Words

Every one knows that boxers have fists. Occasionally they let the world know that they have tongues also. Here is a symposium of what they and those interested in them pronounced last week:

Harry Wills, Negro fighter, who has knocked out Sam Langford, Sam McVey, Fred Fulton: " I'm black all right, but I've lived a lot whiter than the majority of white fighters now in the ring. No one can deny that I've fought every one selected for me. I don't play the cabarets and I've never been in court on any charge, but what has it got me ? One thing you can be sure of. If I were champion tomorrow, I'd be just as unassuming and peaceful as I am now. I wouldn't turn out to be another Jack Johnson."

Jack Kearns, manager for Dempsey: " Jack Dempsey will defend his title any time and any place against either Willard, Firpo or Wills. It is a case of first come, first served." Benito Mussolini, in a telegram to Ermino Spalla, an Italian, when Spalla won the European heavyweight championship from Vandeveer, a Dutchman: " I embrace you. Now prepare yourself for the supreme trial. Having become champion of Europe, you must become champion of the world! "

Jack Dempsey, whom Spalla forthwith challenged: " I will fight any of them, but just now I have about all the fighting I can attend to. If I clean up on this side of the water I will be walling to take on the European fighter."

(As for Wills) : " Kearns does the arranging and I do the fighting, and if Kearns signs for Wills, it will be Wills."

Jess Willard, on hearing that Luis Angel Firpo has signed for a bout with him on July 7: " Good! I know I can beat all those setups. Firpo's beating McAuliffe didn't amount to much. McAuliffe was young and inexperienced, and I can't see where Firpo showed great work in beating this youngster."

Johnny Kilbane, featherweight champion of the world, who was introduced to his opponent for June 2, Eugene Criqui, French: " This is the first time I ever met you, Mr. Criqui, and it does me honor to shake your hand. I want you to know that I respect you both as a fighter of the ring and as a soldier who has done much for his country. You have done wonderful things, Mr, Criqui, and when we meet in the ring it is my honest desire that the best man take the honors."