Evening star., 1959-10-29
WIN, LOSE OR
-DNAW By FRANCIS sTANN
Like q Niqht on the Town

THE FIGHTER SAT in the little dressing room at
Capitol Arena, quietly dressed in gray suit Outside
could be heard the faint sounds of preliminary bout
noises but Kenny Lane seemed to pay no attention.
Pete Petroskey opened small leather bag containing
the essentials for fight Pete is co-manager of Lane
who was ranked very high up lightweight and was
about to make his formal debut weer against the
ex-champion, Virgil Atkins. The other manager, Doc
KearnS, was taking his own time about arriving.
Charlie Rodriguez who trains Lane, began to wrap
his hands 1t seemed strange watching fighters hands
being taped while he still wearing street clothes.
Kenny even had his coat on.
Carmen BaSilio tapes his hands, visitor re-
marked He won't trust anybody else"
I'm lazy, guess" Lane smiled Charlie does it
for As a matter of fact don't even know how it's
done just stick out my hands and Charles wraps em
**&
LANE WHO WON bloody and controversial split
decision Atkins, prepares for fight like practically
nobody else of Importance Rodriguez wrapped his hands,
and the net effect ludcrous, Lane sitting there in
street clothes Later Kenny put his ring shoes Now
he was sitting in the dressing room wearing his gray
suit but with his hands tapped and his boxing shoes
his feet Otherwise, he dressed for night the
town.
What difference does it make how you strip" Kenny
asked "Ill be there time"
Petroskey had asked for smoking in the dressing
room The rule promptly broken upon the arrival of
Bernie Gckman from the Akins stable. Gckman lit up
and gave nary glimpse at Rodriguez as he wound the
tape around Lanes fists.
Aren't you interested in what he's doing to Lane?"
a visitor asked. "He may be putting rocks. -. :"
Il trust these fellows, Kearns" Glckman said,
smoothly. I'm my real business make aluminium
awnings in Chicago I've learned to trust people"
**%
KEARNs, THE ONE AND ONLY, arrived after long
meal and asked for sweater
isn't there one on the rack with Kenny Lane on
it?" he asked.
There's plain white sweater brand new but it
amt got Kenny Lane it," Petroskey said.
"Well, it'll take the chill off," Kearns conceded He
is thin, tired old guy of II. That s he looks tired
As it developed, he the fight.
Kearns gave Lane the final checkout
"Grease?" he asked Petroskey,
Right here" Peter said.
Rodriguez, grabbing the vial, put oil on Lanes face
and under his arms.
"Shoe tape" Kearns said
Now Lane out of his gray suit and ready for
business They frightened his ShoeaceS and secured them
with adhesive.
IN THE THIRD it seemed over Akins opened cut
Lanes right eye and Dr. Dave Gordon jumped into
the ring Later it to develop that he spent almost
much time in the ring as the contestants and it
looked as if the fight to be stopped.
Old Pro KearnS took over at this stage.
Hes all right" Kearns yelled as DR.. Gydon examined
Lane
The doc seemed to hesitate
"HeS all right" Kearns repeated. Let him go!" q.
Atkins by this time attired in his robe, black
and white thing with leopardtype stripes and he was
thinking that he had technical knockout over Lane
But out of the blue Kearns had his point and the
match resumed.
And, you must know Lane got the decision. Jack
Drees had just signed off his national TV program when
he got call from Texan
That third round" drawled the paid-up caller, was
it for real?"