view raw text
■ » Murphy Installed 7-5 Choice In Tonights La Motta Bout Olympia Arena in Detroit Scene of Ten-Round Scrap Between Light-Heavyweights By LLOYD NORTHARD United Press Sports Writer DETROIT, Mich., June 10.— Jake La Motta, who specializes in get-even bouts, said today: "Ill do it again" in a 10-rounder against Irish Bob Murphy at Olympia Wednesday night. And for once in his life, the Bronx belter wont have to worry about his weight. "This time it will be Murphy that will have to worry about weight," La Motta quipped. "It will cost him ,000 a pound if he comes in at more than 175 pounds, give or take a pound." The ingenious La Motta cooked up that deal during negotiations for the fight, which will be televised nationally but blacked out locally. Murphy has been Coasting since he was beaten by Joey Maxim in a light-heavyweight title match and his weight skyrocketed 35 pounds. Four bouts with dubious opponents have helped Murphy trim down somewhat but he has worked especially hard in an effort to teach the 175-pound figure and save money. Caught La Motta on Downgrade Murphy caught La Motta on the down grade last year after Jake had lost his middleweight championship to Ray Robinson. The redheaded Irishman pounded out a convincing victory. This time, however, La Motta is on the way up following two impressive triumphs. His victims were Norman Hayes and Eugene Hairston. Both were grudge matches as far as La Motta was concerned. He had lost to Hayes and drawn with Hairston in earlier bouts. It will be the 22nd ring appearance for La Motta in the Motor City over a period that covers more than a decade. His only loss in Detroit was administered during World War II. — with Ray Robinson his conqueror. Murphy, a year younger than the 30-year-old La Motta, has been installed as a 7 to 5 favorite on the strength of his victory over Jake at Yankee Stadium, June 27, 1951. That victory boosted Murphy, a southpaw, into the title match with Maxim two months later. Both La Motta and Murphy now rate high on the light-heavyweight contenders list and are shooting for a crack at the title.
