The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-09-18
Louis Al
 ToStop Tomi Tonight

O"HSHHA
 New York, Sept. 1s.-(UP)-Joe Louis and Tami Mauriello will square off tonight at Yankee Sta- dium for 8 world heavyweight title fight that could give professional boxing 8 tremendous boost or an- other staggering setback.
 It all depends upon 23-year old Mauriello, the stocky black-haired Bronx Italian who is the first challenger to face Louis since the $2 100000 Billy Conn catastrophe in June.
 The U. s. Weather Bureau pre- dicted flair and mild" weather for the outdoor event.
 Small Crowd Expected
 Promoter Mike Jacobs expects a comparatively small crowd of about 30,000 to provide 8 modest gate of about $300,000 for this lightly regarded contest in which Tami is given virtually no chance of vic- tory.
 Mauriellos lack of support is re- flected in the betting prices which favor Louis at 9-1 to win, at Al to score knockout, and at 8-5 to stop Tami within five rounds.
 Because he is such 8 lop- sided underdog, Mauriello has perhaps the most magnificent opportunity in ring history to become an interna- tional sports nero in few turbu- lent minutes. He could do this by achieving miracle" upset victory over the great Negro champion, or even by turning in courageous and dramatic though unsuccessful chal- lenge.
 If the Bronx tavern proprietor upsets the champion or even stages a great fight, his performance will be sensational" for three reasons: CD its unexpectedness, CD its sharp contrast to Billy Conn's flight by night, and (3) it's achievement despite the handicap of de formed right ankle.
 Mauriello Has Nothing to Lose
 A Mauriello victory or great fight would mean not only gold and glory for Tami, but also a "shot in the arm" for the entire fight game. Big-time boxing needs a potent stimulant right now, for the public has regarded 1t was repug- nance since the terrific Louis- Conn let-doWn.
 Mauriello has nothing to lose in tonight's brawl, for virtually noth- ing is expected of him. But box ing has much to lose. If he is blasted to the canvas immediately or if he is given a one-sided, bloody battering, another storm of protest will follow the bout. Despite the challenger's previous record, critics will shout that youngster with a deformed ankle--a mi-cripple"- never should have been matched with the most destructive cham pion in heavyweight history.
 Promoters from most of the coun- trys boxing cities will be at the ringside tonight, with fingers crossed hoping that the bout will not be a "stinkeroo".
 Though Louis, at g, is nine years older than the challenger, he is a prohibitive favorite because of his remarkable record. The Detroit Negro lost but one of his 58 pro- fessional bouts. This lone defeat was a knockout by Max Schmeling whom Louis later "moidered" in the first round Forty-nine of his victories were achieved by knock outs. His other victories comprised seven decisions and Buddy Baer's disqualification at Washington.
 Louis Has Most Advantages
 Louis, moreover, will have ad- vantages of weight, height and reach. He was expected to out weigh the challenger about 208 pounds to 196. Joe is 2h inches taller than his stocky, broad-back opponent, and his reach is 2h inches longer than Tami's. He appeared impressive against Conn on June 19, and he has appeared sharp" in training for this bout
 Mauriello, on the other hand, has had more expereince than the much older champion. Tami became a professional at 16, and he has had IT bouts-l9 more than Louis. And he has registered 52 knockouts- three more than the champ. And he never has been knocked out.
 From the angle of attack, the Swarthy, Indian-faced challenger probably is the most dangerous two fisted' puncher Louis ever faced. He can knock one out with either fist-with his left hook, or with his straight right jolt and right uppercuit. He is, moreover, an aggressive fighter, who cannot step back adroitly because of his untrustworthy ankle. ThereIl be no footrace, at least, tonight.
 When Il, Tami fractured his ankle by jumping off the roof of a two story building while playing fol- low the leader" The fracture was set improperly and it healed i'm properly-making the ankle and heel appear deformed. In an at tempt to secure as much leverage as possible, the ankle is taped tight ly before Tami boxes. However, it's weakness makes him easy to knock off balance and easy to knock down. Gus Lesnevich, Lou Nova, Lee Sav- old, Lee Oma, Jimmy Bivins, and Johnny Thomas have had him on the canvas.
 Louis No Stranger to Floor
 In this connection, Louis, too, Is no stranger to the resin dust. He was floored by Jim Braddock, Tony Galento, Buddy Baer and, of course, by Schmeling
 Both champion and challenger are easy to hit, like most aggressive punchers who concentrate on of- fense instead of defense without using the bob-and-weave. Mauri- ello, however, appears much more open target than Joe; for Mauri- clio marches in, throwing punch es from an awkward stance; where first time, because some individual or group connected with the great university has learned to walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.