Thursday, February 14, 2013

From Beyond the Grave - The Death Knell

(Photo: Tex Rickard; Library of Congress) 

"Tex Rickard, veteran promoter of boxing contests, today told the Staff Press the end of boxing in New York state is so near he can almost feel it. Even if Gov. Whitman, in the opinion of Rickard should suddenly relent in his avowed intention of crushing the game in this state, the sport has been given such a black eye that it should never recover. This of course, indicates beyond a shadow of a doubt that Rickard, stager of sensational matches, no longer is to be considered a factor in moving for big bouts in this city or state. ... 'There is no attraction, no matter how great in the boxing world,' the promoter said, 'that would be worth a man's while in New York. The attendance would be so small money would be lost on any great venture in the sport.'"

       - H.C. Hamilton, United Press, 1917