BLACK V. WHITE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1936, Page 5

BLACK V. WHITE

NG RACE PREJUDICE

NEW YORK, April 20

“There is no race prejudice here.” This view was expressed to me to-day after another victory was added to the list of Negro boxers’ successes m the United States by Leroy Haynes, who beat Primo Camera on a technical knockout in the third round of their fight at. Philadelphia last night. The Italian “man-mountain” was beaten into helplessness. I asked Mr Jimmy Johnston, the boxing promoter at Madison Square Garden, what he thought on the subject of white men fighting black men, in view pf the fact that' Joe Louis, the "‘-‘black bomber,” is regarded here, as the finest heavy-weight in the world, and that John Henry Lewis, anothei Negro, successfully defended his world light-heavy-weight title against Jock McAvoy, the British boxer, last week. Mr Johnston, who handles dozens ot fighters, both black and white, said: “The only feeling on this subject i» among Negroes, who do not like to fight among tlieniselves. “After all, it is only a question of the turn of the wheel. If coloured champions are on top to-day they will be down in the trough to-morrow.

“So why worry who wins so loiig as the bouts draw good money?

“You know,” added Mr Johnston with 4 smile, “this is a land of equality. where a fellow has an equal chance of rising in his profession or being lynched.” Only the other day two promoters offered Max Baer, who was recently beaten by Joe Louis. £4.00P to meet Haynes, rvho is a possible contender for the world’s, championship held by James Braddock.