Computer Tournament - The Middleweights

[Greatest1942]

"Middle weight photos"

Where did ya get them from?

[McGoorty]

"Middle weight photos"

Where did ya get them from?

Google photo's mate, just dial google, when that comes up type google photos, then to get good boxing photos type in boxing photos on that site, to find particular boxers for example type Tommy Ryan boxing photo's.......... and I typed in Rita Hayworth for a pile of photos on that particular delight...... I thought you'd love those photos, I've saved a bunch from there, including about 6 or 7 Tunney V Greb fight photos........ I hope you work it out from my scribblings........ I have to start a thread, then I'll read through your previous post.

[McGoorty]

yea I read that one...I have other artilces too, each claiming Gibbons as champ, but those doesn't prove anything...If Darcy - Gibbons happened , it would have been great... Its a shame some politicians really thought otherwise...also Darcy's premature death, sad story really.

"Darcy - Smith 2"

Second fight was better for Darcy...

DARCY BEATS JEFF SMITH.

There was scarcely a vacant seat in
Baker's Stadium on Saturday night (22nd
May), when Les. Darcy, of Maitland, en-
countered Jeff Smith (U.S.) for the world's
middleweight championship. Each boxer
weighed a few ounces over 11st 5lb.

The condition, of the men left little to
be desired. In the first round Darcy
shaped confidently, and aggressively. His
straight left followed by a right swing,
left its mark on Smith's face. The
American clinched, and resorted to hold-
ing and hitting his opponent. The young
Maitland blacksmith quite held his own
at infighting. After the breakaway both
men exhibited good boxing, their foot-
work and defensive movements being ad-
mirable.

There was a marked difference in the
respective styles. Darcy stood well up
to his mark, like the boxers of the Jem
Mace school. Smith crouched, and, when
he landed a blow, came to close quarters,
nestled his head near Darcy's chin, and
got to work with one hand while holding
his antagonist's left or right. It was
while Smith was crouching that he struck
Darcy an unmistakably foul blow below
the belt. The referee cautioned the
American for this offence. The men then
finished the round, which ended in Darcy's
favour, but not by a great margin. In
the second and last round Darcy forced
the fighting and scored with several heavy
lefts and rights, mostly to the head.
Smith, who was shaping somewhat ner-
vously, was not idle, for he landed heav-
ily with a straight left to the mark. Neat-
ly avoiding Darcy's left lead, he crossed
him heavily with the right. Smith
ducked another lead, and then swung his
left on Darcy's groin.

The referee, without a moment's hesita-
tion, separated the men, and placed his
hand on Darcy's head, indicating the winner.
Smith went to his corner, where he was
greeted with prolonged hooting. The de-
cision was undoubtedly correct, and it was
loudly applauded.


Les Darcy, writing to Mr. Corbett, of
the Sydney Sun, says:--"I wish I could
have had a little chat with you before my
departure for home. I am sure you would
like to know what I think of my battle
with Smith. Well, speaking for myself,
Mr. Corbett, I never felt better in my
life nor more confident of winning, and
I think Smith was frightened. I thought
so by the feel of him in the first round.
He is the dirtiest fighter ever I got into
the ring with. I'll never give him the
chance to win the championship back from
me--anybody else but him. He is likely
to cripple anyone. You would want armour
on like Ned Kelly's to be safe with him "

Great, there are a few sources for this fight, I've read more exciting articles about it, but after all it didn't last two rounds, some observers noted that Smith's face carried a strange expression, from what I can tell, the first punch by Darcy hurt Smith, he tried to slow things down with clinching but Darcy gave him hell in close. In the second Smith was said to look panicky, and he fouled in the second round , same as in the first... this time everybody saw how low the punch was and he was DQ'd... then one of my beloved riots started. Smith's purse was not paid to him, Baker said that the tactics used by Smith, and that to Snowy, Jeff wanted the quickest route out of the fight and dogged it (Baker's words)........... still one of the most controversial fights in Aussie history.

[McGoorty]

Great, there are a few sources for this fight, I've read more exciting articles about it, but after all it didn't last two rounds, some observers noted that Smith's face carried a strange expression, from what I can tell, the first punch by Darcy hurt Smith, he tried to slow things down with clinching but Darcy gave him hell in close. In the second Smith was said to look panicky, and he fouled in the second round , same as in the first... this time everybody saw how low the punch was and he was DQ'd... then one of my beloved riots started. Smith's purse was not paid to him, Baker said that the tactics used by Smith, and that to Snowy, Jeff wanted the quickest route out of the fight and dogged it (Baker's words)........... still one of the most controversial fights in Aussie history.

SHOCKING NEWS !!!!..... IS Jack Dempsey and Les Darcy the SAME PERSON ?????...... I wonder if you've come across this classic from 1919.. link.................................

[Barn]

SHOCKING NEWS !!!!..... IS Jack Dempsey and Les Darcy the SAME PERSON ?????...... I wonder if you've come across this classic from 1919.. link.................................

loooooooooooooooooooool I thought you were taking the piss when I first read that!

[McGoorty]

loooooooooooooooooooool I thought you were taking the piss when I first read that!

Can you imagine how THAT story got started,,,,,,,,,,, war fever ???.... I just S**T meself when I found that.... man those journos.

[Greatest1942]

SHOCKING NEWS !!!!..... IS Jack Dempsey and Les Darcy the SAME PERSON ?????...... I wonder if you've come across this classic from 1919.. link.................................

I read this previously, honestly speaking someone had brain fever...How did they imagine Jack Dempsey and Les darcy were the same person is beyond me...

[Greatest1942]

Great, there are a few sources for this fight, I've read more exciting articles about it, but after all it didn't last two rounds, some observers noted that Smith's face carried a strange expression, from what I can tell, the first punch by Darcy hurt Smith, he tried to slow things down with clinching but Darcy gave him hell in close. In the second Smith was said to look panicky, and he fouled in the second round , same as in the first... this time everybody saw how low the punch was and he was DQ'd... then one of my beloved riots started. Smith's purse was not paid to him, Baker said that the tactics used by Smith, and that to Snowy, Jeff wanted the quickest route out of the fight and dogged it (Baker's words)........... still one of the most controversial fights in Aussie history.

Yea... Will post other reports...it does seem Smith looked for a way out

[Greatest1942]

SMITH SAYS AUSTRALIANS ROBBED HIM OF TITLE.
JEFF SMITH IS MUCH AGITATED; Declares that Snowy Baker Swindle Him; Forfeited His End of the Purse, He Says; Because He Fouled the Big Favorite.

SMITH SAYS AUSTRALIANS ROBBED HIM OF TITLE.
JEFF SMITH IS MUCH AGITATED; Declares that Snowy Baker Swindle Him; Forfeited His End of the Purse, He Says; Because He Fouled the Big Favorite.


Smith I think carried a grudge from previosu fights, which manifest in the Darcy fight...which really should not have been :-

SMITH ROBBED IN BOUT.; Australian Boxing Authorities Condemn Referee's Decision.

One of the most remarkable demonstrations witnessed at a boxing contest followed the twenty-round bout between Jeff Smith and Eddie McGoorty, two Americans, at the Stadium, Sydney, Australia, on March 14, when Referee A.S. Scott declared McGoorty the winner. The decision was so unpopular and manifestly unjust that the Stadium management not only deposed the referee, but sent an official repudiation of his ruling to all countries where boxing is recognized


"Riot Part"

When Darcy walked to his corner his trainer and chief second, Dave Smith, threw in the towel. The referee immediately placed his hand on Smith's head and gave him the fight. Darcy's seconds at once exhibited his protecting cup, which was found to be dented.

At this stage the whole house was in an uproar. Presumably the referee did not see the blow referred to. If so he had no alternative but to order the continuance of the bout. On the other hand, if Darcy were struck unfairly he was clearly entitled to the decision. That he was not injured does not affect the issue. If a hit is foul the degree of damage is immaterial. But, as said before, the referee and a good many others round the ring did not see the blow in question.

Dave Smith's action was not justified when he threw in the towel. The referee is the sole arbiter--not the seconds in either man's corner. The contest itself was disappointing. Smith's form was but a shadow of that which he has previously shown. Darcy has unquestionably improved as a boxer but he did not exhibit his determination and forcefulness that have been features of his previous bouts.

For half an hour after the referee's decision the great crowd remained in the building arguing the point. Some in the highest-priced seats excitedly demanded their money back, and a fistic collision with one of the Stadium principals was imminent. It was just as well that nothing of the kind occurred, as the crowd was in an ugly temper, and only wanted a lead to make serious trouble.

"Baker disqualified Smoth"

read the following from the Bulletin :-

"Jeff Smith--the man who cut
M'Goorty to pieces a couple of years ago--
was beaten before he started fighting at
Sydney Stadium on Saturday night. His
offensive was broken, his big guns captur-
ed, and his mobility ruined by Blue Funk.
He left his corner to meet the blithe and
eager Les Darcy as nervous as a rabbit.
Before the first round was over every judge
of boxing in the audience realised that he
was doomed ; and he probably knew it bet-
ter than the onlookers. The Maitland
youngster landed four times to his one,
and landed hard and clean. Except when
Jeff was claiming one of his arms Darcy
hit pretty well where he wished. The
Yankee's footwork, which stood to him
so well in his great fight with Clabby, was
useless against the rugged, rushing local
champion. When Smith entered upon the
second round his countenance wore a great
resolve to get in out of the storm without
a second's unnecessary delay. Amidst a
hurricane of straight lefts and right-
crosses from Darcy he aimed a blow which
would have been foul had it landed. Work-
ing towards the centre of the ring he next
butted the Australian in the face with his
head. Then came his master blow--a right
hook to the crutch. Darcy had apparently
provided himself with a bullet-proof shield
since his last encounter with the U.S.
champion. Anyhow, though he winced,
he was ready to go on. But the intention
was so obvious that Harold Baker had to
act, and, amid a storm of hoots for Smith,
he declared the other man the winner.
Smith was palpably relieved, and hastened
to wring Darcy's hand. It was significant
that not a moan or other funeral note was
heard from his usually vociferous corner.
The offence was too flagrant for convincing
protest. It is to be hoped that Smith will
never again be matched with Darcy. The
latter's shields may then be heavier, and
the finish of it will be that Smith will break
one of his hands. Meanwhile, his share
of the gate has been withhold pending an
enquiry by the Stadium authorities. (The
Stadium Management has since decided
to pay Smith's portion--nearly ?00--into
a Patriotic Fund, and to disqualify him for
life.) "

[McGoorty]

SMITH SAYS AUSTRALIANS ROBBED HIM OF TITLE.
JEFF SMITH IS MUCH AGITATED; Declares that Snowy Baker Swindle Him; Forfeited His End of the Purse, He Says; Because He Fouled the Big Favorite.

SMITH SAYS AUSTRALIANS ROBBED HIM OF TITLE.
JEFF SMITH IS MUCH AGITATED; Declares that Snowy Baker Swindle Him; Forfeited His End of the Purse, He Says; Because He Fouled the Big Favorite.


Smith I think carried a grudge from previosu fights, which manifest in the Darcy fight...which really should not have been :-

SMITH ROBBED IN BOUT.; Australian Boxing Authorities Condemn Referee's Decision.

One of the most remarkable demonstrations witnessed at a boxing contest followed the twenty-round bout between Jeff Smith and Eddie McGoorty, two Americans, at the Stadium, Sydney, Australia, on March 14, when Referee A.S. Scott declared McGoorty the winner. The decision was so unpopular and manifestly unjust that the Stadium management not only deposed the referee, but sent an official repudiation of his ruling to all countries where boxing is recognized


"Riot Part"

When Darcy walked to his corner his trainer and chief second, Dave Smith, threw in the towel. The referee immediately placed his hand on Smith's head and gave him the fight. Darcy's seconds at once exhibited his protecting cup, which was found to be dented.

At this stage the whole house was in an uproar. Presumably the referee did not see the blow referred to. If so he had no alternative but to order the continuance of the bout. On the other hand, if Darcy were struck unfairly he was clearly entitled to the decision. That he was not injured does not affect the issue. If a hit is foul the degree of damage is immaterial. But, as said before, the referee and a good many others round the ring did not see the blow in question.

Dave Smith's action was not justified when he threw in the towel. The referee is the sole arbiter--not the seconds in either man's corner. The contest itself was disappointing. Smith's form was but a shadow of that which he has previously shown. Darcy has unquestionably improved as a boxer but he did not exhibit his determination and forcefulness that have been features of his previous bouts.

For half an hour after the referee's decision the great crowd remained in the building arguing the point. Some in the highest-priced seats excitedly demanded their money back, and a fistic collision with one of the Stadium principals was imminent. It was just as well that nothing of the kind occurred, as the crowd was in an ugly temper, and only wanted a lead to make serious trouble.

"Baker disqualified Smoth"

read the following from the Bulletin :-

"Jeff Smith--the man who cut
M'Goorty to pieces a couple of years ago--
was beaten before he started fighting at
Sydney Stadium on Saturday night. His
offensive was broken, his big guns captur-
ed, and his mobility ruined by Blue Funk.
He left his corner to meet the blithe and
eager Les Darcy as nervous as a rabbit.
Before the first round was over every judge
of boxing in the audience realised that he
was doomed ; and he probably knew it bet-
ter than the onlookers. The Maitland
youngster landed four times to his one,
and landed hard and clean. Except when
Jeff was claiming one of his arms Darcy
hit pretty well where he wished. The
Yankee's footwork, which stood to him
so well in his great fight with Clabby, was
useless against the rugged, rushing local
champion. When Smith entered upon the
second round his countenance wore a great
resolve to get in out of the storm without
a second's unnecessary delay. Amidst a
hurricane of straight lefts and right-
crosses from Darcy he aimed a blow which
would have been foul had it landed. Work-
ing towards the centre of the ring he next
butted the Australian in the face with his
head. Then came his master blow--a right
hook to the crutch. Darcy had apparently
provided himself with a bullet-proof shield
since his last encounter with the U.S.
champion. Anyhow, though he winced,
he was ready to go on. But the intention
was so obvious that Harold Baker had to
act, and, amid a storm of hoots for Smith,
he declared the other man the winner.
Smith was palpably relieved, and hastened
to wring Darcy's hand. It was significant
that not a moan or other funeral note was
heard from his usually vociferous corner.
The offence was too flagrant for convincing
protest. It is to be hoped that Smith will
never again be matched with Darcy. The
latter's shields may then be heavier, and
the finish of it will be that Smith will break
one of his hands. Meanwhile, his share
of the gate has been withhold pending an
enquiry by the Stadium authorities. (The
Stadium Management has since decided
to pay Smith's portion--nearly ?00--into
a Patriotic Fund, and to disqualify him for
life.) "

Wow man, where did you find that !!!!!!.... I have read only shorter reports on that second fight..... It backs up what I said, AND THEN SOME.... It really looks like the referee stopping the fight, reading between the lines, it seems that Darcy ,ay have had a look of pure murder on his face, I think Smith was saved from a far worse fate than a D.Q. loss. What a great report, you get a realistic look at Darcy in a grudge fight, not the smiling and laughing bloke we read about, I don't think he stepped into that ring with any thoughts of mercy on his mind. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That McGoorty "Victory" over Smith was by what I have heard, a total Smith victory, the Sydney crowd was rowdy but fair. One fellow I have not mentioned was Snowy Bakers Brother, Harold Baker who was the main referee at the stadium. Harold seems like a bit of a shady character, Ray Swanwick described Harold as a notorious Referee and who was a part of many su****ious results in those days...... You might want to look into the baker brothers a bit, but I will say this about Snowy and McIntosh and their Boxing business. They were admired by American Promoters and managers for having what some of them said was the best model for the sport, they said that control at the top was far better than the American scene at the time where the managers and fighters did what they pleased and the result was chaos, which makes our job that much harder.