MCGRORY'S CHANCE

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 14 (Supplement)

MCGRORY'S CHANCE

BOUT WITH PETE SARRON WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE SARRON TO GET £3OOO “I am very hopeful my boy will be next featherweight champion of the world,” declared Johnny McGrory's father, when he and his son left Johannesburg on December 30 on their return to Great Britain, says a writer in the Rand Daily Mail. "Neither Johnny nor I are the kind of folk who live a hectic life; usually, Johnny is abed at 8 o’clock. But all the folk we have met here have been very friendly and hospitable, and we shall never forget our stay here.” McGrory’s trip to Johannesburg was a very fortunate one in every respect. First he won the Empire championship by defeating Willie Smith, the South African titleholder. Then he was on the spot to accept an offer for a world title fight against Fetey Sarron made by Brigadier-Gen-eral Critchley, the famous London sportsman. And he was able to arrange for a return visit to South Africa, no matter what the result of the world title fight. "I am coming back to South Africa; in the winter time,” declared MeGrory,” and with me will be a couple of useful Scottish fighters. Including my young brother, who is a very fine bantamweight.” Mr. McGrory senior declares that Johnny has every chance of becoming world champion. He watched Sarron at work In the gymnasium. Left Hand Will Decide “Sarron is a great little fighter, and tough and strong. But I reckon he hasn’t any defence for Johnny's straight left. “The British straight left Is the finest invention In the history of boxing," he added. The agreements for a world title fight were concluded on December 30 at the instance of Brlg.-General Critchley. Even Jimmy Erwin, manager of Sarron and a sportsman used to the hustle American methods, had his breath taken away by the rapidity with which the fight for the world title was arranged. “I had not seen Brlg.-General Critchley before but I met him for the first time and it was not long before he had our signatures,’’ explained Mr. Erwin.” I guess he must have put up a record for fixing up a world title fight.” Generous terms for featherweights were offered by Brlg.-General Critchley and the fight will take place at Harringay Stadium, London, on April 19.

McGrory, as challenger, la naturally getting less than Sarron. The Scot has a minimum guarantee of £BOO plus 5 per cent, of the gross gate; but there is a sliding scale by which McGrory benefits if the attendance Is over 6000.

Sarron is getting a fixed guarantee of £3OOO, with the privilege of taking a certain percentage of the gross gate, whichever is the bigger amount.