The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 18, 1897, Page 2

7 and its New York particeps-criminis, the Journal, no doubt caused thousands to keep away from Carson. It was remem- bered that the Examiner took a part in the Fitzsimmons-Sharkey fight, and that the referee supplied by it for that contest gave a decision that was denounced far and near as unfair and false. Yet that de- cision meant a large sum of money in the pockets of men. on the Examiner and a heavy loss to honest sportsmen. With the odium of this disgraceful affair fresh upon it, the Examiner began to boom the fight at Carson. Corbett was ‘its protege. He and Fitzsimmons were contracted with to keep their infor- mation for the "Examiner exclusively. | Other newspapers were given the cold shoulder, and the public was taught to| look upon the Examiner as the only au- thority on the condition of the men. | Whatever came from the pens of writers was in Corbett’s favor. On the morning | of the fight its business manager and sporting editor, over their own signatures, declared that Corbett was the better man, and'if Fitzsimmons won something little short of a miracle would have to be re-| corded. Naturally the betting was in | Corbett’s favor,-and the men who hnvei lost, like those who lost in the Sharkey- | mmons fight, may thank the Ex- aminer for their misfortune. ‘ The question that must be answered is | this: Did the Examiner, with its ex- clusive information, willfully. lie about the | men’s condition, causing the majority of | bettors to place their money on Corbett while it and those who enjoyed its confi- dence placed their wagers on Fitzsim- mons, or was its corps of much-advertised special writers mistaken, grievously mis- taken, in their estimates? Perhaps this new rival of the Police Gazette prefers the former horn of the dilemma. It is used to being called a liar, butit is not | used to. having its stars pilloried as in- competent. No matter what the answer may be, one thing is certain, thousands have lost money through the Examiner’s misrepre- sentations and pugilism has been dealt -another body blow. As evidence of the manner in which Corbett was boomed as the winner, the following copy of an announcement posted | on every fence in the City is here repro- | duced: MECHANICS’ PAVILION. Triumphal Reception to JAMES J. CORBETT S Thursday Evening, March 18 CHARLEY WHITE ox BILLY WOODS ocoxston wiis i J. JEFFRIES APPEAR JOHN MCVEY JOE EGAN » PoSSIBLY — JOHN L. SULLIVAN! Master of Ceremonies, Billy Delany Entertainment under the direction of WM. A. BRADY Another evidence of the Examiner’s in- terest in the ex-champion was shown in the fact that he was the guest of the paper in the special train that came down from Carson last night. It is whispered, however, that the copyright on his work has expired and that several volumes of explanations are forthcoming. It was a frosty St. Patrick’s day for Jim Corbett and many more, CARSON, NEv., March 17.—Robert Fitz- simmons is now the champion heavy- weight pugilist of the world, and there is mourning to-night in the Corbett camp. It was a great fight, and there is no ques- tion that from a fighter’s point of view the best man won. Corbett, as las been already stated in TxE CALL, lived a speedy life since the time he defeated John L. Sullivan in New Orleans, and as a result his vitality cannot stand a heavy strain, which was proven to several thousand people who witnessed the great battle of the century. From a scientific point of Diagram Showing the Blows Received by Corbett and Fitzsimmons in Each Round. times to the once that the Cornishman hit him, but Fitzsimmons' blows were hard and te!ling. Time and again Corbett put bis left on his opponent’s face and alter- nated by planting his right on Fitzsim- mons’ ribs. Time and again- Corbett beautifully ducked away from wild swing- ing blows, which had they landed would have quickly brought the battle to an end. As a clever fighter and a great ring general Corbett stards. to-day at the head of the pugilistic army, but physically he has seen bis best days and cannot possibly zo a hard race when forced to cut out a lively pace. Adfter the sixth round, when Corbett had Fitzsimmons almost out, he seemed to go to pieces, his blows lacked steam and he was puffing after each sharp rally. As the battle wore on Corbett toed the scratch at the commencement of each round looking like a man in distress. He knew that his vitality was waning, and he nursed what- ever little sirength he possessed in tapping his opponent on the nose, from which the blood was flowing fast. Occasionally he grew courageous, and on. receiviug a blow from his antagonist he would raliy and smash Fiizsimmons several times in return on face and body, but the Cornish- wan, although irequently retiring to his corner in a weak condition, would invar- iably-come to time at the sound of the gong as fresh as if he had just commenced the game. Fitzsimmons’ recuperative powers are extraordinary, and it is his wonderfut vitality and ability to take punichment that wins him his battles. He cannot hit a straight blow—at least, he did not land astraight lead during the fight—but his swings and crooks are terrific. Some of the swinging rights that Corbett warded off with his aims left marks on those members, and, no doubt, Corbett much vreferred that they were ducked than stopped. Another thing about Fitzsim- mons that puzzies many of the best judges of pugilism is his awkward and shuffling style. In fact, he looked like a raw recruit before the scientific and vpol- ished Corbett; but he is a fighter and the other man is the cleverest exponent of the game. Iintormed Professor Walter Watson of the Olympic Club, who sat next to me during the contest, that Corbett (that was after the second round) was not anything like the man who faced Peter Jackson about seven years ago in the old Califor- nia Club. He did not seem to have that ability to send forth a swift blow from the shoulder which he was possessed of then. The fact of the matter is that Corbett has lost vitality, and although he may look perfectly sound and trained to the hour he is wanting in something, and that something is a constitution, which once lost can never be recovered. He retains his remarkable cleverness, however, but in prize-fighting cleverness and speed must be supported by a physique which is sound, or at least not so far impaired. It was a sad sight to see Corbett when he'was knocked down in the fourteenth round struggling to regain his pine. With his left hand placed over the spot on which Fitzsimmons had planted his big right-band glove the defeated champion made o desperate struggle to rise, but the effect of the blow was too much. The damage was done and Corbett recled back against the ropes, where he was counted out.’ M. J. GEsry. BEFORE THE ’ BIG BATTLE. Fine Weather, a Small Audience and John L. view Corbett is superior to Fitzsimmons, but he was not in the race when it came to bard punching. Fitzsimmons' wonderful endurance, combined with his ability to deliver heavy punishment, won him'the great struggle {or pugilistic supreinacy. Corbett, 86 to speak, was all_oyer bim.sa far ax jatblog Sullivan’s Speech the Opening Features. CARSON, Nev., March 17.—Never were the snow-topped Sjerras which encircle the valley in which Carson lies snugly watched with more absorbing interest is concerned, and he hit Fiiz at least ten than they were this morning. After years of disappointment the two greatest fight- ersof the century were ready to meet to decide the heavy-weight championship of the world, the ownership of & purse of $15,000 with a side stake of ‘§5000 and a prospective fortune for the winner. It ‘was no wonder, therefore, that Dan Stuart in Carson and the men at Cook’s Ranch and Shaws Springs watched ‘eagerly for the appearance of Old Sol ebove the hills, for on the weather alone the battle de- pended for success and the avoidance of the oft-time obnoxious postponément. The absence of rain or snow and a moder- ately clear morning would have satisfied the sports, and their thanks to the weather deities were fervent indeed when they saw the sun rise in all his majesty to shine benignly through one of the most glorious days ever experienced in this locality. Every one was astir by 7 o’clock. Both the training quarters were visited by aconstant stream of vebicles, and those who were satisfiel with the condition of the men from previous visits stood aronnd the street corners discussing the probabie outcome. = By 8:30 o’clock the oufer gates of the huge wooden arena were - thrown ‘open and those who were not fortunate enough to possess tickets for the reserved seats got through their breakfast hurriedly and hastened to obtain the most advantageous seats on the bleschers. The hLolders of numbered seats took things more easily and did not start for the scene of action until about 9:30. The battle was adver- tised for 10 o’clock, but the speciel train from the East did not arrive until long after this hour, and it was evident that Corbett and Fitzsimmons knew that there was no hurry, for they took their time about reaching the ringsige. By 11 o’clock the arena was comiortably filled and nearly all the ticket-holders had taken their seats. The seating capacity of tho arena is estimated at 18,000, and when the crowd were all seated it was computed that about 5000 people had paid for ad- mission. While the epectators were await- ing the arrival of the principals and their aids they put in the time listening to a series of challenges to the winner, which were quite plentiful. Billy Jordan chal- lenged on behalf of John L. Bullivan, and the old-time champion was greeted with around of applause when he doffed kis silk hat and ciambered through the ropes to make the customary speech. On be- half of Joe Goddard and Tom Sharkey, Billy Madden hurled “defis” at the head of the prospective champion. Fitzsimmons was the first to reach the dressing-room which had been selected for him on the north side of the arena. Mar- tin Julian and Roeber led the way for Bob, who was driven by his wife in a neat single buggy. They were followed by Hickey and Stelzner. The little proces- sion passed through the crowd without recciving much applause and got into their quarters at 10:41. Corbett left Shaw Springs in a ciosed carriage and was accompanied by White, Delaney and Judge Lalor. His brother Joe, with Woods, Jeffries and McVev, followed in s stage and had Jim’s two mascots, the collies. They arrived at 11:10 and wentat once to the dressing-room. At 11:50 Mrs, Fitzsimmons left the dressing-room and took a seatin a box directly. behind her busband’s’ corner. There were about a dozen women sitting in different boxes. At 11:55 a scattered round of applause an- nounced Fitzsimmons' appearance. He wore a Turkish toweling bathrobe of blue and white and was followed by his sec- onds. He had scarcely got half way to the ring when Corbett appeared in his aisle at the opposite side of the ring. He wore a dark-gray, brown-striped dress- ing-gown. Both men reached the plat- form almost together, but Fitzsimmons was first up the steps inside the ring. The lanky Australian stood in his corner for a moment and sized up his rival with a pe- culiarly cool and critical searching giance. Then he paced up and down his own side of the ropes, rubbing his hands together with a nervous motion. Corbett appeared very cool, and chatted confidently with his friends at the ring- side and with his seconds. The gloves were then handed in by Wheelock and the men donned them. Charley White looked after Fitzsimmons’ fitting and Martin Ju- lian periormed a like office for Corbett. Master of Ceremonies Billy Madden intro- duced the men and Referee George Siler announced the officials and seconds. In Corbett’s corner were Charley White, Billy Delaney, Jack McVeyand Biliy Woods. Fitzsimmons' aids were Martin Julian, Ernest Roeber, Dan Hickey and Jack Stelzner. Referes George Siler called the men together and said, “I don't suppose it is necessary for me to instruct you?” Both quickly shook their heads. *‘You both know the rules as well as I do,” Siler continued. “Yes, yes,’ Corbett answered. Fitz nodded his head empbhatically and -Siler stepped aside. Corbett walked toward Fitz- simmons with his right haid outstretched, but Fitzsimmons shook his head slowly, but emphatically, and half-turned back to hisown corner.Corbett smiled and stopped short. Fitzsimmons’ action was received with hisses and cheers. Officiat timekeeper Muldoon motioned to Lou Houseman of Chicago, who held the watch for Fitzsini- mens, and to Jimmy Colville of Boston, who acted as timekeeper for Corbett, and then Muldoon clanged the gong and the battle was under way. During the con- test the crowd seemed impressed with the preatness of the struggle and the fair and ranly way in which it was waged. Good order was maintained until the last mo- ment, and after the first couple ot rounds the teliing points made by either man were cheered impartially. After Corbett came to his senses the two pugilists shook ' hands, Jim naving indi- rectly apologized for his outbreak after the contest was decided. After Mrs. Fitz- simmons had embraced her husband, at- terly regardless of his sanguinary appear- ance, the victorious procession headsd for the dressing-room. A wash and a robdown improved the champion’s appearance a hundredfold, and Bob doffed his golf cap in response to cheers as he drove from the arena. His better halP’s rosy ¢heeks were a great de- gree rosier atthe applause. Bhe shifted the reins to her left hand and waved a tiny cambric and lace handkerchief in quitting. The pair bowled along st a merry pace to Cook’s ranch, where Bob's appetite showed no diminution after his exertions. Wnen Corbett had been rubbed down he dressed quickly and got into a carriage, which was waiting. He drove to the depot and got on board the fast special for 8an Francisco. Tbpe betting underwent very little change before the baitle, and the men entered the ring at 100 to 70 on Corbett. Few big individual bets were laid, but during the progress of the fight Mose Gunst of San Francisco bet $500 even on Corbett with Pittsburg Phil. The latter won $4000, and would have wagered much more money at the ringside if he could have obtained re- Ny, 70 = liable stakeholders, Paris mutuals paid $13 50 for 1 on combination Fitzsimmons, Green and Hawkins. FAIR AND SQUARE. United Associated Presses’ Reporters Tell How Corbett Lost by One Unwary Move. CARSON, Nev, March 17.—After two years of douut and vexatious posipone- ments, the heavy-weight championship of the world was decided beyond cavii when Robert Fitzsimmons sent James J. Cor- bett helpless to his knee with a lefi-hand blow under the heart, after one minute and forty-five seconds oi the fourteenth round -of their battle ‘in the arena. here ! 1his afternoon. The great coutest was won in the sim- plest manner, and the knockout was the result of one unwary move on the part of Corbett. After the first minute of the fourteenth round had been spant in a few harmless clinches and counters, Fitzsimw- mons made a fake lead with his rignt for the jaw. It was a simvle ruse, but it caught the Californian” napping. Instead of keeping his body ‘inclined forward and throwing back his head just a trifle to allow the blow, which was very light, to pass, Corbett contemptuously bent his head and chest backward ana thus protruded his abdomen. Fitzsim- mons' small eyes flashed ana, like Jight- ning, he saw and availed himself of his advantage. Drawing back his left, he brought it up with terrible force, the fore- arm rigid and at right angles to the upper arm. With the full power of his wonder- ful driving muscles brought into play, the Australian_fairly ripped the blow up to the pit of Corbett’s stomach at a point just under the heart. Corbett was lifted clean off his feet, and -as he pitched forward Fitzsimmons shot his right up and around, -catching- Jim on the jaw and accelerating his downfail.' Corbett sank on his left knee, and with his outstretchea right grasped the ropes for support. His left arm worked convuisiveiy up and down, while hig face twitched in agony. Referee Siler threw np bis hands on the call of ten and left the ring. There were some cries of “foul” when the refereo declared Corbett out, but they were unheeded by anybody, as the batde ‘was won fairly and squarely. / The defeat mearly drove Corbett wild. When he was able to feel his feet after his seconds had helped him to his corner he broke away from tliem and rushed at Fits simmons, who bad not left the ring. A ecene of dreadful confusion ensued. The ring was crowded with an excited mob, but Corbett burst through them and struck at Fitzsmmons. The Australian kept his arms by his sides and with a great deal of generosity made aliowance for Corbett’s half-demented condition. Bab merely ducked under the blow and waen Corbett clinched with him and struck him a feable blow on the ear the champion only smiled. It was wilh great difficulty that Billy Brady and the seconds succeeded in quieting Corbett down and getlting him back to the dressing-room. The ficht was clean and speedy. It demonstrated two facts—that Corbett is the cleverest boxer of his weight in the world and that Fitzsimmons is able to hit him. The California boy smothered the Cornishman with left jabs :n the face and right and left body blows. Fitzsimmons’ most effective attack was a semi-fake left swing followed with a quick half arm hook. The first time he tried it in the third round. Jim tbrew back his head Irom the fake, coming forward for a conun- ter when he thought Fitzsimmons' glove was comfortably past his jaw. Quick as a flash Bdb doubled back and barely missed Jim's jaw with the hook. Cor- bett’s smile died away for an instant, and he took no ‘more chances on countering on that particular form of lead afterward. The battle, as predicted, was fought on purely scientific and almost new princi- ples. Neither of the men took any advan- | tage of the privileges allowed them under the London prize-ring rules, and there was very liitle hitting 1n clinches. Corbett made no attempt to bring around hisright in breaking away, probably because Fiiz- simmons held up his elbows too high. Jim’s only effort in the way of a parting shot was a full right uppercut, which he brought around very clymsily and failed toland by at least & foot every time he tried. He did get in one good uppercut in the fourth round, splitting Bob's under lip and starting the blcod in & thick stream. Several times the men clinched and parted with both hands up. Fre- quently Bob worked Jim into a corner ana reached for him right and left with blows that would win any champions! battle if they landed. Fitzsimmons him- self admits that Corbett shuffled and side- stepped his way to safety in a manner which simply dazed the Australian. s g TOLD BY ROUNDS. Fast and Furious Fighting Precedes the Blows That Make Fitz Champion. CAREON, Nev., March 17.—Here is the story of the great battle told in detail by rounds: Round 1—Time-keeper Muldoon pulled on the gong string at 12:08 o'clock. The men Taced gach other, Corbeit with his back to ihe sun and Fitzsimmons bl’nking slightl: as the bright rays struck him full in the face. Cor- bett danced around lightly on his toes, Fiiz- ‘simmons covering his ground more slowly, Both were cautious and smiling. They feinted for an opening, snd Fitzsimmons seemed in- clined to force matters. Corbett broke ground and danced about hisopponent. Fitzsimmons forced his man into s corner, and was the first to lead with & Jeft swing, ‘which missed Jim’s bead by about ten feet. The Califor- nian did no better in his first attempt. More feinting at long range foilowed. Fitzsimmons forced Corbett into a rally and uppercut him lightly in the clinch. In & mix- up which followed 1o damage was done. Cor- bettshota light left on the body and broks awev clean. Fitzsimmons swung his left, but missed. A bard exchauge of lefis followed, in which the Australian had a little bit the worst of {t. Fiizsimmons then adopted aggressive tactics and rushed Corbett to. his own corner. but Jim got ont of danger and_ sent in righton the body as he slipped away. simmons puta hard left over the heart and Jim swung wildly with bis lerr, but landed his righton Fitz’s' wind. Corbeit ran into a clinch, but they quickly broke clean. Fiiz was still foreing matiers, but a hard leit swing put him on the defensiye for a moment. Jim swung bis lert on the heartand they came to- ther. ' On the breakaway Bob sent 8 vicious oft uppercut to the jaw. A ciinch followed, ‘but the meu broke without & blow as the gong sounded. Round 2—Fitzsimmons opened with & left swing, but missed' his mark. They came to8 clinch and were rather slow in bresking away. A vielous left from Fitzsimmons just grazed Corbetv's breast, and again they were inclined to hug in the clinch. After the breakaway Fitzsimmons pit on steam and Jim broke ground before the Australian, although the Iatter contented himself with feinting and did not lead. Finally Jim stood his ground and sent in & neat lefton the face and a right on the body, dancing away without a Teturn. iizsimmons seemed determined to keep on the aggressive and again forced Jim into his corner, swingine iight and left for the body, but Jim's fast footwork took him out of reach. Fitzexmmons came into a clinch, and in the breakaway got a stiff left uvpercut. Bob swung wildly right and left. Some very pretty defensive fighting followed, neither man be- ing able to ge: inside the other's guard. Long- rangesparring, fn which Corbett did most of the teading, followed. Jim soaked & hard left on tne ribs and repeaied the blow a moment later. Fitzsimmons smiled and tried to corner , Jim, who dodged quickiy out of reach and came back with a left on the wind. Another left on the stomach brought the round to & close, with the men in a clinch. 1t was clear- 1y Corbett’s on points. Round 3—Jim opened twith a rush and sent a left jab hard on the wind. Fitzsimmons did not like it and tried to rush in return, but was wild with right and left. Jim stopped another left lead for the heart and countered smartly on the stomach. Corbett put another left on the wind and & right on the side of the head. Bob's stomach showed a red bloich where the Ualifornian’s left struck. Bob took a band in the forcing and lashei out wildly, missing with both hands. After a little long- range work Jim shot right aud left on the y-and Bob came into a clinch and hooked his tight on the ear before ihey separated. Corbett shot & terrific right on Hob's side and followed with a fast left on the wind. Both men were breaking carefully and cleanly out of clinches. Bob’s left found the wind, but Corbett swung right o the jaw in the clinch that followed. Then Jim put his leit on the Dbody, and as Bob came in 10 clinch Jim piled two_ stif rights on the wind and followed up with another on the body. Fitzsimmon: ded a nice left on the juw after missing th right lead for the stomaci. A clinch followed anl Bob got in a straigntdrive on the wind. A little hugging followed and sor the first time the referee came between the men and broke them. Before the pe!l sounded a cessation Fitzsimmous pat a neat right on the budy and swung his left to the jaw and the honors were fairly even. Round 4—Jim agsin led off with s left, which_failed to land, and they clinched and broke Hob tried with a right _lead head but missed, and Corbett put a hard right punch on the body and in the clinch swung his right tothe jaw. Bob was determined but siow. Corbeti commenced to make things pretty iively, but they clinched three times without a blow being siruck. A hight left swing on the jaw from Corbett was returned with interest Dy Fitzsimmons as far as intention went, but Bob's right and lett missed the mark by inches. Corbettlanded two feavy rights on the wind and put a straight-left flush in the face. Then Jim planted his right under Bob's ear and easily escaped arightand left. Jim sent his right to the wind and Bob clinched, taking an upper cut on the chin before they broke. Corbe:tseemed to cling 10 Fitzsim- mons in the clinches as if to save his strengih. Fi zsimmons shot out his left with terrific foree on the wind and swung a vicious right for the jaw, which was short. Corbeit's leit landed on the stomach and he repeated the dose a moment later. He swung, missing right and left, but on his third trial be sent his right to the stmach and followed up with two swift lefts on the jaw. Corbett was on the aggressive now, and after missing a left for the head he sent his right accoss on the stomach. Time was caled with the men clinched and smiling in each other’s face. Round 5—Jim swung a hard left on the jaw The Austra- which made Fi zsimmons angry. 11an tried to corner his riv: a back. Bob was not grinning B P Erach now. Jim was s bit wild with the right for the stomach on the first attempt, but on the second, he landed viciously on the wind. They exchanged hurd right body blows and then Corbott landed with both hands, his right findin: ihe body ana his left the jaw. As thev clinched be uppercut Fitzsimumons, aud the latter returned thé compliment with a right hook on the jaw. Corbettianded tworight hand body punches and they clinched. After they stepped back Jim's rightreached the wind, , but Jim was (00 fastand got away, sending a left on the jaw as ; Continued on Fourth Page. {