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Introducing Jake Mintz, Fight GamesMostTalkativeManager Former Constable Entered Sport When Given Writ to Sell Arena in Pittsburgh It all began in 1900, when, as the smoke cleared over Pittsburgh momentarily, there lay little Jake Mintz, an infant destined to some day become noise man for the heavyweight champion of the world. As the nation grew with the century, so did little Jake — usually louder — and in 1935 he talked himself into tine fight game, where he has since remajned. Today big Jake is constantly flitting about telling those who want to listen and evn many who dont, the greatness of his charge, Ezzard Charles, the champion, who will defend his title in the Stadium May 30 against light heavyweight king Joey Maxim. Mintz was once employed by the Smoky City as constable and was given a writ to sell old Hickey Park, a faltering sports arena, for ,000 in back taxes and debts. As Jake explains it, "I just happened to have won that much in a crap game, so I bought the place and began promoting fights." Best known for his ability to fracturethe Kings English, Jake is nevertheless as energetic, fast talking and quick thinking a citizen as there is in the ring business. He is exactly what the public thinks of in terms of a fight manager — loud and shrewd — and no idea, publicity stunt or business possibility eludes him. Furnished Copy for Walcott Go This is best exemplified by his perform- j ance before and after Charles won the vacated heavy crown from Jersey Joe Walcott two years ago. While the two principals were training for the title tussle., at Chicago, Mintz carried on a verbal battle with Walcotts handlers that made good copy for the fight scribes. And where the men of the-press were able to split the infinitive, Jake frequently shattered it as he. predicted the outcome of the fight. After the fight, when Charles hand was raised as the symbol of victory over Walcott in Comiskey Park, Mintz realized that even he couldnt be .heard above the deafening thunder of the crowdL He thereupon reached the climax of his lengthy performance by pulling a faint act in mid-ring just as all cameras aimed at the scene. Jake later told some that the heat and excitement was just too much and that he was forced to "swoon." Still as some writers covering the event remarked later, "It was more or less fitting and expected that Mintz do something out of the ordinary in observance of the occasion. Regardless of all that has been said in jest of the little man who has patented his own dictionary, .Charles could have no better person doing and talking for him. And, no one knows that better than the champion. Pair Together Since 1942 When Ez got out of the Army he sought out Mintz and offered him a managerial contract. Jake, knowing the Cincinnati belters ability, grabbed the opportunity and since has given pretty good return for what he collects. Charles first became acquainted with Mirrtz in 1942 when the latter was stuck with a toughie named Charley Burley on the program and nobody willing to fight him. Young Ezs name came into the picture and the lad jumped at the chance when offered. Mintz was blasted for matching a set-up with Burley, but the 6-1 underdog straightened that out by scoring a 10-round decision. In a return fight, Ezzard still the underdog, repeated his performance even more convincingly. Those two bouts made Charles a permanent part of Mintz plans and before Ez changed to Army kakhi he had defeated Booker Beckwith, Jose Basora and Maxim for the Pittsburgh promoter. Since Charles won the National Boxing Association version of the crown by defeating Walcott in 49, he has defended it seven times. It wasnt however until he deci-sioned Joe Louis that he gained recognition in New York only state that is not a member of the NBA as the undisputed world champion. Through all this Mintz has managed to be heard most of the time. His infrequent differences with state commissions and the International Boxing Club has served to keep both Jake and the champ in the top of the news. On several occasions Mintz has stated in defiance of promoters and commissions, "we aint gonna" do this, we aint standing still for that, etc., cause were the champion." Usually Jake comes to terms after a few sessions of proposals and counter proposals and when things are finally worked out "were still the champion." Mintz has a co-partner in the Charles venture, Tom Tannas of Arnold, Pa., whose name pops up in about one in every dozen storiesabout Jake and the champion. When Mintz first tied in with Charles there were three other shareholders in Ezzards future. Tannas reportedly bought them out for more than 0,000 and thereby reduced the state of confusion to a two-man affair, which Jake explains is one big happy family. One thing is sure. However much Charles has realized in both money and glory when the time comes to hang up the gloves, it would have undoubtedly been far less without the loud, comical, yet convincing elocution of former Constable Mintz of Pittsburgh.
