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BOXING.

COOK v. CARPENTIER,

HOW MATCH WAS ARRANGED,

HURRIED TRIP TO PARIS,

Why was the Australian champion heavyweight, George Cook, chosen as Carpentier’s first opponent after the latter’s fight for the world’s title?

What is there in his record to show that he will have the ghost of a chance against the nimble Frenchman?

Isn’t the match altogether farcical? /

Who will be fool enough to pay to see it, anyway?

Apparently these are some of the questions that a number of fight fans have been hurling at one another since the dramatic announcement that the Dubbo boy had contracted to have a friendly fistic argument with the renowned Georges. At least, judging by reports that have appeared in one or two papers, these are some of the aspects of the match that have puzzled them.

A more or less wild controversy has sprung up. Quite possibly it was initiated in interested quarters, for it is an indisputable fact that Cook’s manager, Charles Lucas, has ever since his arrival in England been fighting a strong undercurrent, that has almost forced him to pack up traps apd seek adventure in the land of dollars. The controversy was undoubtedly fanned by what was surely a regrettable statement in a. leading Sydney sporting journal that Cook must be wondering how he ever secured the match, assail that he had done in England was to defeat “two such arrant duffers as Murphey and Goddard.” That statement was republished in London, and only added to the amazement of the wondering fans. “Surely,’ ’they thought, “if Cook is damned in his own country, his chances of victory are extremely remote.” After all, before it is possible to accurately gauge the chances of a match, it is necessary to sec both contestants in action. That is what the adverse critic in Australia has not done. A few of the big men over here who do not only think that the Aus(ralian is Carpentier’s best opponent, but consider that he will very likely win, are Eugene Corri, the famous referee; J. T. Hulls, the well-known sporting writer; and A. F. Beilinson, manager of the National Sporting Club.

\ TRIP TO PARIS

The story of how the match was arranged provides almost a little romance in itself. The moving spirits in the negotiations were, first of all, Charlie Lucas, who, piqued af the fact that he could not rope in tleckelt, decided to chance all on a match with Carpentier. Major J. Arnold Wilson ,the promoter, and certain friends and advisers of Carpentier’s, whose word was law unto the Frenchman.

Contrary to popular belief., Carpentier’s manager and alter ego, Deseamps, hardly entered into the business at all. With his mind made up, Lucas arrived at Paris, and at onee got in touch with Carpentier’s friends. He had met them on somewhat similar business after the armistice in connection with the Inter Allied Army Sports. Whether his pure Australian or his hybrid French was the moving factor is not known, but he was able to convince them that a Cook and Carpentier match was an A 1 drawing card. “Who else was there outside of America who could rightfully be considered a suitable opponent, for famous Georges?” he wanted to know. “Beckett, McCormick, Goddard! No, Cook was the man,” and Cook it was. Carpentier shortly afterwards arrived back from America, and when tho situation was explained, he was willing to try conclusions with the Australian. Descamps saw no reason why his idol should not agree, so practically all obstacles were swept aside. But where did Major A\ ilson come in?

Major J. Arnold Wilson, who it is hardly necessary to mention, is the most famous fight promoter in the British Isles, was there till the lime. If he did not take an actual part in these particular negotiations, he was ready "Hiuifep in when his presence was required. Now Major Wilson, it cannot be denied, is one of the shrewdest men who ever hustled two pugilists into the ropedin arena, lie would not for a moment have countenanced a match between Cook and the Frenchman if he thought that the Australian was not a fit opponent. He had seen Cook fight twice, he had seen Carpentier a number of times, including his last match with Dempsey, and so drawing his own conclusions he clinched the match.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19211129.2.21

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2361, 29 November 1921, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
724

BOXING. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2361, 29 November 1921, Page 4

BOXING. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2361, 29 November 1921, Page 4

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