Belligerent, Benevolent

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30916, 24 November 1965, Page 23

Belligerent, Benevolent

(A’.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LAS VEGAS. The unpredictable Cassius Clay was both belligerent and benevolent after his twelfth-round win over Floyd Patterson, Associated Press reported.

Clay marched into the interview just as Dr. Donald Romeo, chief examining doctor for the Nevada Athletic Commission, had given a report on a back injury Patterson said he suffered.

“What's the excuse now?' Clay shouted into the loudspeaker microphone.

“What's your excuse?” an observer shouted back. “Excuse for what?” “Didn’t Carry Him”

“Excuse for not knocking him out,” was the rejoiner. “Why. did you carry him?” “I didn’t carry him,” declared Clay. “He took my best punches. He didn't fall.

“He was determined. He’s a good fighter. You gotta give him credit.”

Clay held up his bare fists. The knuckles on both hands were swollen. “See? I hit him good. He fought a good fight.” Asked if Patterson hurt him with punches. Clay answered: “He got some grazes in.” “Give Me Justice”

“I think it’s time that the American public gave me the justice that I'm due,” Clay said. “I’ve beaten everyone around now, haven’t I? What more do they want?” Dr. Romeo, who went to Patterson’s corner at the referee’s request after the tenth round, said Patterson had been in great pain during and after the fight, A.A.P.-Reuter reported.

He injected him with a combination pain-killer and cortisone muscle treatment along the vertebrae after they got back to the dressing room. Patterson “Sorry” Patterson, who had to be helped down the steps from the ring after the bout, was obviously still in considerable pain when he told his story ■half an hour later. j “I am very, very sorry bej cause of what happened tonight,” he began in his usual I contrite manner. “I hoped I could give a I much better fight, but unfortunately I was not able to do ISO. I “I will not make excuses i for what happened. I don’t i want to take anything away from Mr Clay.” Asked if he thought the referee should have stopped | the fight as he did, Patterson isaid: “If I had been sitting I at home watching on the teieI vision, in my own opinion I j would say yes. But as it was I me in there, I have to say