STL All Sports

Then there was Kingfish Levinsky, a somewhat different kind of heavyweight prizefighter whose exploits in and out of the ring have added so much hilarity to boxing lore. He, too, made a trip to England where he positively captivated the natives with his manhandling of the English language. When his tour came to an end, his English friends invited him to a formal banquet in his honor. As soon as the glittering guests were seated, the host rose to his feet to propose the customary toast that opens all English banquets. Only Levinsky, the guest of honor, remained in his chair.

"To the King!" cried out the host, raising his glass aloft. "To the King!" echoed the others.

At this point, Kingfish Levinsky climbed slowly to his feet, a shy grin spread wide on his battered face. "Gee, fellas," he gulped. "Thanks a million."