Although many of America’s foremost boxers have been persons whom
one would not care to know socially, yet much fun and pleasure
can be had out of the “manly art” if practised in a gentlemanly
manner.
“Boxing parties” are generally held in the evening. The ballroom
of one’s home can be pleasantly decorated for the occasion, with
a square ring roped off in the centre surrounded by seats for the
ladies and gentlemen who come as invited guests. Evening dress is
usually worn.
The contests should be between various members of one’s social
“set” who are fond of the sport and can be counted on to remember
at all times that they are gentlemen.
The matches should be arranged in tournament form, so that the
winner of one bout meets the winner of the next bout, et cetera,
until all but two have been eliminated. The boxer who wins this
final contest shall be proclaimed the “champion.”
Great fun can then be had by announcing that the “champion” will
be permitted to box three rounds with a “masked marvel.” The
identity of this “unknown” (who is usually Jack Dempsey or some
other noted professional pugilist) should be kept carefully
secret, so that all the guests are in a glow of mystified
excitement when the contest begins, and you can imagine their
delight and happy enthusiasm when the “masked marvel” cleverly
knocks the “champion” for a double loop through the ropes into
the lap of some tittering “dowager.”
Refreshments should then be served and the “champion” can be
carried home in a car or ambulance provided by the thoughtful
host.