Want Square Deal Or Else--Walcott: Threatens Break With IBC Unless Given 45 Per Cent Of Receipts in Next Bout, Daily Racing Form, 1952-06-07

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► : Want Square Deal Or Else-Walcott Threatens Break With IBC Unless Given 45 Per Cent Of Receipts in Next Bout By JACK CUDDY United Press Sports Writer MOUNT EPHRAIM. N. J., June 6.— Jersey Joe Walcott displayed new independence today after his second victory over Ezzard Charles, and he announced he would "get a square deal from the International Boxing Club, or else ." He and manager Felix Bocchicchio declared they would try to break their exclusive contract with promoter Jim Norris outfit unless given 45 per cent of the net receipts for a title defense against Harry "Kid" Matthews or Rocky Marciano in September. "Our exclusive contract with the IBC still has two years to run." Bocchicchio explained here today at headquarters of his Camden Athletic Corp. "The contract was signed by me three years ago. Joe didnt sign it. I doubt that the contract is legal because by it I practically sold Joe into slavery." For his slavery .last night in winning a unanimous, upset, 15-round decision over ex-champion Charles before 21,599 at the Philadelphia Municipal Stadium, 38-year-old Walcott will receive 03,123; and 30-year-old Charles will get 2,473, co-promoters Herman Taylor and Jim Norris announced today. Norris hopes to match Walcott for a September title defense against the winner of the proposed bout-between Matthews and Marciano. Question of New York "But we wont fight in New York in September unless the New York commission renews my managers license," Bocchicchio asserted. "Well take our fight somewhere else." The New York commission refuses to renew his license because of his early criminal record. Pilot Felix insisted that the champ should have received more than last nights 03,123. He said it was probably the first time a heavyweight champion ever fought for 30 per cent of the net receipts. "But we always got the worst of it from the IBC — and even from Mike Jacobs 20th Century Club before it sold out to the IBC," he said. "Why, for our first fight under Mike Jacobs I had to guarantee Lee Oma 0,000. Walcott got nothing for the fight, and it cost me personally ,000. Thats the way its been all along. But no more." Would Matthews or Marciano draw more money as a September challenger? Walcott and Bocchicchio agreed that Matthews would be the most attractive opponent if the bout were staged in the West, but that Marciano would be best in the East. Jersey Joe, who bruised the index knuckle of his right hand last night, said he was glad his victory had proved to people everywhere that he is indeed not a fluke champion. Joe thought he had won, nine rounds to six; but Felix said it was closer, 8-7. However, Felix credited Charles with the last three rounds. He was more generous than the three ring officials, none of whom gave Charles the sweep. The champion said he would continue to fight "as long as the Lord lets me keep my health and strength. With him a year is but a day."


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1950s/drf1952060701/drf1952060701_2_7
Local Identifier: drf1952060701_2_7
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800