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Old 11-16-2008, 12:59 AM   #18
professordp
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WORLD BOXING Review
JANUARY 1957


BAILEY’S BEAT
by Skip Bailey
A new year and a new governing body- the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO). UBO president Hans Reuter appears to be in full control as the organization begins its maiden voyage in 1957.

You can expect more title bouts under the organization’s four-fight rule which mandates that every division championship must be defended at least four times a year. Reuter has already told several champs that either they put their belt on the line by March or lose their crown.

The title matches should also be more interesting. Number one contenders must get at least one title shot a year, and belt holders can only fight boxers ranked in the organization’s top five tier.

Patterson-Jackson Title Match Moved Up To March

Already heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson and his protective handler Cus D’Amato have felt Reuter’s clout. Patterson won the vacant title last November when he knocked out reigning light heavy boss Archie Moore in five rounds.

D’Amato wanted to take some time for Floyd’s next defense and was looking for a June title bout against number one contender Tommy “Hurricane” Jackson. Reuter informed Cus that was too far away. The bout was moved up to March 16th and will be held in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Moore Must Make A Move!

Meanwhile, light heavy champ Moore has been pressured to defend his crown or have his belt stripped away. Archie has been trying to pick up the heavyweight title and has been paying little attention to the light heavyweight division. In the past two years, he’s only defended his title twice. Six months ago he stopped Yolande Pompey in ten. Since then he’s been battling in the heavyweight ranks.

Reuter has put the Old Mongoose on short notice. He must put the title on the line no later than March 30th.


Heavyweight Hotline

Johansson Decisions Charles

European champion Ingemar Johansson scored aneasy ten round decision over former world champ Ezzard Charles. Ingo had Ezzard down a total of seven times in the contest. Referee Ruby Goldstein could face suspension for letting the bout go the distance. By the end of the eighth round Charles was already down three times, his eye was almost swollen shut, and Johansson had opened a nasty gash under Ezzard’s puffy orb. Charles was decked another four times in the final two rounds.

Come on Ruby, you’re gonna get a guy killed some day!!!

Charles, who will soon turn thirty-six, gave up nearly twelve years to his opponent and appeared to be a mere shell of his former self. Ezzard hasn’t looked impressive since his first fight with Rocky Marciano three years ago. If he doesn’t retire he should be forced to do so by the UBO.

Although he dominated Charles, Ingo received mixed reviews for his effort. He has some kind of powerful right, but he’s a little too passive in the ring. It was shades of Helsinki 1952 all over again with Johansson sort of doing nothing at times, just waiting to unload the right cross.

Johansson’s still young at twenty-four, and with his power, he could wear the heavyweight crown some day. But he needs to build a fire in his belly if he’s going to make his way to the top!


Liston Draws Prison Term

Charles “Sonny” Liston, perhaps the best fighter in the division, was recently sentenced to five years for assaulting a St. Louis police officer. Liston, who has had several brushes with the law in the past, could get parole after two years if he behaves, but for Sonny, that’s a mighty big if! With Liston on ice for at least the next twenty-four months, Patterson and the top contenders for the title are no doubt breathing a sigh of relief.


Carter and Machen To Meet Next Month

The UBO has given it's final approval for next month's ten round bout between Harold Carter and Eddie Machen in Los Angeles. Carter is ranked number three and Machen is right behind him in the fourth spot. The winner is most likely to get a title shot if Patterson defeats Jackson in March.

Both fighters are young and talented. Carter is currently 21-2-2 and holds wins over Bob Satterfield and Johnny Summerlin. Machen is undefeated in twenty fights and is an excellent boxer/puncher. Either could give Floyd a tough night in a title fight.

The Grapevine: With Archie Moore under the UBO gun to either defend or vacate the light heavy title, look for Harold Johnson start watching his weight....Keep a close watch on Roy Harris. The Cut and Shoot slugger has been tearing up Texas and should crack the top ten by year's end.

See you next month!






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Last edited by professordp; 11-16-2008 at 01:10 AM.
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