A PITIABLE PASSING

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 253, 20 September 1930, Page 4 (Supplement)

A PITIABLE PASSING

WHO WILL SUCCEED THE FALLEN SCOTT? “Cross Counter” writes in the London Sunday Express: Phil Scott, will, of course, retire. He can do nothing else after liis deplorable exhibition against Young Stribling. A* wretched end to the career of a heavy-weight who ever since his fight with Jack Sharkey at Miami has autographed thousands of books “Phil Scott, heavy-weight champion of the world.” It is, indeed, a pity he failed to think of this when he faced Stribling. Well, Scott goes, but the game will still go on without him, and he could do no better thing than resign his title voluntarily, just as Joe Beckett did after his second brief clash with Georges Carpentier. But where are we to loqk for Scott’s successor, one who will attain the heights he did in battles abroad ? For it is a curious fact tliat Scott invariably fought 100 per cent better in foreign rings than at home. This talk of Joe Beckett returning to the scene of bis former exploits is, of course, ridiculous. He has put on such flesh as would take months of hard work to “melt” without injury to his health. Even if this were reduced, it would not follow that the frame would retain its ability to take punches. Those who attempt to “come back” usually suffer for their temerity. TIME’S CHANGES. Their old-time skill may return, but mark the effect a solid blow has on their frame. Some crumple up at once, while others show a marked diminution in speed and a general slackening all round. Jim Driscoll’s fight with Charles Ledoux, and Jimmy Wilde’s bout with Panclio Villa are cases in point. So Beckett will be well advised to forget the ring and all its works and settle down to family life.

There are three heavy-weights in the field ambitious to wear'Scott’s mantle. Charlie Smith has prior claim, because the Board of Control ordered Scott to meet him for the title. Promoters were shy in offering a purse, but in any case a match with Max Schmeling in New York drew Scott there. Smith followed him, but failing to become acclimatised, he boxed very indifferently, and was sent back to this country by his American manager, Tom O’Rourke, after one-round defeats by. Arthur do Kuh and von Porat.

Smith has regained his health since coming home, and recently put up a fine fight with Donald Shortlands, the young Sheffield giant. The margin at the finish was so small that a return match seems imperative. The pair will doubtless meet again. There is talk of their fighting at Sheffield in the near future.

If they meet, Reggie Meen, of Desborough, Northants, will have to be considered by the winner, as he has fought his way to near the top of the ladder in less than two years. Personally I think he can afford to wait a time. There are plenty of matches for him, by which he can gain much needed experience before he aspires to a championship.

I think Smith and Shortlands would defeat him at present, in spite of his superior punching power. He has a devastating left hook, which will carry him a long way, if he improves in other directions. He wants practice, and plenty of it. He would, I think, do well to go to America, where he would find any number of stout third-rate heavy-w<sights who would provide just the kind of experience he needs.

As regards Smith and Shortlands, they stand so high above all others- as to entitle them to meet for the championship. Doubtless, the newly constructed board will ask Scott to state his intentions. He must fight or resign in conformity, with the rules, so that the duty of the board is plain.

Stribling is going home because the hand with which he knocked out Scott is too sore for any boxing in the near future. He probably further damaged it on Scott’s body muscles.