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► : « Charles Weighs Close to 197, Same as Champion Joe Walcott i ] j Challenger Much Heavier Than Boxing Men Expected; Rival Trainer Jubilant By JACK CUDDY United Press Sports Writer ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., June 2.— Ezzard Charles weight became the big question today, when he scaled 196% pounds, exactly the same as champion Jersey Joe Walcott, at their preliminary weigh-in for Thursday nights heavyweight title fight at Philadelphia. Charles weight was considerably heavier than most boxing men had expected. When he lost the title on. a seventh-round knockout to Walcott" last July at Pittsburgh, Charles weighed 182 to Walcotts 194. When Walcotts trainer, Dan Florio, heard todays weight figure for Charges, he commented: "Thats the best news weve had since we began training. Charles will be so heavy hes sure to be slowed up. And if hes slowed up, hes going to get hit on the chin again." . However, neither Charles nor co-tramers Ray Arcel and Jimmy Brown, appeared perturbed by the poundage. Charles explained, "Ill come in at about 1,91 and Ill be very strong at that weight. I was too light and stale at 182 against Walcott at Pittsburgh." Boxing experts had doubted previous statements from the Charles camp that he would come in at more than 190 pounds. They thought Charles and his handlers were merely trying to make Walcott believe he would come in heavy and slow. Examined by Dr. W. B. G. Terry The fighters were weighed in at their respective camps by Dr. W. B. G. Terry of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. The weigh-in and the physical examinations were made in the presence of the three members of the. commission-Chairman George J. Jones, Jr., of Williams-port; John Dagrosa of Philadelphia, and John D. Holahan of Pittsburgh. Walcott was examined at Bader Field here and Charles at Pleasantville, N. J., seven miles away. Dr. Terry said both were in "excellent physical condition." Chairman* Jones announced that the mandatory eight count would be waived for the championship bout. He said the fight could not end in a draw, according to instructions which will be given to the officials. Six-ounce gloves will be used. Concerning the ring officials, Jones said one official, judge or referee, would be chosen from Western Pennsylvania and the other two from "other sections of the state."
