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-o ■ 1 j 1 j I a 1 1 1 c i 1 g I ! j 1 1 t s Castellani, Bratton Battle Wednesday Rocky Could Boost Stock In Middleweight Division With Victory at Stadium Rocky Castellani, the "Rock" of Luzerne, Pa., has a chance to cement his claim on the middleweight title when he takes on the highly touted Johnny Bratton in the Chicago Stadium Wednesday night. With Sugar Ray Rdbinson fighting for the light-heavy title there is a chance that the 160 qound crown will be vacant this fall. In fact, there are reports that Robinson is likely to retire after his fight with Maxim — win or lose. If Castellani can make it two straight over Bratton he would be in line for any tournament that would be set up to pick a new middleweight champ. Castellani has lost only four fights in 40 pro bouts and at 25 is considered one of the top young fighters in the ring. The Rock beat Bratton in a 10-rounder on March 10 in Madison Square Garden. However, Johnny came back in the 8th, 9th and 10th rounds and made it a close fight. Bratton has usually had good success against middleweights, since he depends on speed coupled with a dynamite punch. However, in Castellani he is fighting a good boxer and a fast-stepping puncher. Brqtton Always Looks Good in Chicago Castellani goes into the fight a slight favorite, but many fans are taking into account that Bratton has always looked better in his Chicago fights. In the Stadium he has knocked out Bobby Dykes in one round Lester Felton in three, held Kid Gavilan to draw and consistently fought his best in his home town. Rocky Graziano is Castellanis favorite fighter and the "New Rock" gives all indications of turning into as popular a figure in the Chicago fight scene as the "Old Rock." Graziano holds the attendance and gate receipts records in Chicago. This will be Castellanis first Chicago appearance. His most recent fight via the coxial cable from New York was a thrilling draw with Billy Graham. Castellani has beaten several of the top middleweights including Gene Hairston, Terry Moore, Tony Janiro, Harold Green and -Walter Cartier. Truman Gibson announced that Moses Ward, classy Detroit middleweight, has been signed to fight Jesse Gray of Chicago in the eight round semi-windup on Wednesday. Ward, 19-year-old highly touted middleweight prospect, has had 14 pro fights and has won all of them except one draw and two close losses. Gray is a promising youngster who has looked impressive in several local bouts at Rainbo Arena and the Stadium.
