Modesty Essential in Pugilist, Maloney Finds--South Boston's Favorite Son Can't See How Gene Can Escape Him

James Maloney, one of South Boston's two contenders for champion Gene Tunney's heavyweight crown, found time between a series of strenuous three-round exhibition bouts at Loew's Orpheum Theatre, to divulge the innermost workings of the prizefighters' mind to a CRIMSON reporter.

"Either Sharkey or myself will meet Tunney next fall, that's a cinch", said Maloney. "I don't want to appear boastful, but I can't see any other way out of it." In connection with his last remark, he hurriedly added that he thought modesty was as necessary as any other quality in a prizefighter's makeup. "As soon as you get to thinking you're invincible you're bound to let up and then you're done in this game."

Maloney explained that in his case it was not conceit, as he realized exactly what lay before him, but in the face of existing conditions he felt that he would defeat Sharkey and then get an opportunity to box Tunney.

In his opinion the challenger is sure to come from his side of the elimination tournament which is being run by promoter Tex Rickard. Dempsey is the leading contender on the other side, but the Boston boxer believes that the former champion will not succeed in his "comeback" attempt.

"Dempsey's championship days are over;" was Maloney's comment," he himself hasn't decided whether or not he will start training in earnest for an opportunity to meet Tunney again. I think he would be best off if he gave up the attempt. Even if he does take it up seriously I feel sure he will be beaten before he ever gets a chance at Tunney."