HEAVY-WEIGHT BOXING TITLE

Evening Star, Issue 19723, 25 November 1927, Page 15

HEAVY-WEIGHT BOXING TITLE

OWING NEW ZEALANDER ■[Fbom Oub Cobeespondenx.J ' SAN FRANCISCO, November 2. Not since tho palmy days of “Ruby” Bob Fitsimmons has so. much interest been manifested in the doings of another Antipodean disdoipgs of another Antipodean disciple of Fistiania in the United States as in the peregrinations over the American republic of Toni Heeney, the New Zealand heavy-weight boxer, who has gamed a widespread reputation as ono of the finest examples of “ heavies in the squared ring of prize-fighting. _ Gone Tunuoy especially admires tho deft manner in which Heeney handles ■himself while in the ring, and tho world’s title-holder, while expecting one of his opponents to bo William Harrison Dempsey for a third time for aspirant honors, after ■ two conspicuous failures, has let it be known, in Now York that the New Zealand exponent of boxing in the heavy-weight division is his most formidable opponent for the heavy-weight crown. A despatch from New York says luuney thinks his chief opponent will bo lorn Heeney, “who is considered by Gene the best of the crop of heavies who are about to take part in Tex Rickard’s elimination tournaments.” The heavy-weight champion will insist that the fights shall be over the 15-round route, and believes ho would have ended all by knocking out Jack Dempsey at Chicago in September if the battle at Soldiers’ Field had not been limited to ten rounds. Gene told of his wishes, beliefs, and prejudices, and said; “I would like to 'defend the championship on July 4, and then again in September. I expect Dempsey to be one of the two men I meet. Jack is too smart for the rest of the field.” It transpired that the present heavy-weight champion considers Demusey “tricky, but very smart.” TRIBUTE TO RINGCRAFT.

More than on Jack’s punching ability, more than upon his courage, which Gene freely acknowledges, Tunney, in speaking of his predecessor, laid stress upon Dempsey’s ringcraft. This is interesting, in view of the fact that there had been a rather widespread opinion that the title-holder underrated his erstwhile opponent s mentality. In addition to Dempsey, Gene expects to meet the survivor of tho elimination tournament. “I think Heenoy is tho best of tho present lot,” Tunney said. Heretofore Gene has been extremely reticent to express such an opinion, for fear of hurting tho feelings of other heavyweights, and especially Dm so of their sensitive managers. Apparently, however, Tunney went on to discuss tho aspirants for his title. “There’s Jack Sharkey, of course,” he said, “ but I think Dempsey always will bo bo able to defeat Sharkey. Paolino and Phil Scott are rugged and strong, but my guess will be Keeney.” Gene said he had signed no contract with Tex Rickard concerning, tho defence of his championship, and that lie would not sign until assured that the bout will be over the 15-round route, ... , “Every championship affair should be at that distance,” said Tunney. “ If my last bout with Dempsey had been at 15 rounds, I think I could have stopped him.” The champion said that even if Goorgo Godfrey, tho negro heavyweight, who stopped Jimmy Moloney and Monte Mmiu in short order, was to will his way through an elimination tournament there would he no chanco of a Tunncy-Godfrey bout. “ I have drawn the color line. I have never mot a negro boxer and never will ; ” the champion exclaimed.