RINGSIDE GOSSIP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 198, 24 August 1935, Page 4

RINGSIDE GOSSIP

! JACOB SETS GOOD EXAMPLE ' BELIEVES IN KEEPING UP A FULL PROGRAMME (By C.ILB.i , Ern Jacobs, the Wellingtonian, is one boxer who is doing his share towards sustaining interest in the sport and his activities are setting a standard that might well be emulated by other pros. He. aparently, is prepared to fight anywhere and at any time and is working oft.’ a programme that has seldom, if ever, been equalled—certainly not in recent years. Three fights in 12 days seems to be to his liking and it is significant that despite this heavy programme he is in keen demand. What is more, to date he has given an excellent account of himself. Last Tuesday he upset the Southland Boxing Association’s scheme when he scored an easy win over the S.B.A. latest importation. Los Brander, Hie New South Wales middleweight champion, who has been engaged at £4O a contest for three engagements, the next against Ray Nicol, light heavyweight champion. This week Jacobs has two engagements, on Thursday, at Wellington, against Harold Reeves (Pahiatua), and this evening at Dunedin, where he is 1o have his third meeting with the now middleweight champion, Maurice O'Brien. The Right Type of Pro. Jacobs is the type of boxer all too rare at the present time in New Zealand. He makes boxing his profession and not, merely a pastime, or a means of “raking in” a bit of cash between relief jobs. Such a boxer as Jacobs is bound to be in demand, for promoting associations are assured of his being in condition and prepared to give of his best, as it is his livelihood that is at stake. The problem of the part-time l pro. is becoming a sore one with many ‘ associations. Experience has shown ! that thi& type of boxer does not always j deliver the goods. Then, again, quite a j number of this typo of pro. has a distorted opinion of his worth. He seems i to overlook the fact that outside of his j own particular circle he is virtually an unknown quantity. He does not realise that he is not a “good” drawcard. Typical Examples. In last week’s mailbag, for example, were included two letters from professionals. One wanted to issue a challenge to another boxer in his class, and the other letter intimated that the writer was looking for fights and prepared to fight anyone near his own weight at any time. 1 referred both communications to the secretaries of three associations and their replies, curiously enough, in effect were identical in every respect. The first wanted his man in a return bout with a purse of £2O and this after taking a “thorough beating” in a bout that had cost the promoting association something like £35. The other boxer had been communicated with and offered a contest by all three association and for his second appearance as a professional (he lest, his first fight,,by the way) he asked £l5 (£lO win or Jose plus £5 expenses). Needless to say lie is still awaiting a fight. Must Build a Reputation. No association can afford to put on “nonentities” at anything like a figure such, as has been mentioned and I am assured that such requests are quite the usual; indeed, in a great many instances even more is being asked. Young pros, who wjsli to make something out of the game must be prepared to fight their way up the until they have some claim lor distinction. No association can afford these days to take a gamble on unknown ability and the sooner young pros, understand the position the better it will be for themselves and the sport in general. They must bo prepared to light their way up the ladder of fame for a little more than bare expenses and a nominal purse unless they can prove by actual performance that they have a “following.” In other words, a young pro. must build up a reputation before he can reasonably expect to make any money out of the game. Women As Boxing Officials. A circular is to be sent by the N.Z.B.A. to all affiliated associations advising that at a meeting of the council last week it had been unanimously decided that women must not be permitted to act as seconds, or in any other official capacity at any boxing contest in the Dominion. This, of course, arises cut of the “history-making event” at Auckland recently when Billy Aitken’s mother acted as second to her son, and in consequence provided Auckland newspapers and correspondents to various papers throughout the Dominion with some good “news.” In view of this publicity it seems to me that the council should publish its reasons for coming to the decision it did. as the event was such as to have a widespread interest. t Ail Offer from England. Joe Louis, the new negro heavyweight star, has received an offer to light in England. It was suggested after he had beaten Primo Camera so decisively. He was to meet the winner of the. fight between Obie Walker and Larry Gains, which Walker won at Leicester towards the end of last month. Naturally enough Louis thought that I here was more to be made from remaining in the United States. Incidentally Joe Louis’ real name is Joseph Louis Barrow, and he was born on May 13, .191-1. He was the fourth child of a humble cotton picker, who died when Louis was two. Jle is a short puncher with terrific power. Louis has already stamped himself as one of the greatest co loured fighters of recent years and ho should win the world’s title, lie has the right, temperament. Found Out Too Late. Newcastle centre three-quarter, Terry Brown, was the most, disappointed man at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. He couldn’t, play in the final match against the Maoris owing to an injured ankle. “Gee, I’m stiff,” he said. “I was too seared last Saturday in my first big match to do anything on my own. but found in Monday’s match that these Maoris arc only human, and that 1 could break through. Having made the discovery, I’ve got to watch this match from the stand.”