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From the June 1899 issue of Mitt Slingers Magazine [Published June 30 due to financial interruptions]....The IBU rankings are issued shortly before the magazine goes to print....Jim Jeffries supporters are incensed that their man has been dropped from the number one spot in favour of the little Canadian Tommy Burns and William Brady, Jeff's manager, threatens to bring suit against this magazine and the IBU and demands an immediate rematch with the Hoboken heavyweight Joe Jeannette...There is talk of a proposed match between Burns and his fellow Canadian Sam Langford but for the moment it is unconfirmed rumour as Burns has already signed contracts for two more fights in Australia one against Bill Squires and a possible return go with Australasian champion Billy McColl....From Brussels comes word the IBU dictates any gate receipts in which a top ten fighter is involved must be allotted as follows: A minimum of 10% to the number one challenger, 9% to the number two ranked challenger, 8% to the number three ranked challenger, and so forth, with the 10th ranked contender that month getting a minimum of 1% of any gate receipts to help cover expenses....It should be noted by American fight fans that seven of the top ten contenders and the champion himself are based in the USA....According to the rumour mill a number of prominent pugilists are currently contemplating retirement, chief amongst them Mike Schreck and Sandy Ferguson....World champion Jack Johnson has announced he and a consortium of Afro-American hoteliers have purchased hotels in Chicago, St Louis and New York, and due to this business venture, may not be available to defend his title and is considering taking a leave of absence from the ring....