BOXING AND BOXERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 5 October 1936, Page 5

BOXING AND BOXERS

WORLD TITLE FIGHT FOR LONDON (By Air Mail—From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, 10th September. If the plans which have been made are carried through, the opening of the new boxing season in London will be distinguished by a world’s championship contest of great interest. John Henry Lewis, the coloured fighter, has agreed to put his title of light-heavy-weight champion at stake in a match with Len Harvey, and it is to take place in about six weeks.

The only reason I have for doubting whether the contract which Lewis has signed will be fulfilled is that the American authorities have usually been able to find a reason why their champions should not take their titles out oi' the country. So far they have made no move to stop the fight with Harvey, but it is significant that the British Board of Control, as if they expect trouble, have let it be known that they will insist on the arrangement which Lewis has entered into being carried out

The inducement which Lewis has received to fight in London is the handsome one of £IOOO, and it may be presumed that it exceeds the amount that he- could expect to earn at home. As a matter of fact, men of his class in America do not handle the “big” money, and £4OOO is more than he has received from a fight. It is stipulated that he must arrive in London three weeks before the apnointed day of the contest, and one may take it that this is anoher safeguard by the promoter, Mr Elvin, of Wembley Stadium. Harvey is in a curious position. A short time ago he was appointed the Wembley match-maker, and it was through his initiative that the meeting with Lewis was arranged. 1 have no doubt, too, that he will try and carry on with his own activities in the. ring. Indeed, if ho should manage to win the title he would at mice be a big box-office attraction. I think he has a chance, although McAvoy was appointed bv the champion a few months ago. The latter, -however, is really only a middleweight. despite the fact that he. has met Jack Petersen for the British heavyweight championship, and 1 believe Harvey would beat him. Although only twenty-nine years of age. Harvey has engaged in over three hundred fights* and these have given him an experience which makes him exceedingly difficult to overcome.