Feb. 9, 1962 - The New York State Athletic Commission stripped Archie Moore of his world light-heavyweight title today for failing to defend it. In his last defense, Moore outpointed Giulio Rinaldi in June 1961. Commission rules call for a titleholder to defend at least once every six months. Moore turned pro in 1936. He won the light-heavyweight title on Dec. 17, 1952, by outpointing Joey Maxim. The Athletic Commission today also directed Harold Johnson of Philadelphia, who is recognized as the champion by the National Boxing Association, and Doug Jones of New York to enter into articles of agreement for a title fight. George Gainford, Johnson’s manager, said Johnson was prepared to fight Jones “any time, any place.” The next move, he said, was up to Jones, the winner of 19 of 20 fights as a light-heavyweight.
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