Challenge to doctor’s role

Press, 2 December 1985, Page 3

Challenge to doctor’s role

NZPA-AAP Sydney The American contender, Jerome Coffee, yesterday challenged the role of the ringside doctor on the eve of his 1.8. F. bantamweight fight against the champion, Jeff Fenech.

Coffee’s manager, Stan Allan, threw an unexpected jab into the lead up to .today’s sold-out title fight when both boxers met at the normally routine reading of the rules at the Southern Cross Hotel.

Allan told the 1.8. F. supervisor, Walter Stone, that he was worried about a stipulation in the New South Wales regulations which allowed the ringside physician the authority to stop the fight.

He said he believed the 1.8. F. title fight rules which empowered only the referee with such authority should supersede local conditions.

“I’m trying to avoid the situation where a physician can stop the fight because of an insignificant injury,” Allan said.

Eventually the dispute was resolved after private discussions between Stone and the two camps.Both boxers were assured the doctor would consult the referee, a New Jersey engineer, Rudy Battle, before any decision was made. Fenech’s trainer and mentor, Johnny Lewis, said he was encouraged by the concern expressed by the Americans. Lewis said their reaction indicated doubt about Coffee’s ability to complete the 15 rounds against the punching power of the Sydney fighter. “It shows up that they’re not all that confident, doesn’t it?” he asked.

Both boxers presented contrasting profiles at yesterday’s official ceremony held at Sydney’s Southern Cross Hotel.