WHO SHALL BE KING?

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 148, 12 June 1930, Page 2

WHO SHALL BE KING?

BATTLE FOR HEAVY CROWN SHARKEY v. SCHMELLING. RECORDS OF TO-DAY’S CONTENDERS. (By “Art Noble.’,’) With the cables dispensing frequent bulletins of the doings, of Jack Sharkey (America) and Max Schmelling (Germany) in their training preparation for to-day’s contest to decide a successor to Gene Tunney as Fistic Ruler of the universe, interest in the bout is quickening. But it is safe to say that no matter how much ballyhoo the American publicity masters beat up about the pair, neither will in public popularity and colourfulness ever attain the wonderful position held by the Manassa Mauler, Jack Dempsey, for Jack held a unique place in the estimation of the globe's fight fraternity.

Sharkey, by reason of a. tendency to talk after the manner of a braggart, and his terrible carrying on and foul-mouthed performance against Phil Scott, his most recent victim, had become intensely unpopular in his homeland; but the American sportsman is a queer individual, and it would' not surprise if Sharkey prevails (an all-important thing in Dollarland) to find the Lithuanian acclaimed as a popular hero. Sharkey early in his career earned a reputation as an “in-and-outer ” that is, in racy terms, unreliable, moody. Over the past year or two, however, he has built up quite a formidable record. He it was who turned the light on the “Black Shadows,” George Godfrey and Harry Wills, and exposed them for what they were—“shadows.” not pugs. Godfrey he defeated on points while Harry Wills was so harshly dealt with that he displayed a broad yellow, streak—deliberately and continually fouled his opponent so that he earned disqualification and thus avoided the knock-out that appeared inevitable. The defeat of the darkies caused the fans to sit up and take notice. His next big clash was with the Boston Fishmonger, Jim Maloney, whom ho skittled in a single round. Sharkey and his manager made'their objective a shot at Gene Tunney, who had defeated Jack Dempsey for the title. Tex Rickard, who ruled the big chaps, however, decreed otherwise, inducing Tack Dempsey to “come back” against Sharkey for the right to battle Tunney in a title contest. How Dempsey concentrated on his opponent's body for six rounds, drew ’ova Ins guard and finished the affair with a heavy clout to the jaw, is now history. Apart from the contests mentioned, Sharkey’s most outstanding performanoes are his one-round knockout of Jack Delaney, a three-round K.O. of Tommy Loughran, ex-light heavyweight champion, a points victory over Young Stribling, and a T.K.O. over Phil Scott, the English champion. It is interesting to recall that Tom Heeney broke even with Sharkey when battling his way to the top. \ Johnny Risko alone in recent years proved capable of outscoring Sharkey over 12 rounds, while one who gave the “gabby” one a stiff tussle was Kayo Christner, the, veteran who was battered to insensibility by Colossus Camera a few davs back.

Max Schmelling, first full-blood German to contest the heavyweight championship, is 21 years old, about ISOlbs. ,is fast, strong and aggressive, and carries a can of nitroglycerine in his right hand, effective from either short or long range. The Teuton bears a strong resemblance to Jack Dempsey and his manner of fighting also is similar to that of the former chapion. This son of the Fatherland first took an interest in boxing when he saw American sol diers boxing in their camps in Germany, and he began his boxin career in 1923, at the age of 18, starting off with a string of knock-outs. In his first year he won seven fights by the short route, nnd before going to America had over forty fights, winning eight of them with first-round knock-outs. Schmelling was bowled ovei by the English, light heavy-weight champion, Gipsy Daniels, and he was also knocked out by two other lesser known fighters—a fate which has befallen other champions in the past, however, Benny Leonard, Fitzsimmons, and Dempsey all having met with a similar misfortune, though it did not stop thorn from becoming champions. Previous to being knocked out by Daniels in one round, Schmelling had won on poiuts in ten rounds against the same fighter. He i won the heavyweight championship of Germany by beating Franz Diener in 15 rounds, Diener having beaten such a good fighter as Knute Hansen and drawing with Paolino. Setting sail for America, the German soon came into prominence. Joo Monte, Joe Skeyra and Pietro Oorri proved but poor opposition. Given a chance against “Iron Man” Johnny Risko, he leapt right into the frat rank by rendering hors de combat a fighter who was famed for his singular toughness. A tilt at Paolino emphasised Mar’s class, for ho cut to ribbons the Basque Moodchopper and was acclaimed the logical, contender for the title. Managerial troubles, the bugbear of the promising pug. in the States, forced Schmelling to return to his native land last year to straighten out affairs. When the New York Boxing Commission recently cabled Schmelling his clearance they also notified his selection as Sharkey’s opponent in a title bout, and a few weeks ago Max again stepped on to American soil, since when he has been devoting | himself assiduously to the task of attaining physical and fistic perfec- j tion. The battle appears likely to he a bitter struggle and to those not in close touch with the principals it is difficult to predict the outcome. “Art Noble” considers that Shar- I key’s greater experience should pull i him through and that he wi” justify '■ the opinion expressed hr that famous i American critic “Tad.” that be will j be the next world's heavyweight champion.