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Young vs. McNeece In Garden Tonight Rate Paddy 11-5 Favorite Over Rugged Youngster in 10 Round TV-Radio Battle By JACK CUDDY United Press Sports Writer NEW YORK, N. Y., June 2.— Young "Wildcat" Billy McNeece hopes to earn consideration as a light-heavyweight contender Friday night in his TV-radio 10-rounder with left-hooker Paddy Young at Madison Square Garden. Red-headed Billy of Central Islip, N. Y., has been called a "Modern Ace Hudkins" by some of the old-timers because of the ripping savagery of his attack. Nevertheless, stocky Young of New York is favored at 11-5 because of his punch and greater experience. Six-foot McNeece, engaging in his first Garden main event, has had but 16 professional bouts. It will be number 62 for Irish Paddy. Two years in the Army curtailed the commercial activities of 23-year-old McNeece, who turned professional in 1950. He was in service from 1951 to 1953. Since then he won nine of 12 bouts, including one draw. Only recently he grew into a light-heavyweight. Drew With Johnson in Last In his last six engagements, Billy lost a decision to Ralph "Tiger" Jones; knocked out Jackie Labua 6; outpointed Garth Panter, Ted Olla and Bobby Dykes, and drew with Tony Johnson in his latest bout on May 9. Coincidentally, Johnson also was the last opponent for the 26-year-old Young, who stopped him in the fifth round on January 24. Moreover7, Johnson was the only opponent for each this year. McNeece was comparatively inactive while giving old brow cuts a chance to heal. Young had but one bout because he dislikes training. For that reason he engaged in only two bouts last year, when he stopped Joe Taylor 10 and outpointed Jesse Turner. Young, a converted southpaw, was good enough two years ago to fight Bobo Olson for the American middleweight title and the right to meet Randy Turpin for the vacant world crown. Olson outpointed both Young and Turpin. McNeece has never been stopped. Young was stopped twice, by Tuzo Portuguez and Eugene Hairston, during his 48-10-3 career. Paddy knocked out 24 of his 61 opponents; Billy, five of his -16. Each is expected to scale about 168 pounds.
