Boston Beacon
February 10, 1958
MOORE-JOHANSSON MATCH FINALIZED
Contest to be held at Boston Garden on March 20th
By Danny McGill
After more than a month of negotiations, the on-again, off-again meeting between Sweden's Ingemar Johansson and former light-heavyweight champion Archie Moore appear to be on for the Boston Garden next month.
Although both sides wanted the fight, there was a serious impasse concerning how the purse would be split. It was announced that the matter has been resolved and the contract has been signed. While the details of the contract have not been formally released, sources say that the revenue will be distributed evenly between the fighters after costs.
Despite the delays, both men have been preparing and have been in training for the past three weeks. City officials took an active part in bring both sides together as part of their efforts to revive Boston Garden as a mecca for professional boxing. Later this week Joey Maxim will meet Willie Pastrano in a ten round heavyweight match at the facility.
The fight represents a major crossroads for both fighters. After considerable pressure from the UBO's Hans Reuter, Moore vacated the light heavyweight throne to campaign for the heavyweight title. His plans were substantially side-tracked when he was knocked out in the eighth round by Eddie Machen in Atlantic City last November.
Although Johansson is undefeated and has been ranked highly for more than a year, there are numerous questions concerning his ability. He has held the European title for nearly two years and hasn't faced any major talent to date. His match against Moore represents the start of his campaign to win the world title. A loss next month could be a serious blow to his future.
Promoter Jackie DeNuccio said that he's currently putting together an undercard that will feature at least one ranked heavyweight. He indicated the full slate of bouts will be announced later this week.