'Washerwoman’ To Fight Clay

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31007, 12 March 1966, Page 13

'Washerwoman’ To Fight Clay

N.Z. Presa Association—Copyright)

NEW YORK.

George Chut alo. a battered veteran once dubbed the “Washerwoman” by the world heavy-weight boxing champion Cassius Clay, is expected to fight Clay for the title on March 29 at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens.

Chuvalo has lost three of his last four fights, including a points defeat to Ernie Terrell. who was dropped yesterday from the Clay fight.

But Chuvalo is a local fighter, with a large following of fans to swell the small live and closed circuit theatre television gate. Poor bookings for the bout was understood to be the main reason the promoters and Main Bout Inc., televisers of the fight, failed to come to terms with Terrell.

“I am mad. They insulted my intelligence,” said Terrell, who was guaranteed 162,500 dollars. “They gave us no alternative but to turn it down with their conditions. They failed to realise that the public isn't boycotting me. but Clay.

“1 predict that whatever substitute they get, the fight won’t go on." Terrell, recognised as champion by the World Boxing Association, must now be content to defend a financially-unrewarding and generally ignored title against some lesser contender.

Clay said he preferred to fight Chuvalo over Terrell anyway.