BOXING TITLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22818, 27 August 1937, Page 11

BOXING TITLE

EVE OF BIG MATCH LO U IS-FARR CONTEST AMERICAN THE FAVOURITE (Received August 20, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 25 On the eve of the American heavyweight title boxing contest between Joe Louis, tho American coloured boxer, and Tommy Farr, the former Welsh miner, tho betting is in favour of Louis. 6 to 1 that he will retain tho title and 3 to 1 that he will win on a knock-out. The weather forecast is for fair conditions, with moderate temperatures. Occasional light rains are possible "I have never felt better before a fight," said Louis. "I hope to win on a knock-out, but I will not predict in which round. I intend to try to end the bout as soon as possible. I do not rate Farr an easy mark, but if he wins I shall have no alibis." Farr said: "I am not figuring on knocking out Louis, but I am positive I shall win the decision. My plan of battle is to figure out in the first round what Louis will do. Therefore I shall be starting carefully. May be if T get the right opportunity to deliver a good, solid punch I shall knock him out." Farr will leave his training camp for New York to-morrow morning by rail. Louis will arrive by motor-car. They will weigh in at noon. It is pointed out that it is only two months since Louis won the title, .so that this match will be the earliest defence of the heavy-weight "crown" in modern times. The indications are that. the. spectators will number about 30,000, in spite of the virtually .unanimous opinion of experts that Farr is outclassed. It is believed the interest can be attributed to the fact that Farr is an unknown quantity here. Americans support the under dog in the hope that the experts will be wrong, which is not exactly rare. However, the unanimity of the forecasts that Louis will win is almost unparalleled. These prophets include the British boxing writers here. Farr and Louis had a quiet day at their respective camps, Farr's supporters said the gash on his cheek was not likely to bother him, although it was taken for granted that Louis would make it a target.