cen- tury no satisfactory method of scoring has yet been discovered. Boxing stands out as the only major sport in which full-distance win her is determined entirely by the opinion of officials. Even racing has it's photo- finish camera to decide &C., curately the victor in close contests. Close contests in the ring. however usually result in disagreement among the officials in split deci- SlonS, and sometimes draws. These VerdictS nearly always are accom- panied by vociferous disagreement among boxing writers and fans. This | unfortunate situation prevails for the loWliest preliminary at a small club or for a million dollar heavy weight title fight.
 Several recent decisions in New York provoked such wide spread criticism and argument that Cham 1 pion Eagan decided: Here is my first major task as new head of the commission In seeking a solution. he will hold conferences with ring officials and with boxing writer's meanwhile drawing upon his own 1 experiences as an amateur boxing champion and as an official at amateur bouts
 It is likely that the ultimate new system will have point-scoring as it's basis. The point method is used in amateur leather tossing; also in professional bouts in Massachusetts and few other states Eagan be- lieVes that the point method is fairer than the round-by round, be- cause the latter system gives man no more credit for winning a round by a wide margin than for taking it by shade. Hence, the totaling of points is more accurate than the mere totaline of rounds.
 However, neither the point nor the round methods can achieve ac- curacy or agreement unless some standards of valuations and penal ties are set for blows landed, dam age done. aggressiveness, defensive skill. blows missed holding, back pedaling, etc. There are valuations for judging figure skating, fancy diving. ski jumping, etc. Will Eagan attempt to calibrate the caulifloWer craft
 At last nights dinner Abe J Greene, president of the National Boxing Association, again invited the New York Commission to be- come a member of the N.B.A.; but Eagan said that would be impossi- ble because New York law prohibited the commission delegating any of Its powers to another organization.
 John J. Phelan, former chairman of the New York Commission anC
 still member. was given an awrac for long and meritorious service t boxing. Pvt eBau Jack, former , lightweight champion on furlougi from Camp Sibert. Ala, receivet ! the ring magazines medal for th' , boxer or the year from editor Ma . F'leischer.
 Speakers at the dinner included
 Eagan, Phelan, Greene. Beau Jack Fleischer. Quentin Reynolds. forme , Mayor Jimmy Walker, Jack Demp sey, Mike Jacogs, and Captain Jo!it L. Beebe, commandant of tn
 Sheepshead Bay maritime train!n station where Benny Leonard is | 5 charge of recreation and morale.
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