DECISION TO STAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26640, 10 December 1947, Page 5

DECISION TO STAND

WORLD BOXING TITLE BOUT PROTEST BY JOE WALCOTT NEW YORK, Dec. 8 The New York State Athletic. Commission at a special meeting to-day refused to reverse Friday's decision in favour of Joe Louis over Jersey Joe Walcott. It did, however, congratulate Walcott upon his “splendid performance.” Mr Eddie Eagan, chairman of the commission, said that if the commission undertook to review the decision of ring officials there would be no real certainty of the winner of a contest

until after a commission review. The chief point of the Walcott protest against the decision involved the decision of one of the three officials who, although he gave Louis more rounds, gave Walcott more points. In connection with the disputed decision which was given by the judge, Frank Forbes, the commission said: “Mr Forbes's decision to the contrary at that time was in his discretion, and it, together with that of Martin Monroe’s, continued Joe Louis as heavy-weight champion of the world. This commission has no desire to interfere with the exercise of discretion and the judgment of competent appointed officials. Joe Louis always has been a true sportsman, and the commission assumes he will give Walcott another chance at the heavy-weight title.” Neither Walcott nor his manager would comment on the commission’s ruling. Joe Louis has authorised Sol Strauss, the acting director of the Twentieth Century Sporting Club, to begin negotiations with Walcctt for a return match on a 40-20 basis. Louis received 45 per cent, of the receipts from Fridav’s fight and Walcott 15 per cent. The United Press says that it is doubtful whether Walcott and his shrewd handlers will be contented with the Louis offer.