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Initials KJ/V/PB


SPORT: BOXING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: At the Newton Connecticut training quarters of contender Floyd Patterson an interview was given, May 18, by Joe Louis, former world heavyweight champion retained by fight promoter Jack Fugazy as an adviser.

The 46-year-old 'Brown Bomber' came back into boxing after a knockout by Max Schmeling - it's felt he may be able to teach Floyd to do the same after his beating at the hands of Johannsen. Louis was world champion from 1937 to 1949, date of his first 'retirement'.

When asked if he would box at the Patterson camp he said "only with a steak". Will he go to Johannsen's training quarters. "We sent a spy plane over Russia" he quipped, "I may go to Grossinger's (scene of Johannsen's training quarters)".

What will he teach Patterson? "Not to get hit", was his answer. He thinks he may be able to prevent Patterson being tricked by Johannsen's right hand, which did all the damage in the previous fight and lost Patterson the title. "He may already have his confidence back", said Louis.

We shall see on June 20 when Patterson challenges Johannsen for the world heavyweight title.