“TOMMY BURNS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 64, 30 October 1911, Page 8

“TOMMY BURNS.

WANTS TO MEET JOHNSON AGAIN.

Amongst the American visitors to arrive in Auckland last week by the R. M. S. Makura was Mr. T. Burns, ex-champion boxer of tbo world. It is nearly three years since the famous Canadian heavyweight was lastin Auckland, but the intervening - period has wrought little change and Burns looks just as boyish just as handsome and in the pink of condition and good health. Naturally', the first question put to Burns was whether or not ho would again make his appearance in the ring. “There is only one fight that I will over light again, and that will he against Jack I jlmson, if lie will light mo,” was the reply. ‘Ever since Boxing Day in Sydney flute years ago I’ve been counting on again meeting the man that took the championship from me, Now 1 want to meet him in a ton round contest with clean breaks. On these conditions I am positive that I can boat him, in Sydney or anywhere else in the wide world. 1 would prefer to he in Australa, for Australians arc the Lost sports in the world. The cash consideration attaching to another contest with Johnson won’t matter. I’ll conic at almost any terms. All I want is the chance of getting into the ring with the big black smoke, and having it stipulated that there will be no lighting in clinches. When 1 last met Johnson I had the bets of it while I depended on clean, quick lighting, but I was not big enough to hold my own in the clinches. I’ve cabled to TexRickards, in America, asking him to endeavour to match me with Johnson on those terms, If lie fails, then, I will not enter tiio ring again. I’m well endowed with the world's goods, and do not need to fight for what 1 can ma ke out of the game. All I want and long for is to get another chance in the ring with Johnson, with a clean break stipulated. Given that chance I’m satislied that 1 could lick the nigger.” Asked was there, a white man in sight whom ho considered worth a thought as a possible champion Burns answered that there wasn’t one. The black trio, Johnson, Langford and McVea stand at the top of the tree. 1 lie best white man available was Jim Flymn, who had defeated respective “hopes” in Al. Kaufman and Karl Morris. “Flynn is a good man and I give .him a tajr chance against Johnson,” was Burns’ summing up, and the ox-champion should know something about tiie New York fireman as it toon him 14 rounds to knock Flynn out, but the only man at present in the limelight capable of beating Johnson, in Burns’ opinion is another coloured man, Sam Langford. Johnson ho thinks, is afraid to meet the Boston tar ha by, and if the fight ever comes oil’ lie figures it out that Langford is* sure to win.

About tho principle reason for T. Burns’ visit to Australia is to proceed if necessary, with a lawsuit against J. Lester tbo young American boxer who recently' defeated Lang, champion of Australia, and stood up for twenty rounds against McVea. It will h* remembered that Burns unearthed Loster and started him as a “white man’s hope,” Foisted tlmsly into the limelight Lester had no difficulty in securing big matches Tommy Burns now claims that ho has a contract with Lester, under which lie gets oO per cent, of the profits forthcoming. He started Lester, got him good engagements, boro all the initial expenses, and found him a place in the linn of lighters. Now his protege iias got a swelled head, according to Burns, and does not recognise old obligations. Moreover, Tommy claims that Lostor is his ward, the parents having signed over the guardianship of tho youth holding the championship of Australia, who is only 20 years of age. Burns, however, is : hopeful that on his arrival a conference will end in an amicable arrangement between Lester and himself, so that there will be no need of litigation In ensure recognition of las claims as Lester’s manager.