The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-01-15
Shot InArm ForHeovies Advocated

Paterson, N. J., Jan. l5-(UP)- President Abe J. Greene of the National Boxing Association sug- gested today couple of tune-up bouts for Joe Louis and Billy Conn to give the heavyweight division a shot in the arm.
 Although Champion Louis and Challenger Conn have definitely said mo dice" on warm-ups before their June title fight, Greene be- lieves that the cause of boxing would be aided" if they engaged in one or two test brawls-particularly Conn.
 That's what he said today while releasing the N. B. As quarterly ratings of boxers.
 Division Suffers
 Greene admitted that interest in boxing competition will be heightened as soon as Louis and Conn start actual activities in pre- paration for their bout" but he said the division had suffered from such "mediocrity and the presence of so many old faces" that the heroic measure of top-flight tune-ups was needed to stimulate it meanwhile.
 Greene emphasized that the vic- tory of Al HooSman, Los Angeles Negro heavyweight, over Veteran Lee Savold on Jan. was stimulat- ing, although Hoosman is not rated yet by the N. B. A. because the January ratings included bouts only up to Jan. 3.
 Few important changes were made in the ratings. Archie Moore. St. Louis Negro, was moved into the top contender's spot among the light heavies. Rocky Graziano of New York was elevated to No. 3 berth among the middleweight con- tenders, and Beau Jack, ex-light- weight ruler, was recognized as a prominent welterweight aspirant.
 Here are the N. B. A. quarterly ratings:
 Heavy Weight
 Champion - Joe Louis. Logical contender-Billy Conn. Outstand- ing boxers-Tami Mauriello, Jimmy Bivins. Honorabye mention-Melio Bettina, Lee Oma, Jersey Joe Wal colt, Elmer Ray. Bruce Woodcock. Arturo Godoy. Joe Maxim, Johnny Flynn, Joe Baksi, Lee Sayold.
 Light Heavyweight
 Champion-Gus Lesnevich. Logi- cal contenders-Archie Moore, Pred die Mills. Outstanding boxers - Lloyd Marshall, Billy Fox, Phil Museato. Anton christoforidis. Hon. orable Eneption-Joe Kahut, Jack Johnson, Fitzy Fitzpatrick, Ezzard Charles, Billy Grant, Billy Smith.
 AIiddIeweight
 Champion - Tony Zale. Logical contenders-Jaeob Lamotta, George Abrams, Rocky Graziano, Holman Williams, Charlie Burley. OHtstand- ing boxers-Steve Belloise, Jimmy Edgar, Marcel cerdan. Honorable nlention-Jose Bas0ra. Jock Mc- AYoy. George Henry, Bee Bee Wash ington, Tiger wade, Sonny Horne.
 WegteFweight
 Champion - Freddie (RedD co- chrane. Logical contender - Ray Robinson. Outstanding boxers Tippy Larkin. Jimmy Doyle. Marty Servo. Beau Jack. Honorable mem tion-Tommy Bell. Johnny Greco. Ernie Rodariek, sammy Angott, Tony Janiro. Nick Moran, Harold Green, Cecil Hudson. Billy Arnold.
 lightweight
 Champi0n--Ike Williams. Logical eontenders-Bob Montgomery. Allie Stolz, Chalky Wright. Willie Joyce Outstanding boxers - Enrique Bolr pglos. Freddie Dawson, Bobby Ruff fin. John Thomas. Honorable men, tion- Wesley Mollzon. ROnnie James Bernard Doeiasen.
 FeafherWelghf
 Champion - Sal Bartoio. Logical c0ntenders ~ willie Pep, Phil TeF- ranoEa. Outstanding b0xers-C Carlos Chavez, Freddie Russo. Jimmy Me- Aillsler, MlQuel AceVeeo.
 namfanweigist
 Champion Manuel Ortiz. Logical rontenders -- Luis Castillo. Tony oliFeFa. Benny Goldberg. cnisiand-