A Bum, Eh?

At last week's New York Boxing Writers' luncheon, the world's welterweight champion was invited to say a few words. For four years Freddie ("The Red") Cochrane had been patiently awaiting such an opportunity. Said he:

"Where do you bums get off calling me a bum ... a cheese champion? ... I know I haven't defended the title. . . . But I couldn't very well do that and ride around the Pacific. I wore a Navy uniform three and a half years. . . . While I was away, you kept referring to Ray Robinson as the 'uncrowned welterweight champion.' . . .

"I've had five tune-up fights since getting out of the service. ... I scored five knockouts. So what happens? Some guy refers to 'em as Larry Laydowns. What did you fellows want me to do ... fight Joe Louis the minute I took off my uniform? . . ."

Four nights later, at Madison Square Garden, cautious, clever Red Cochrane did nobly for eight rounds against a self-confessed bum. But when Rocky Graziano made good with a ninth-round haymaker,

Red's lights went out temporarily, and they stayed out after the first punch of the tenth. But because he was game and gave away ten Ibs. to his opponent, boxing writers conceded the 30-year-old champ one more chance.

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