BOXING.

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1929, Page 7

BOXING.

TEX RICKARD. boxing as a BUSINESS. , Much has been said and written about ’ the famous’ “Tex” Rickard, ; whoso career as a promoter of boxing contests will ever be an epic in the history of the ring. Of his spectacular success in the matching of heavyweights for the world’s championship title Sufficient is known, but by thelatest American mail have come further interesting details of the exceedingly colourful life of the man himself.

Rickard was born in Kansas City on 2nd January, 1870, but his father moved to Sherman, Texes, when the only ;son, George, was four years old. It was something of the gambling spirit,' which was born in .him, that cost Tex Rickard another chance of life, for he repeatedly put off the operation for appendicitis, \vhich surgeons insisted' was necessary but on New Year’s Day, .he yielded to an overpowering. attack, and an operation followed. He rallied, but, after' a relapse, died in his sleep after being unconscious, for two hours. Jack. DenqP soy,-the bosom friend of the promoter, arrived’just too late for a final word with Tex. the doctor and Rickard’s young wife being the only ones present when he died.

‘*l have lost the best, pal a man ever had,’? gaid Dempsey, his broad shoulders drooping. - Then with characteristic vigour the former champion set about taking charge of Rickard’s affairs.

The confusion ascendant upon Rickard’s passing is incalculable, although behind the promoter was the wealth of millionaires and on his staff wcra capable assistants. He was .in truth the ■ mainspring of Madison Square Garden Corporation and its branching ventures.