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Miceli, Saxton Bout Rated Toss-Up Welterweights Tiff! ► In Detroit Tonight Chance to Face Davey, Then Gavilan for Title Hope of Both Fighters; Scrap on TV By LLOYD NORTHARD United Press Sports Writer DETROIT, Mich., May 26 UP.— Joe Miceli, a tough boy from New Yorks lower East Side, and Johnny Saxton, the stylish boxer from the Bronx, match blows in a 10-rounder at Olympia Wednesday night , that is rated as a toss-up. The two youngsters are running neck-and-neck among the welterweight contend- j ers. Micelli, 24, is fourth and Saxton, 22, is fifth, although Saxton scored a decision over Miceli three years ago in their only ; other meeting. Both fighters hope to use the bout as a stepping stone to a title bout with Kid Gavilan, but would like to tackle Chuck Davey, the southpaw from Michigan State, first. Miceli is most eager for a crack at Davey, who bypassed most of the top welterweights en route to a futile title bout with Gavilan earlier this year. "Id love to get that Davey in the same ring with me," Miceli said. "I figure hes the softest touch among the name fighters that I could get. His southpaw stance doesnt worry me. Im a lefthander, too, although I fight out of a righthanded stance." Beaten by Davey in Olympic Trials Saxton, with 38 victories and a draw in 39 professional bouts, chose his words more carefully when discussing Davey, remembering that the 28-year-old school teacher beat him in the 1948 Olympic trials when both were still amateurs. "Davey is a good fighter," Saxton said. "Hes unorthodox and consequently hard to fight. But Id like to get him again. I havent lost a fight — amateur or pro — since he beat me." Miceli is confident that he can snap Saxtons unbeaten string. "Im a lot better fighter now than I was when Saxton beat me before," he said. And Saxton is the first to admit that Miceli has come a long way in those three years. "Sure hes better," Saxton said. "I think I can beat him again, but it wont be easy. A fellow like Miceli always gives you trouble." The bout will be televised nationally at 10:00 p. m. EDT.
