PRIZE FIGHTING.

North Otago Times, Volume CVII, Issue 17170, 29 March 1927, Page 7

PRIZE FIGHTING.

> SCANDALS GIVE IT A "BLACKI EYE."- | The San Franclsco correspondent of the Auckland Star, writing under date J anuary 6, says : — With the ushering in of the new year more baseball scandals were added to the revelations which have given America's most popular pastime a black eye in sporting circles in the United States, and all patrons of the game demanded a thorough cleansing of the Augean stables, In view of the sensational admissions of several of the leading baseball players in the country. This newest of baseball scandals has given impetus to the ever current demand for a boxing "dictator," whose duties would be similar to those of Commissioner K M Landis, "Czar"of the diamondi game. Derelictions from copybook conduct among fighters are more common than among ball players, accorditog to most followers of professional sport, and a cry for a thorough "airing out" of the prize-ring has been gaining in volume and vehemence. Difiiculties m the way of lmmediate selection of a commisioner of boxing are obvious. Baseball had already an organised interstate proposition before Judge Landis appeared to take over the reins. But boxing is ruled over by State boards, with hundreds of petty jealousies to deal with, and the n.atibhal association of the sport thus far has failed to function satisfactorily. Attention of other States, however, is directed towards New York, which may soon turn to a one-man overseer of boxing Governor Smiitli is expected to abolish the present Athletic Commission and appoint a man who has the conhdence of the followers and boxers alike to controlling activiities in the. State. The present commission of three has done little to forward the ■ | Sport. Commisioners Farley, Muldoon j j and Brown have disagreed on via-tuaily | ■■ every important question put before j : theni, and have aroused managerial ira j bv considering matchmaking a part of \ hair business. The recent aiTest of Gene Tunney at j reported1 behest of Commissioner ;'arley, is sald to have aroused the overnor's indignation Many of thc .iime enthusiasts believed the lieavyweight champion was loersecuted for pclitical reasons, and Governor Smith, not' a boxing enthusrast himself, has been embarassed by some of the trick rulings and activities of the Athletic Commission. If a bdxi'ng dictator should prove capable within New York State, elimin- , ! ating much of the present shadiness. j an increase of his duties to nationai | scope would be possible. Responsible 1 officials of every State are anxious to j , c'lean house with the pugililstic game i but are hampered nnder existing con- ! ditions because of the situation which j permiits a boxer disqualified in oue : State to fight in another I - ... " ■ Sr