CHICAGO CHAMPIONS BOX NEW YORK TONIGHT

NEW YORK HAS A FIGHTING TEAM AND IT ADMITS IT
COACH IS CONFIDENT ON EVE OF STADIUM BOUTS

by Jack Mahon
New York News Sports Writer
Chicago Daily Tribune
Wednesday March 29,1939

"We're ready-and we'll win."  That was the open letter-to their families, their sweetheart, and their pals-that New York's Golden Glove horde asked us to send back home as they await the opening gong in the 1939 InterCity Golden Gloves title bouts with the pride of the West tonight.  Radiating pep and enthusiasm and trained to a razor's edge, our small army of leather pushers practically swaggered as they promised to become the first New York's team ever to whip Chicago on its own battleground in the stadium. 

Both squads wound up training yesterday.  There is one vacancy-in the lightweight ranks-on the eastern team.  This occurred when Ellis Johnson, 135 lb. open winner, failed to report.  A battle royal between Willie Smith, Paul Tine, John Noce, and Art Di Petro was concluded in Tuesday's drill, but coaches did not indicate who would face Johnny Pleasant in the championship battle.

COACH IS CONFIDENT

Coach Art Thomas, who scout in The Chicago Tribune's Tournament of Champions, minced no words in predicting victory for the East.  "This year's squad has more ruggedness and desire to fight than any I've seen and I think they'll outrough the West," said Art.  "I know we have the edge over them in the championship class and I'm sure our alternates will surprise everyone."