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k a » « l c £ " * £ . I i j I 1 i J i i I I | j | Andrews in Heavy Debut vs. Slade Johnson Literally Knocked Lanky Paul Into Behemoth Division with 6-Round KO By JACK HORRIGAN United Press Sports Writer BUFFALO, N. Y., May 9. — Paul Andrews, an admitted disappointment in most of his "big chances," vowed today hed be ready "for any heavyweight in the world" after his debut among boxings behemoths Tuesday night against Jimmy Slade. The lanky, oval-faced Andrews was actually knocked into the heavyweight division by Harold Johnson two months ago when the Philadelphia light-heavy flattened him in six rounds. "I had nothing that night ... I was just not strong at 175 pounds," Andrews said as he sat on a rubbing table after working out for his Memorial Auditorium meeting with Slade. "But give me a shot at Johnson, Johnny Holman or "Julio" Mederos at my weight now ... 187 pounds, and watch out. I*m ready." Andrews, managed by Marshall Miles. director of Joe Louis ring activities after World War n, was thought to have been "ready" to scale the heights before. Once it was ancient Joey Maxim, fighting with one eye shut after the first round, who sidetracked Andrews. Then, after he battled back into the spotlight with a convincing kayo of J o h n so ns conqueror. Boardwalk Billy Smith, Andrews fell victim of Harolds right hand punches. Decided to Forget Light-Heavy Crown It was then that Miles and Andrews agreed to forget about seeking the light-heavyweight title. The weight was too low for the six-foot, three-inch Andrews. Slade, knockout conqueror of English heavyweight challenger Don Cockell, will be Andrews first heavyweight test. The furrow-browed New York Negro, however, is little more than an overstuffed light-heavyweight himself. His recent record is unimpressive, too. He lost lop-sided decisions to Bob Baker and Floyd Patterson and barely little-known Bob Biehler in his last three matches. An upset win by Slade in the 10-rounder would knock Andrews into the "also ran" class — perhaps, for good. The Buffalo puncher expressed confidence although he displayed little improvement in defense against right hand shots to the head — his downfall against Johnson — in his workouts. "Ill take Slade all right," he said grimly. "Im in good shape and would be willing to fight Johnson the next night. "As for Mederos, he used to be my sparring partner when I fought in Florida . . . I dont remember having any trouble with him at all." Miles, who had been standing to one side, an unlit cigar clenched between his teeth, stepped forward to sum up the situation. "Paul" has lost a couple of fights that he should have won. It has happened to the great ones like Louis, too," he remarked. "Make no mistake, Paul will be more of a tiger from now on. If hes not . . ." Miles beady-eyed look told Andrews the merry-go-round had no more brass rings to grab.
