BOXING Patterson To Fight McNeeley For World Title On Monday

Press, Volume C, Issue 29685, 1 December 1961, Page 23

BOXING Patterson To Fight McNeeley For World Title On Monday

(hJ.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

TORONTO, Nov. 29. The automatic “eight count” will be used on Monday night when the world heavyweight boxing champion, Floyd Patterson, defends his title against Tom McNeeley. of Boston. The decision, by the Ontario Athletic Commissioner, was considered to be a victory for Patterson. McNeeley and his manager had objected to the inclusion of the mandatory “eight count.” They said it gave Patterson an advantage, since he had been knocked down at least once in most of his title bouts Six-ounce gloves will be used for the fight. Scoring by a referee and two judges will be on the "five-point must” system in gets five points, and the loser a lesser number.

The bout can be stopped because of injuries, particularly by facial cuts, it was emphasised in an announcement today. If a cut is caused by a punch, the decision will be awarded to the boxer delivering the punch. But if the cut is caused by an intentional butt, the decision will be awarded to the injured boxer, which means that the championship could be won on a foul. However, if the cut were caused accidentally, the referee could declare the bout a draw. Patterson is being quoted at nine to one, but the quiet, modest negro champion has more respect for the brawling McNeeley than the odds makers. He was quoted as which the winner of a round saying: "Everybody seems to be taking this guy for granted. I wish I could be as sure.

The way this is set up, I can’t get any credit even if I win. I’ll just collect my money.” “Sports Illustrated” magazine said today that the Toronto fight-fans were regarding the match with a bland detachment, infuriating to the promoters. The main reason for the indifference was that the fight occurred at the end of Grey Cup week, the climax of the Canadian football season, the magazine said.