BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 November 1935, Page 12

BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

BRADDOCK-LOUIS BOUT James J. Braddock, the ex-dock labourer who took the world’s heavyweight title from Max Baer, is confident that there is one fighter who can beat the coloured boxer, Joe Louis •—and that man is James J. Braddock (wrote “Fair Field,” in the London “Daily Telegraph” on October 8). “I am ready for Louis and hope to get him for my next fight in June,” says Braddock, according to a message received from Chicago. “How will I fight him? I cannot outline my campaign yet, but I will say that I will keep right on top of him all the time,” adds the world’s champion. Braddock believes ''that a good, straight left would worry the coloured heavyweight. And then, apparently, with Louis’ guard open, a right to the jaw would end the fight. These pre-fight pronouncements, of course, count for little. As I see it. Braddock would be the man to be worried were he to meet Louis.

After all, Baez* stayed the full distance when he lost his championship to Braddock. It was admitted by all the American experts to be one of the poorest title bouts on record. Against this, Baer was knocked out in the fourth round by Louis. Judging by the film shown here of that contest, Baer never had a chance. He was beaten from the first minute by a relentless fighting machine. Louis, indeed, looks to be the best heavyweight proposition since Jack Dempsey. He not only has a terrific punch, but he is quick on his feet — and how many of the big men in boxing are that?

However, to get back to Braddock, who seems to have overcome all his former modesty now that he wears the championship crown. Very definitely, he declares, he will give Louis his chance in a title fight. More, he is confident he will not be defeated.

“Baez* was scared to death when he went into the ring against Louis,” Braddock adds, “and that remark goes for most of the others. They were all frightened.

“They looked as though they were tied to something. But that does not apply to me.”

So there we are. It only remains now for Braddock—and, more important, the American boxing authorities —to give Louis his tilt at the title. Such a bout would end all arguments.