Evening star., 1952-01-22
Manager indicates
Harry Matthew'S May
BE First Opponent
BY the Assoeiu,ed Prsss

EWltQln 10 Gays 10 meet q 1eB1tl-
mate contender.
| The edict was issued yesterday
by Bob Christenberry, chairman
of the New York State Athletic
Commission, after comforting with
IC. B. Powell. another member
of the three-man commission.
Christenberry pointed out that
Walcott failed to defend his title
within six months as required by
commission rules. The six-month
period ended last Friday
Calls Action Squeeze Play"
Meanwhile. In Holyoke, Mass,
Felix Bocchicchio, manager Of
tWalcott, called Christenberry's
statement part Of q squeeze
lplay."
II don't know why they're fore
ling Joe like this" Bocchicchio
said. Were going to defend the
title when we get the right setup
land terms" :
Later Bocchicchio indicated he
would placate the New York COM
mission by signing within the re-
Iquired 15-day period for a title
defense.
I'VE may decide to sign for
three bouts within Is days-prob-
Iably a first bout in March with
Harry kid Matthews on the
West Coast and a title defense in
June" he said. adding:
"Walcott almost certainly will
defend his title during the OUT
door season In one Of the New
York ball parks.
Plans One Tuneup.
1--WE have q verbal agreement
made under duress-to defend
against Ezzard Charles. and 1t is
safe to say we will take on one
ltuneup fight, preferably against
Matthews. I look with favor in
signing for a title bout with either
Rocky Marciano or Charles"
Bocchicchio didn't explain how
Walcott, as heavyweight cham
pion. could engage in a tuneup
with Matthews. Every time a
heavyweight steps into ring for
a bout he risks his title.
Bocchicchio said Walcott had
been offered $150,000 by Boston
promoter. Sam Silverman. to de-
Ifend his championship against
Marciano, indoors in March or
outdoors IN June. q
"And, in addition" Bocchicchio
said, 1--WE have been guaranteed an
additional $750,00O for the televi-
sion rights regardless Of where
the fight is held"
IBC Has Other Ideas.
But that isn't what the Inter-
national Boxing Club has in mind.
We've got a contract with WAL
colt to give Charles the first crack
at the title" said Harry Markson.
managing director.
Markson pointed out that the
contracts, signed before the Pitts
burgh fight in July, called for
Walcott. in the event he won, to
give Charles a return bout within
80 days.
"By agreement Of all parties,
the time limit was extended until
after the first Of January, 1882
Markson said.
Tom Tannas and Jake Mintz,
co-managers Of Charles, also said,
I"Our contract calls for Walcott
to fight Charles before he meets
any one else for the title"
Rule Applies to All.
Christenberry, replying to q
question whether he knew. such q
contract existed, said: ,
1--WE do not have such a con-
tract on file at the commission.
The New York chairman added
that he didn't care where the
championship is held, but natural
ly prefers it would be in New
York. He said he considered
Charles and Marciano the fore
most contenders."
ut can be in Chicago, Detroit,
San Francisco or anywhere" he
said, ."as long as the title bout is
with legitimate contender.
"And that goes for all cham
lpions." Christenberry said. "Wei
are not going to recognize any
champion who doesn't defend his
title at least once every six
months .
| Shortly before the New York
commission announced it was
sending letter to Walcott, noti-
Tying him of the body's action,
the Louisiana commission with
drew recognition from Walcott as
champion.
NBA Won't Go Along.
But the National Boxing ,Asso-
citation refused to go along with
New York and Louisiana for the
present, at least.
Commissioner Abe j. Greene
pointed outl that Walcott's six
month period does not end in NBA
territory until March IA, since
the rule was only adopted last
September Il.
/ Greene said the Executive Com
lmittee might waive the six-month
rule in Walcott's case If it was
presented with good enough rea-
sons. In Philadelphia. Commis-
isioner John tOx) Dagrosa of the
4 PENNSYLVANIA commission said he
favored giving Jersey Joe more
time.
Il, personally" Dagrosa said,
would not want to see Walcott
rushed or to have his title vacated.
lie fought 81 years before he won
1.-The title at ST."