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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 47, 1 April 1914, Page 6

presence in the ring, supposing the fights go the limit of 20 rounds —the intervals between rounds arc included in this estimate. When the inelegant Johnson received a sum on the like stupendous lines for one. contest, a leading commentator of the leisured class looked into the matter, arrived at a staggering remuneration per minute for the then world's champion, shook his head over the fact that a black boxer commanded a higher salary than a Prime Minister, and announced his pessimistic conclusion that the world was growing steadily worse since champion pugilists could bank more in six months than an American President (an honest one, of course) could in a year. "It is the era of the-specialised bi-ute athlete'' moaned the serious observer, and collapsed. It would be a pity to discuss this comparison seriously from his point of view. The Australian promoter has worked it. out that Carpentier as a drawing card is worth £IO,OOO to him. The Frenchman's record of brilliant victories, which have placed him almost at the top of the tree, will ensure (the promoter believes) a return considerably in excess of that sum. For the purposes of both parties, that sum represents Carpentier's worth. Ten years, five years ago, it was not a figure lie could have commanded. He had to overcome the vicissitudes of the ring—and many are called, but few are chosen in this game —before he could clear the ruck. Years of arduous training, of the cultivation of experience and ring-craft are necessary before a man becomes a champion pugilist. It is purely a business proposition, and must be discussed as such. Carpentier is for the fight promoters a profitable investment —he has perfected his wares, they are of the best. It is a speculation in a man's fistic ability, a sounder proposition than many expensive Stock Exchange deals. Just as many pugilists become champions as politicians Premiers or Presidents —in each ease the specialist (plus unusual aptitude) captures the prize. And, after all, the exaltation is but fleeting—Presidents and pugilists wear out in time, and for others then the laurel crown. Most good citizens of average means would prefer naturally to be a President, but, failing that, the position of "star" of the ring would be for many a financial temptation —if we be; not taken too seriously.