BEFORE THE BATTLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 103, 22 July 1927, Page 9

BEFORE THE BATTLE

SHARKEY AND DEMPSEY CONDITION PERFECT SPECULATION IN TICKETS By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright Received 9.5 a.m. NEW YORK, To-day. For the heavyweight boxing bout. Jack Dempsey weighed in at ISst 12£lb and Sharkey at 14st. The doctor who, for the Boxing Commission, examined the fighters, declared that both are in perfect physical condition. Sharkey is still favourite in the late betting, and there is comparatively little Dempsey money available; but the public sentiment is with Dempsey. SOME ARRESTS A mild sensation was caused by an investigation carried out by United States officials as to the disposal of tickets for the contest. Several speculators were arrested for charging considerably more than the booking-office price for seats, on the ground that they were evading payment of the additional amusement tax by so doing. The organiser of the bout, Mr. Tex Rickard, opened the books, which disclosed the fact that the three State boxing commissioners who supervised prize-fighting in New York received 136 free tickets of a value of £6BO, and also purchased £3,000 worth of other tickets. The question is being asked for what purpose these tickets were bought, by the commissioners. It is estimated that the attendance at the contest will number 80,000. and that the proceeds will total £250,000. of which Dempsey will take 27 J per cent and Sharkey 22J per cent.