PRE-FIGHT
A crowd of about 52,000 -- many of them veterans recently back from Europe and Asia, wearing the uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces -- files into Yankee Stadium on a sweltering July night.
Zale, a prohibitive betting favorite and a hero to his fellow veterans, shadow-boxes vigorously in his corner, breaking a sweat that glistens in the stadium lights.
Burley calmly stretches in his corner, his eyes never moving from Zale while he methodically works every muscle, from his neck to his calves and toes, extending himself on their tips 10 times while ring announcer Jimmy Lennon introduces the combatants.
Referee Arthur Donovan succinctly issues his instructions. The champion and challenger return to their corners to await the opening bell ...