Olson May Meet Marciano for Title: Norris Says Bobo Distinct Possibility This September If He Beats Moore Tomorrow, Daily Racing Form, 1955-06-21

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Olson May Meet Marciano for Title Norris Says Bobo Distinct Possibility This September If He Beats Moore Tomorrow By JACK CUDDY United Press Sports Writer NEW YORK, N. Y., June 20. Promotf-i Jim Norris said today there is a "distinct possibility" that Bobo Olson may fight for the heavyweight crown in September if he beats Archie Moore impressively Wednesday night. It was the first time Norris had disclosed any serious consideration of middleweight champion Olson as a challenger for Rocky Marcianos heavyweight crown. "Im sure the public would be interested in seeing a Marciano-Olso fight if Bobo takes the light-heavyweight title from Moore in impressive fashion," the promoter explained. "After all, Moore is not. only light-heavy champ, but hes the number one heavy contender." Although Olson will weigh about 169 pounds for Moore, he could build up to about 175 for Marciano, Norris stressed. Rocky would register about 185. "So that wouldnit be as-big a weight difference as there was between Billy Conn and Joe Louis for their first title bout," he added. Meanwhile, if Moore beats Bobo impressively, "Ill begin conversations immediately after the fight with Marcianos manager, Al Weill, about a September Marciano -Moore bout." Norris said the advance sale of about 00,000 indicated a gross gate of at least 50,00. It might be much higher if the weather is good Wednesday. Home TV Hurts Gate "When we made the Moore-Olson match, it seemed the hottest fight in all boxing," he continued. "Then I thought it would draw at least 50,000. I guess I was over-optimistic. Home television throughout the country has hurt the sale some. But, of course, were getting 00,000 from the TV sponsors." Tony Petronella, president of the National Boxing Association, told New York newspapermen by telephone from Providence, R. I., today that if Olson wins Moores light-heavy title, he will automatically lose his own middleweight crown and a tournament will be held to determine a new 160-pound champ. "In case of victory, Olson will have no choice in deciding whether he want to keen the light-heavy or the middleweight titles. Hell be the new light-heavy champ, and that only." Petronellas ruling agrees with that of the New York Boxing Commission. Petronella added that Moore will "lose his title on the scales" if he fails to make the 175-pound limit at weigh-in. In such case, Olson still could win the light-heavy title if he beat Moore, since Bobo would be under the 175-ponud limit, "and we wouldnt penalize him for Mores failure." Chairman Julius Helfand of the New York Commission said recently he would cross the weight-failure bridge "if and when we come to it." Thirty-eight-year-old Moore, favored at 9-5, sparred two rounds in camp at Summit, N. J., today and his weight was unofficially reported at 174 pounds. He may spar Tuesday. Both fighters expect to break camp on Wednesday morning- and motor into New York in time for the noon weigh-in. Olson, who finished his sparring yesterday, did five rounds of gym exercises today. Dr. Sam Sherman of San Francisco, Bobos personal physician, arrived today and said he would ask the boxing commission for permission to use on oxygent tank in his corner between rounds.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1950s/drf1955062101/drf1955062101_2_3
Local Identifier: drf1955062101_2_3
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800