Heavyweight Status Muddled As Von Porat Fouls Phil Scott

Dempsey, as Referee, Declares Briton Winner When Norseman Lands Low Blow in Second Round.

The unsatisfactory result of the Phil Scott-Otto Von Porat bout in Madison Square Garden, New York City, on the night of Dec. 9, left the heavyweight championship situation as much up in the air as ever. Scott won the affair in the second round when Von Porat delivered a blow in foul territory twenty-five seconds after the start of the canto. The Briton, therefore, emerged as the "winner", but his showing did not enhance his claim to championship honors.

"Suffering Phil" and the lantern-jawed Norwegian were principals in the main event of the Christmas Fund Show sponsored by Mrs. William Randolph Hearst. It was expected that from this contest would emerge the fighter who would face Jack Sharkey, the terrible sailor of Boston, in the Miami "big shot" in February. The winner of that encounter, it was planned, would be sent against Max Schmeling, of Germany, in an outdoor match at the Yankee Stadium, next Summer.

As the official winner, Scott qualifies for the Florida contest, it would appear. And, by the same token, Von Porat has lost his chance. But in the writer's opinion, Von Porat most likely would have won by a knockout-possibly in the fatal second round, had he not been careless in delivering a left-hand punch to Phil Suffling's body.

After Demspey had given the men their instructions Von Porat landed the first blow of the fight, a right hand to the head.

Scott began jabbing with his left, but Von Porat brushed the blows aside and shook the English champion with a left hook to the jaw. Scott peppered the Norwegian with lefts and rights to the body and head until Von Porat staggered him with a right to the jaw.

At the clang of the bell opening the second round, the men met in mid-ring and began sparring at long range. The only actual blow struck was Von Porat's left to Scott's groin. Scott hesitated a moment and then fell forward on his knees to the canvas in apparent agony. Referee Dempsey hesitated a moment or two, started a count, stopped it, and then began dragging Scott to his corner. Von Porat with waving gloves, protested to Dempsey that the fight should not be stopped.

...Joe Humphries announced "Referee Dempsey says that Van Porat landed a low blow and is disqualified, the decision going to Scott.

After this announcement the disappointed spectators loosed a storm of booing, hooting and hissing at Scott. This continued as Scott contorting his face in wry grimances, was escorted to his dressingroom.

-Police Gazette. December 28, 1929

Phil Scott went on to fight Jack Sharkey in Miami in February of the following year, he was knocked out in the third round. Scott lost by knock out to Young Stribling in July and concluded his career after a knock out by Larry Gains in England in June, 1931.

Otto Von Porat was never to fight Jack Sharkey he lost his next fight a ten round decision to Paolino Uzcudun and he too was knocked out by Young Stribling in 1930. He continued to fight until the end of 1933, winning 15, losing 4, and fought one no decision fight during those years.