Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1953-05-29
SP0RTS CT 0SE. up
BY Fritz Pollard

NEW YORK (Globall - Passing Thoughts on a Passing
Champion Many occasion but few know
to sit down Jersey Joe Wacott did raised of the
uses controversies in boxing history We give him
credit in the world coming out of the boxing
with his health and wealth but feel that possible motva
Ton Tor his sltdoWn after the Mareano strike the
alhment Of health and wealth It wouldn't get knocked
about and spend part of the $25oooo plastic surgery
Pardon the sarcasm but extent Jersey Joe
serves it. In the interest of justice consider of
it: He claims be the the short count" but
drunk always claims that moving the floor The
dmensona films taken of the fiasco proved
You'd doubt that Jersey Joseph sitting on his glory
and we'll beyond the count of which counted the
same rate of speed in previous fight which another
gentleman was knocked cold We discount explanation
as being faee-saVng cup of grape wine.
To me, his defeat caused by the fear he took into
the ring with him. He frightened overcauous
wasn't the Wacott that title and the worlds adm-
ration with his tenacty and bulldog courage He wasn't the
hungry fighter who the obstacle thirty
nhe-some-odd years and batted his way the top in
young mans field He wasn't the Wacott who was beating
Mareano hands down all the way with the exception of the
thirteenth round when he lost his the consciousness
which he forgot to bring into the ring with him this last time
al the risk OF being gloater say Il told you
In my article of February q, 1858 said This writer has
feeling that Joe Wacott could win this fight but the cards
are stacked against him" and my column of April said
I went out limb ago and picked JERSEY Joe
To De the st exheavyWeight champion regain the
CROWN u course made by own proViso that this would
be the outcome if the bout IS rounds"
Now there is ample proof that article and some of
It's Vehemence justified by anticipation and knowledge Of
e underlying facts If Waleo had gone the distance with
aafeano he would undoubtedly have Won the decision We
predicted that if he lost he'd lose early rounds It prov
ed to be prediction don't think he threw the fight
but combination of fear indifference to the outcome
tslnee his prize guaranteed) left him in a sess and
even lazy state of mind that his reactions slowed
down think he sincerely meant to get up but that his
eXeS We're retarded and his killer instincts civilized BY the
>Z7oooo promised win or lose
lhen again. consider this: The sports to run
III cycles Tor some reason, the public have tired
tSesfo heaVyWelghts dominating the
Possibly boxer this from the reaction of the
crowds attitudes of other eolumnists etc Add to this jersey
Joes age the feeling that winning would an-climae
anyhow $50 grand fear of losing last but not least
possible decision his part thar would be his las
night anyway so why knock myself out"
Nobody knows but Walcot and his manager what the
true story Is but venture to say that we have properly
diagnosed IT. Until better explanation along I'll CON
nue to believe that Joe effectively himself out BY
bringing INTO the ring with him lest heart and more defeat
Ism than ever in the past An definition of boxer The
oay person who wakes up and finds himself rich"
foure rich Joe, but you'll find defeat bitter pill to
S"aAo" Iood luck to fea we wish YOU healthy
anu wealthy retirement even though don't quite approve
o the burst of righteousness which YOU ended vo
hitherto magnificent caree