1895-12-05 George Dixon D-PTS10 Frank Erne (New York, NY, USA)

1895-12-06 The New York Herald (New York, NY) (page 10)

DIXON COULD GET ONLY A DRAW.
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He Proved Himself the Better Man, Outfighting Erne in Every Round but Two.
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MAHER WILL MEET "FITZ."
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They Are Matched to Fight on February 14, Probably On Mexican Soil.
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PETER PLANS MATRIMONY.
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Through an extraordinary decision on the part of Charles Sagel, the referee, George Dixon, the feather weight champion of the world, was deprived of a well earned victory over Frank Erne, of Buffalo, at the New Manhattan Athletic Club last evening. Ten rounds were fought, and in all save two Dixon clearly demonstrated his superiority over his opponent. The little pugilistic marvel never fought fairer nor better in his life, but despite this the crowd cried "Foul!" "Kill the nigger!" and hissed him frequently.

It was disgraceful work. Such an exhibition of feeling would not have been tolerated in Harry Hill's in its palmiest days, and it is a pity that it was permitted in Madison avenue. Judging from the criticisms of those who led the attack on the little colored boy they have a very vague knowledge of the sport and should not be allowed to witness a fistic event. A more prejudiced lot of alleged sports never assembled in one place.

MEN UNFIT FOR SPECTATORS.

If Mr. Genslinger, the manager, is wise he will take plans to discover those who were responsible for the discourteous treatment of Dixon and bar them for life. He will not have much trouble in locating them.

"Tom" O'Rourke objected to Sagel as referee when the match was made. He would have held out for another man had it not been for the interference of Genslinger. The latter insisted on Sagel or no fight.

Erne acted almost entirely on the defensive. Three times only during the entire ten rounds did he make a lead. Dixon, who looked like a bantam alongside of the Buffalo man, was kept busy chasing the latter around the roped arena. He outpointed him at least 20 to 1, and proved that he is as superior to Erne as Corbett is to "One Eyed Connelly."

A QUEER DECISION.

Despite all this Sagel declared the contest a draw. One thing is certain, Erne's showing did not justify a draw.

It was a quarter of ten P. M. when the men appeared in the ring. Both seemed to be in excellent condition. Dixon weighed in at 122 pounds, while Erne tipped the scales at 126 pounds. Erne was seconded by "Charley" White and "Jack" McTiernan. Dixon's squires were "Tom" O'Rourke, "Joe" Gordon and J. Elms. "Jimmy" Frawley, of this city, held the watch for Erne, while "Jimmy" Colville, of Boston, performed a similar service for Dixon. Erne had a decided advantage in height.

Dixon missed many times in the first round, owing to Erne's good defence. The colored boy, however, got home several good body and face blows, and received two stiff left hand counters.

Dixon was very aggressive in the second round, and scored repeatedly on the face and body with both hands, while Erne only landed two good blows. A left hand swing caused Erne's right ear to swell and bleed.

The third round was in Erne's favor. He cut out the work, and outpointed Dixon two to one. The fourth round was also in Erne's favor, the Buffalo boy landing hard and often and getting away without returns.

DIXON HAS THE ADVANTAGE.

In the fifth round Dixon braced himself and fought nobly, smashing Erne right and left. The sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth rounds favored the champion. He chased Erne all around the ring, hitting him almost when and where he pleased. Once he sent Erne reeling toward the ropes, the result of a right hand smash on the jaw, and again he doubled him up with a left hand body blow.

1908-12-08 Jim Driscoll W-TKO11 Charlie Griffin (Boston, MA, USA)

1908-12-09 The Boston Journal (Boston, MA) (page 9)

DRISCOLL KNOCKS OUT GRIFFIN IN THE 11TH AT ARMORY A.A.
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Bout Between the English and Australian Champions Was Fast and Scientific--Young Jack Johnson Wins Colored Lightweight Championship.
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Jem Driscoll of England knocked out Charley Griffin of Australia in the eleventh round of their bout at the Armory A. A. last night.

Had the bout gone the limit Driscoll would have received the referee's award, as he had the Australian outpointed in at least eight of the twelve rounds. As a scientific boxer Driscoll's equal has never been seen in Boston. The Englishman was never in danger, and during the entire contest never wasted a blow.

Griffin, while defeated, put up a game exhibition, and was far from outclassed. In the eleventh round, when the knockout occurred, Griffin started in well, but after missing several swings, Driscoll sailed into the Australian, and with a righthand swing to the jaw had him on his knees for a count of four. Griffin struggled to his feet and fought back wildly, but the Englishman soon had him against the ropes in a helpless condition.

Griffin Goes Fuzzy-Wuzzy.

A left blow to the stomach, followed by a right smash to the jaw, sent Griffin down and out. The Australian was not absolutely helpless, but could not get to his feet before the fatal ten was counted.

In the opening round Griffin started like a whirlwind, with Driscoll entirely on the defensive sizing up his man. Most of Griffin's blows went wild and Griffim seemed content to see what the Australian would offer. In the second round Griffin continued his offensive tactics, the Englishman evading his blows and waiting an opportunity to get in a punch that would count.

These same tactics were pursued in the third round, and at the end of that session it looked as if the Australian had more than an even chance.

Driscoll Gets in the Game.

In the fourth round Driscoll showed some of the marvelous work that brought home the victories over Matty Baldwin and Grover Hayes. With right and left smashes to the jaw he had Griffin wabbly at the end of the round, and Charley was in bad shape when he took his corner.

In the fifth round both men slipped to the floor, and on resuming their feet Griffin made a fair showing, but Driscoll came back strong at the finish and the round was his. The sixth round was a repetition of the fifth, the only signs of punishment being a slight nose-bleed that Griffin had suffered during the three preceding rounds.

Griffin made his best showing in the eighth round: two body punches seemed to weaken Driscoll in this period and a right swing to the eye caused a lump to raise on the cheek of the Englishman.

Australian Rallies.

In the ninth round Driscoll landed three right swings in succession and a hard left to the face. Griffin was apparently weakening. In the tenth, and next to the last round of the fight, Griffin made a wonderful rally. He fought the Englishman to the ropes and made the Briton show all his heralded cleverness in getting out of tight places. The members of the club gave the Australian a grand reception as he returned to his corner.

In the eleventh and last round of the bout Driscoll went at his man as already described, and while the Australian was game to the core he could not withstand the onslaught and went down to defeat but far from disgraced.

Baldwin's Challenge.

Matty Baldwin of Charlestown, who was defeated by Driscoll in New York, was introduced and challenged the winner of the bout.

In the semi-final Young Limerick of Haverhill defeated Jim McCullough of Belfast, Ireland, in two rounds. The Irishman never had a look-in. In the tournament for the colored lightweight championship, Young Jack Johnson knocked out Young Slater in three rounds. Jack Henderson and Young Gibbs were disposed of in the preliminaries.

1904-05-14 Charles (Kid) McCoy ND6 Philadelphia Jack O'Brien (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

1904-05-15 The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) (page 14)

M'COY AND O'BRIEN PUT UP A FAKE
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TWO PAST MASTERS OF THE FIGHTING GAME HAND OUT REAL COLD THING---FOR SIX ROUNDS THEY TRY TO ENTERTAIN A CROWD WITH THEIR CUTE STUNTS
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Kid McCoy and Jack O'Brien handed the public a raw fake at the Second Regiment Armory last night. In the afternoon the principals had a squabble over the referee. O'Brien said that he would have H. C. Crowhurst or no one would.

Mr. McCoy said nay, nay; that if there was to be anything doing, a New York man would have to referee. Mr. O'Brien got back just as stoutly that unless one of three gentlemen refereed--Wm. H. Rocap, Ernest H. Crowhurst or H. C. Crowhurst--he would not permit the doors of the armory to be opened, and that the purchasers of the tickets would be refunded their money.

That ought to hold you awhile, shouldn't it--particularly if you weren't on to the merry boxing game. Now, as a matter of fact, this was that much guff, given out for chump consumption.

That part of the spectacular demonstration being over, there was nothing to do but to await the arrival of the suckers at the armory. After the preliminaries had been disposed of a number of distinguished fistic lights introduced, and a thousand dollar bank roll appertaining to Hereford had been flashed, everything was in readiness for the barney. But the principals came not.

In order to carry out the fake which began at the Scott House in the afternoon, some one caused it to be bruited about that they were still clashing over the referee proposition.

Did anyone ever hear of a championship fight being pulled off without the referee being named until the very hour set for the contestants to appear in the ring?

The names of Billy Rocap and Lew Bailey were mentioned--that was done to carry out the idea that there was a real clash between the principals. Finally, however, Mr. Bert Crowhurst entered the ring, and the stars began the work of adjusting their gloves. Even here the farce was not stopped. O'Brien yelled over to Billy McCarney, "Watch him, Billy." Whether Jack thought Norman would surreptitiously slide a few horse shoes in his gloves was not revealed. Anyhow, it sounded well, and might have fooled a few farmers.

Then the referee announced the conditions under which the gents were to go through their stunts, coupled with the statement that he had been requested to take no notice of sponges or towels, or any other foreign article of commerce that might be injected into the ring.

The name of the gentleman who suggested this was not revealed, but there are good and substantial reasons for believing that his initials are "K. McC."

Then they were off to the rawest barney ever perpetrated in this town, barring the affair in which Peter Maher and Tom Sharkey were mixed up in at Industrial Hall. But as Peter and Thomas had a chance to go to jail had they resorted to strenuous tactics, they cane be let out personally.

There was a lively exhibition of footwork and there was a lovely exhibition of not trying to hit. There were clinches galore, and there was hugging galore. The punches that never landed would have worn out a cash register had there been any attempt to count them. There were lovely little conversations in the middle of the ring; there was, in fact, a little bit of everything except simon-pure, honest, on-the-level boxing. The spectators took things good-naturedly until the middle of the third round. Then they commenced a little good-natured peering. They knew what they were getting, but they did not want to really admit that they were kicking over it, although they couldn't honestly confess that they liked it.

Beginning with the fourth, however, they had to admit that their stomachs were rebelling, and from that on to the finish there was a continuous but dignified round of disapproval. As soon as the sixth round started, and there being no signs of improvement on the part of the stars, many of the spectators started for the door.

And another boxing barney had passed into history.

Under the conditions of the agreement made between Messrs. Le Cato and McCoy, the latter was to receive a guarantee of $2000, with the privilege of thirty-five per cent. of the receipts. Outside of the fact that he agreed to weigh not more than 158 pounds at three o'clock on the afternoon of the contest there were no other stipulations.

Just Before the Fight

In the preliminary bouts Kid Gilbert and Joe Smith opened the milling with a fairly fast go. Gilbert was too big for his opponent, and had all the better of the milling. In the other bout Fred McFadden and Fred Nanauch went the limit in six rather tame rounds.

There were the inevitable presentations. Jimmy Britt, who obtained a decision over Young Corbett, was the first to the effect that he had defeated Corbett on the level, and that if given the opportunity he would win so decisively that there would be no chance for two opinions. To make good what he said he declared that he would meet no one until after he had settled his difference with Corbett.

Then Eddie Hanlon was introduced as a young gentleman who was anxious to meet Corbett, McGovern or Britt. Then Mr. Schlichter, on behalf of Al Hereford, projected himself into prominence, swinging $1000 in real money to bind a match with Britt for the lightweight championship at 133 pounds, weigh in at the ringside. This brought forth the answer from Britt that he was a featherweight, not a lightweight. Al Hereford, who was in bad voice, observed that Britt had been perfectly willing to meet Gans in California under the same conditions.

Marvin Hart was introduced as a heavy weight willing to meet any one in his class. Genial Sam Harris, introduced by the equally genial Lew Bailey as "Sammy Harris," did not have much to say, but it was to the point. He was prepared to match Terry against Britt, Hanlon or Corbett under any conditions that either of those gents might suggest, and as an inducement to anyone of them who thought he had a cinch he (Harris) would bet anyone or all of them to a standstill on the result.

1889-02-26 Joe Choynski W-KO14 Frank Glover (San Francisco, CA, USA)

1889-02-27 Daily Alta California (San Francisco, CA) (page 8)

GLOVER DEFEATED.
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Joe Choyinski Defeats Frank Glover in Fourteen Rounds.
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THE MEMBERS' TICKET ELECTED.
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A Game Fight Made by the Chicago Stock-Yards Man, But the Candy-Puller's Reach Was Too Long.
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The rooms of the California Athletic Club were packed last evening to witness the glove contest to a finish between Joe Choyinski of San Francisco and Frank Glover of Chicago, for a purse of$1250--$1000 to the winner and $250 to the loser. The men have been in active training for the past eight weeks, Glover at Berkeley and Choyinski at Joe Dieves' on the San Leandro road. The men weighed in last evening, Glover weighing 170 pounds and Choyinski 163 pounds. Prior to the event of the evening there was a ten-round contest between Sam Fitzpatrick (the Australian Comet) and Tom Ward, a late arrival from the north, who claims to have defeated Mike Brennan, the Port Costa Giant, in thirteen rounds. Fitzpatrick had the advantage throughout the ten rounds, but very little punishment was given. Billy Jordan, the referee, announced that it was impossible to decide this contest unless it was to a finish, as the gloves were too large, and he would, therefore, call the contest a draw as both men were good ones.

The next event was a three-round boxing bout between William Keneally of the Olympic Club and Ed Lynch of the San Francisco Club, and proved to be an exciting and interesting set-to, Keneally having the best of the first round, Lynch the second and the honors divided in the third.

After fifteen minutes' intermission, the event of the evening was announced, and Frank Glover made his appearance with his seconds, Billy Delaney and Jim Carr, and took the same corner that he occupied during his fight with Joe McAuliffe, but he lost it in the toss-up for corners. Joe Choyinski followed a few seconds later and was attended by Tom Meadows and Ed Greaney. Frank Crockett and J. Landringen acted as time-keepers for the men and Director Gibbs for the club. H. B. Cook acted as referee.

During the time the seconds were adjusting the gloves many bets were made on the result, Glover being the favorite. A pool of $800 to $400 was taken, Jack Hallinan, Ed Foster and others taking the short end. It was ten minutes to 10 when the men were ordered to shake hands and time was called.

Round one--Glover was the first to lead with his left, catching Joe lightly on the neck. Joe countered, but fell short, both men sparring cautiously until time was called.

Round two--Joe was the first to lead in this round, and got home on Glover's wind with his left. Glover now worked Joe into the corner and made an attempt to smash him, but the latter ducked cleverly. Glover then swung his right at Joe's neck, and again the latter ducked, getting back at Glover's face with both right and left.

Round three--Joe got in a stab with his left on Glover's face, and followed it up with a right-hander, knocking the latter down; Glover, upon arising, tried his rushing tactics, and got in several blows, but Joe was cool and stood him off.

Round four--The men used up the time with light sparring. Glover getting in a good one on Joe's nose toward the close of the round.

Round five--Glover opened this round by tapping Joe in the face, when the latter rushed Glover to the ring side, punishing him in the face with both right and left; the men clinched on the ropes, and both fell to the floor. When they got up Joe again rushed at him and forced him into his (Glover's) corner, but he ducked and got out. Glover was groggy, but Joe was afraid to press matters until he had stabbed him several times with his left. He followed this up by rushing him into his corner again, and would have ended matters there, but the gong rang, and this is all that saved Glover from defeat in the round.

Rounds six and seven--Both men rested after the lively bout in the fifth round, and but little hitting was done.

Round eight--Joe let Glover do the fighting in this round, and took the blows with an indifferent air.

Rounds nine and ten--Joe came up full of confidence in these rounds, punishing Glover in the mouth and eyes with repeated stabs of the Jackson stripe, and forcing him to the ropes, holding him there and giving it to him with both right and left full in the face, Glover going to his corner bleeding freely.

Round eleven--Glover seemed to be stronger in this round than in any during the contest. He got in three repeaters in succession on Joe's neck, and followed it up by one in the wind. It looked now as if Joe was exhausted and the turning point in Glover's favor had arrived.

Round twelve--Glover got home with his right on Joe's ear, and made a swing with his left for Joe's neck, but the latter ducked and Glover went bang against the ropes. Both men showed signs of weakness, and Glover, while retreating, ducked his head, but Joe failed to get in an upper cut that was open to him.

Round thirteen--Glover got in a swinging right on Joe's neck and smiled with satisfaction; but what a smile! It even made Joe smile to see such a face as Glover presented. The round closed with both men sparring lightly.

Round fourteen--Glover reached for Joe's neck on the opening of this round, but fell short. Joe again tried the stabbing, and Glover, in stepping back to avoid the punishment, slipped to the floor, striking his head. When he got up he was groggy and Joe forced matters, beating Glover to the floor. Glover, however, was game and got up. Joe went for him again, and both men went to the floor, where Glover clasped Joe and tried to hold him there. Joe wriggled away and Glover followed suit. Joe now rushed Glover and both men fought desperately, Glover going down four times in succession. Upon getting up for the fifth time Joe sent in a right-hander that caught Glover square in the face, knocking him through the ropes, his head striking the iron railing which is about two feet from the ropes, where he remained in an unconscious condition and finally had to be carried to his dressing room.

The annual election of officers resulted in the choice of the following: President, L. R. Fulda; Vice-President, R. B. Mitchell; Secretary, Frank Vernon; Treasurer, J. D. Gibbs; Directors--J. F. Dally, W. R. Vice, Edward Fay, John Ferguson, F. McLaughlin, George Roes, George L. Fish.

1917-02-13 Jack Dempsey L-KO1 Fireman Jim Flynn (Murray, UT, USA)

1917-02-14 Deseret Evening News (Salt Lake City, UT) (page 10)

FLYNN GETS KNOCKOUT OVER JACK DEMPSEY
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Officers at Ringside Make No Effort to Enforce Law--Juveniles Allowed in Preliminary--Firemen Duped by Promoters--Staged as "Benefit."
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In violation of the state statute the Jim Flynn-Jack Dempsey prize fight was staged last night in Murray, ending in a knockout when Flynn landed a terrific left to his opponent's jaw in the first round after 25 seconds of fierce fighting. Dempsey was insensible for several minutes and when brought back from the land of nod he evidently thought he was still in the prize ring and attempted to slug his seconds.

Several officers sat at the ringside but took no steps to interfere, or make arrests immediately following the knockout. When two boys appeared in the ring as a preliminary, the crowd of fight fans yelled and shouted to them to go in for a knockout. The officers made no effort to prevent this bout as a preliminary but it is understood that the matter is being investigated by the juvenile court officers and some action is expected.

Fireman Are Duped.

The Murray fire department was given a guarantee of $250 by the promoters to be allowed to use its name in pulling off the fight as a "benefit." The gate receipts amounted to approximately $5,000, the promoters getting away with all but the $250. The Murray firemen realize this morning that they have been "buncoed" again and John Rens, head of the water system, and a fireman, says "never again." The prizefight was opposed by a great many citizens of Murray because they were aware that the volunteer fireman association was being "duped" once more and would receive only a pittance for allowing the affair to be pulled off under its name.

Fred Winsor was the chief promoter. Billy Roche represented Flynn and A. J. Auerbach represented Dempsey. Before the fighters entered the ring, the gate receipts were split after considerable wrangling, but those connected with the affair will not say who got the big end of the money. It is understood, however, that Flynn's demands were met and when he got into the ring he cut loose for a knockout, outclassing his opponent in every respect.

During the time the men had been in the ring after shaking hands, Dempsey was hit twice on the left side of the head and twice on the right and the finish punch which closed the short but brutal contest between two giants.

After being hit twice, Dempsey appeared dazed and he was helpless as a baby against the final rain of blows. Dempsey appeared ready to do battle at the opening gong and rushed in with all his speed, but the hammer punches ended his aspirations to finish a winner.

Flynn himself has received a brutal beating like he administered last night. In a battle with Joe Wolcott a negro in San Francisco, Wolcott delivered one punch, which put Flynn out.

Boys Allowed in Ring.

Johnny and Alex Bratton, nine year old twins, appeared in a preliminary bout. The boys fought in the same ring as the heavyweights. They fought and slugged away but being equipped with soft gloves neither was hurt, but despite this, there was the spirit of the occasion present and the thousands of fight rooters cheered loudly as though the boys were heavyweights.

Charlie McGillis boxed Ern Wright three fast rounds. Neither did much damage. Much delay was caused previous to the main bout because one of the fighters had to discuss financial arrangements with his manager. This caused many fans to become disgusted.

Officials Evade Issue.

County Attorney Richard Hartley today said he did not attend the affair in Murray last night and he had not been advised as to the facts. In the absence of evidence he said he could give no opinion as to whether or not the law was violated.

Sheriff John S. Corless said that while he was not there himself a number of his deputies were. The sheriff said he had instructed his men to stop the fight if it became brutal or if it assumed the phase of a prize fight in violation of the law. The reports he had received were to the effect that the affair was over so soon that there was no time to decide as to the merits of the contest and his deputies had told him they had no time to take action. Whether or not it was an infraction of the law he was unable to judge.


1917-02-14 Salt Lake Telegram (Salt Lake City, UT) (page S2)

J. DEMPSEY FORGETS TO DUCK.
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Jack Dempsey Lasts About Twenty-five Seconds Before Veteran Jim Flynn in Bout
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It was the thirteenth day of the month and Jack Dempsey forgot to duck.

The "pride of Utah" will therefore have ample reason to shy at the baker's dozen day in the future for he lasted just about twenty-five seconds before Jim Flynn at Murray last night. A right hook square on the chin apparently sent Dempsey to the place where the birdies sing and it was curtains.

Jim Flynn learned this little trick from a dusky hued battler by the name of Langford and Jack wasn't wise to it or he was so far engrossed in his financial affairs that he failed to remember it. It was one of the shortest mills on Jim Flynn's record. In fact there is but one of shorter duration that we can remember--the time Sam Langford dropped Jim with a punch. Now, if Jack will but memorize, learn, master and cultivate his little stunt as Jim did after sad experience, he may still have a chance for he can always have old man Flynn before him as a living example.

Kidding seriously--Jack Dempsey learned something last night. He should have learned a lot. This idea of stalling into the start as has always been his style, may be all to the merry when toying with a Young Hector or a "Boston Tar Baby," but it should be placed into the grip when battling against a wise old master with a wallop such as Jim Flynn packs around in his right coat sleeve.

After a whole lot of unnecessary delay, both fighters finally entered the ring somewhere nearer midnight than 9 o'clock and much to the discomfiture of the audience and, apparently, themselves as well, Jack forgot to shake hands, but Flynn insisted on this little formality, all of which took up about five seconds. Jack rushed at Dempsey as if he, too, had a last car to catch. Jack bent over and covered up. Flynn rushed again. In fact he tore into the local man, pushed him into position with one hand and laced him with the other. Dempsey acted as if he might be content to let well enough alone, perhaps in the hope that Flynn might tire, step back or finally give him a chance to straighten up. Dempsey did not appear to be in any distress, at any rate. Then came the end like a flash. With Dempsey still bent over and walking toward Flynn, both forearms and gloves covering his face, Flynn rushed again. The Pueblo battler gave Dempsey's head a quick shove toward his right and sent a short right hand hook through De
mpsey's guard and straight to the point of the chin. He stepped back at the same instant and Jack went down face first in his gloves. It was all done in a flash, but those close to the west side of the ring could plainly see the punch and all grabbed their hats and coats for the bout was over before it had gotten started.

Dempsey entered the ring as if scared out of his wits and shook like a leaf as the seconds were putting on his gloves. No one realized this any more than Flynn did and the latter was not slow to take advantage of it.

The entire show was again marred by too much delay and senseless argument. It did not set well with the fans and surely did the Murray game no good. It is difficult to fix the blame for the hour or more of delay before the main event, but Promoter Fred Winsor states it was a wrangle between one of the fighters and his manager had something over which he had no control. It was bad at any rate.

Kid Egan and Slim Murphy put on a punk four-round preliminary, but even this might have been forgotten, but for the big delay later on. The Bratton twins boxed three rounds as if they meant it. It was the best showing they have ever made before an audience and they were well rewarded with a silver shower from the fans. Charley McGillis and Erne Wright boxed three rounds to do the promoters a good turn and drown out the complaints from the crowd. Two firemen from Murray did likewise.

Frank Armstrong refereed the "big" bout and Erne Wright acted in that capacity for the prelims.


1917-02-14 The Ogden Standard (Ogden, UT) (page 2)

DEMPSEY FLOORED BY JIM FLYNN
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'Knockout Drop' Comes in Twenty Seconds--Dempsey Gets No Chance at Pueblo Man.
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Salt Lake, Feb. 14.--Exit Dempsey! A "one-two" to the jaw was about all there was to the much-advertised battle at Murray last night. There was only one redeeming feature to the entire bout, and that was the fact that the dope books will carry down to posterity the information that Jim Flynn was engaged in one of the shortest bouts in history. The contest lasted twenty seconds and in that time Jack Dempsey never laid his glove on the "Pueblo trial horse." The men shook hands, Flynn put his head down and bored in. He got a left to Dempsey's face and had the local boy covering up and not knowing what to do. As Jack dropped his guard from his chin and peeked out, Jim put a right swing to the local boy's jaw, followed quickly with a right to the same spot, and Referee Ralph Armstrong counted ten. It was all over except hauling the "local pride" to his corner.

The entire show was handled in a way which has been characteristic in this vicinity for some time, the promoters "working" the public to a finish. There was the usual football rush to get in the single door to the hall--a good center rusher was sure of getting in--others had to sneak in.

The first preliminary between "Slim" Warden and Carl Ulgren went the scheduled four rounds to a draw. Neither man showed even curtain-raiser class.

The Bratten twins, Aleck and John, aged 10 years, put on three one-minute rounds which caused plenty of mirth and showed the crowd what kids can do when given an opportunity.

Then there was the long, lonesome heartbreaking wait of one whole hour, sixty weary minutes with nothing to do but drink soda pop and peddle chin goods. To break the monotony, after thirty minutes of waiting, two of the Murray firemen climbed into the ring and put up three rounds of good amateur milling. Another wait for fifteen minutes, and Ern Wright of Murray, who had refereed the preliminaries, put on the mitts and uttered a defi. One "Chick" McGillis, former boxer, stepped into the squared circle and donned the other pair. It was a draw, but McGillis crushed in his white collar, mussed his necktie and dirtied his cuffs, while Ern lost the part in his hair.

At the end of an hour the cheapest fiasco ever pulled in this locality was commenced. The next business man who surrenders real money to take in a bout "close in" will certainly demand that he get at least half his money's worth in preliminaries.

1919-11-17 Benny Leonard W-TKO2 Lockport Jimmy Duffy (Tulsa, OK, USA)

1919-11-18 Tulsa Daily World (Tulsa, OK) (pages 1, 2, 8)

Spectators Lose the Decision in 'Lightweight Championship' Go
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The story of Monday night's "championship bout" at convention hall is quickly told.

It was rotten.

In some respects the affair was up to the press notices.

No other city in the world has had the opportunity of seeing Champion Benny Leonard risk his title in a 15-round battle--at about $11 an opportunity.

It was a remarkable exhibition of fistic prowess--was this round and a half hesitation.

If Duffy is a fighter, San Francisco boy is full of grape juice.

Mr Leonard had a desire to fight apparently, but he had no competition. Mr Duffy, who claims decisions over boxers like Ted Lewis, Freddie Welsh and Jack Britton, would have been easy for either of the semi-windup fighters.

Even Leonard was disgusted with the feeble attempts of Duffy. He knocked the poor dub down six times in less than five minutes--and each time Duffey dropped forward on his hand and knees. Once he sat down while the referee counted. Ordinarily a man knocked down is laid on his back. Maybe he was dazed and forgot the proper method of registering "knockout."

When "Choc" Is Spilled.

The first preliminary was stopped in the first round because neither of the small boys knew how to handle their gloves.

The second preliminary was stopped in the second round when the referee chased the combatants from the ring.

The third preliminary featured Kid Spack and a boy named "Choc" in a two-round sketch which was brought to a sudden termination when "Choc" was spilled.

The semi-windup wasn't so bad. It might have been worth a dollar ringside--provided the promoter paid the war tax. Fleming couldn't hit and Nurdin couldn't box so it was fairly even but not very interesting.

One report is that Duffy is a union fighter and refused to go on when he learned that Leonard was not a member of the Amalgamated Association for the Soaking of the Public.

Another is that he was scared stiff.

There are others less charitable.

The promoter and managers who have been quite voluble for the past two weeks, had nothing to say last night.

The receipts have been disbursed and the managers have no complaint.

Some 3,000 spectators are thoroughly disgusted. The management did not announce a "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back" polley. If it had there wouldn't have been coin enough left in the box office to pay for the stage electrician.

There wasn't any stage electrician.

The Affair by Rounds.

For two hours after the fiasco complaints poured into The World office--personally and by telephone. Some were almost threats.

All agreed that the affair was a frost.

Some hero worshippers paid good money for a glimpse of the champion.

Others saw him in the hotel lobby.

But about the fight itself--here is the account by rounds.

Round One--Leonard came out fast. Duffy went down the same way. The referee counted seven. Leonard came in fast. Duffy went down the same way. The referee counted seven. Same as last three sentences. Bell.

(Two thousand of the fans are putting on their overcoats.)

Round Two--Duffy is sticking his tongue out at Leonard. Duffy sits down for a short interval while the referee counts nine. Leonard seems puzzled that he will neither flop nor fight. Duffy down again--dreaming of the gate receipts. The referee is tiring fast. Duffy goes down again. The crowd is leaving. The exhausted referee carries Duffy--unhonored and unsung--to his corner where he imagines he is once more picking daisies on the banks of the canal at Lockport.

Some of the fans by this time have reached Main street. The others leave muttering to themselves. The loyal and disgusted citizens who have made Tulsa the best boxing town in the southwest are quoting lines from Edgar Allan Poe's masterpiece "The Raven."

It runs something like this:

"NEVERMORE."

---

Roped in the Arena

Famous flops: The jitney and Duffy.
--
Somebody said "It reminds me of the Doing of the Duffs'."
--
Even at that it might have been better to "duck and lose than never to have ducked at all."
--
A famous showman by the name of Barnum once said something. They were all there last night.
--
Famous Jimmys' Duffy and the little pet instrument of the burglar.

---

"HOAXED" AND "NEVER AGAIN," DECLARES TULSA FANDOM
----------
Referee Stops "Title" Fight After Four Minutes in Ring
------
Duffy, Afraid or Unable to Fight, Knocked Down Six Times.
------
LEONARD IS NOT TO BLAME
------
Champion Declared Duffy Was Stalling After First Knock-Down.
------
By LARRY DAILEY.

Hoaxed! Never again! These and similar other expressions indicate the deep disgust that Tulsa and southwestern boxing fans who had paid fancy prices to see Benny Leonard defend his crown against Jimmy Duffy at convention hall last night, before the Tulsa Sporting club. John J. Reisler, promoter, feels Duffy, either under the influence of fear or some other power went down four times in the first round, staying down for the count of eight three times. In the second round he went down for eight counts after 26 seconds had been consumed. When he went down for the sixth time within four minutes, Referee William 'Kid' McPartland stopped the farce.

Too surprised and disgusted with Duffy's inability of refusal to even attempt to fight, the hundreds of spectators gave vent to their outraged feelings with silence standing without a word until Leonard and Duffy had gone to their dressing rooms.

Duffy Was Dazed.

Duffy appeared dazed, even before the milling started. After the announcer had called his name, he hesitated before acknowledging the introduction. After the bout he sat in his corner with eyes fixed unseeingly ahead.

Champion Leonard came from his corner fast and tapped Duffy several times before the latter covered up. Benny shot over a right cross to Duffy, sending Jimmy to the floor for the count of eight. After Duffy had gone down the third time in the first round, Leonard looked toward Billy Gibson, his manager, and others in his corner and said, "he's stalling."

Whether Duffy was stalling or unable to fight, will, of course probably never be known. But Benny Leonard must be absolved from all blame. It wasn't the champion's fault that last night's fiasco was one of the rawest deals ever pulled in boxing annals in Tulsa and that the game, which has thrived so well here, received a severe jolt from that fiasco. Leonard is a great and popular champion. Too great to be connected with last night's disgraceful affair.

My Apologies to Fans.

Lockport Jimmy Duffy has an impressive record. Last night's bout here was widely touted by sporting writers throughout the country, New York scribes giving it much space. The Central Press news service sent out a long story on the fight with a two-column picture of Duffy and Leonard, by N. E. Brown. From the word of these writers and Duffy's previous record, coupled with the desire to do all possible to "boost" sport and Tulsa, which a real championship fight undeniably does, I wrote several columns on the bout, really believing it should at least be a good fight and that I was doing Tulsa a service. To the boxing fans of Tulsa, I most sincerely apologize for those articles. And I am in accord with you in your declaration of "hoax" and "never again." Let us have no more high priced boxing matches if they are of the sort of last night. Better the coming boys who at least are willing than a ham either too old or unable to fight.

Carl Fleming of Tulsa and Frankey Nurdin of Drumright were given a draw by Referee Corrigan in the eight-round semi-windup. Nurdin took the lead in the early rounds, sending Carl to the floor for the count of three in the first frame. Fleming's gameness and stamina enabled him to make a splendid finish. Nurdin is a clever, clean boxing boy and had the edge on Fleming in the opinion of the writer.

Kid Spack, Tulsa newsboy, showed splendidly in his first appearance in a Tulsa ring in nearly a year stopping Kid Stark, a husky youth, in two rounds.

1889-08-27 Jack Dempsey L-KO32 George LaBlanche (San Francisco, CA, USA)

1889-08-28 Daily Alta California (San Francisco, CA) (page 8)

DEMPSEY'S DOWNFALL.
------
After Scoring Fifty Victories the Nonpareil is Defeated.
------
KNOCKED OUT BY LA BLANCHE.
------
The Laurel Wreath Wrested from the Champion Middle-Weight in the Thirty-first Round.
------

The new exhibition hall of the California Athletic Club (formerly Armory Hall) located directly opposite the gymnasium of the club, was crowded to its utmost seating capacity last evening, there being fully 1600 persons present to witness the contest between Jack Dempsey and George La Blanche, two of the cleverest middle-weights in the world to-day, for a purse of $5500, the loser to take the $500. These two men had met about two years ago and fought one of the hardest battles of thirteen rounds on record. The fight was for the middle-weight championship of the world and the diamond belt presented by the Police Gazette of New York, which belt was held by La Blanche up to the time of his defeat by the "Nonpareil." The belt has been on exhibition in a Grant avenue tailoring establishment for the past week and has attracted considerable attention. The phenomenal success of the California Athletic Club and its increase in membership, compelled the Directors to seek larger quarters for their monthly exhibitions, and in securing Armory Hall the club adds another peg in the ladder of success, the seats being well arranged and built on the incline running from the north and south sides of the ring, which is thirty-two feet square and elevated from the floor about four feet. There is a gallery in the north end capable of seating about 300 persons, and in the south end private boxes, which will hold several hundred. The reporters' stand is located in a gallery on the east side of the ring, and was built expressly for members of the press, and to the credit of the Directors none others were admitted. Directly opposite, and on the west side of the ring, an elevated gallery has been erected for the time-keepers, and directly over their heads, and in full view of every person, is the dial which points to the expiration of the three minutes fighting time and the one minute rest, according to the Marquis of Queensberry rules.

Prior to the great event of the evening and precisely at 8 o'clock, Billy Jordan, the master of ceremonies, together with Billy Dacey, a clever light-weight of New York, and Jack De Lancy, his friend and companion, made their appearance and boxed four lively rounds. Billy McCarthy and Joe Choynski followed, Choynski going down in the second round and sliding on his ear under the ropes, filling the ear with resin. Gus Brown and Young Frenchy came next and gave a very amusing set-to of four rounds, Brown holding his own with Frenchy. It was 9:25 when Denny Costigan, Dempsey's second, made his appearance on the stage, followed by George La Blanche and Jack Dempsey. After some talk about the gloves, the dispute was settled by a toss-up, Dempsey winning. La Blanche was seconded by John Donaldson of Minneapolis and Paddy Gorman, the Australian, while Denny Costigan and Ed. Campbell of Oregon looked after Dempsey. C. C. Coleman acted as timekeeper for the club, while Ed. Graney looked after La Blanche's interests and Mr. Luxe Dempsey's. H. B. Cook acted as referee. At 9:36 the men shook hands and time was called.

First round--Dempsey came up, pulling up his trunks, and facing La Blanche, smiled at him. After a few seconds' sparring La Blanche was the first to lead, with his left, Dempsey stepping back, and the blow tapping Dempsey's shoulder. The men clinched at the ring side, after La Blanche had worked Dempsey into a corner. Dempsey worked himself out with a poke with his left on La Blanche's face. La Blanche worked Dempsey again into a corner, and swinging his right, caught the "Nonpareil" around the neck, throwing him to the floor, Dempsey going down on one knee.

In the second round Dempsey punished La Blanche about the face with his left. La Blanche forced the fight, Dempsey ducking and La Blanche going to the floor in Dempsey's corner.

From the third to the fifth round the men fought desperately, Dempsey punishing La Blanche about the face and eyes. During the latter round La Blanche swung Dempsey to the floor. Hisses were given for the Marine.

In the sixth round La Blanche grabbed Dempsey during a clinch and lifted him from the floor. The referee now cautioned the men for the first time. Dempsey continued to punish the Marine about the nose and eyes with his left.

During a clinch in the seventh round Dempsey hit the Marine in the mouth, the latter spitting blood.

In the eighth round La Blanche got in a heavy blow on Dempsey's ear as they were breaking away, causing Dempsey to run around the ring with his hand to that organ. La Blanche was hissed again, but followed Dempsey, who smiled and said: "Come on."

In the ninth round La Blanche swung Dempsey to the floor.

In the tenth round La Blanche, who had Dempsey against the ropes when the gong rang, hit him in the face. This riled Dempsey and he fought back desperately. La Blanche turned to go to his corner, followed by Dempsey, who wanted to go at him in any shape, but was sent back to his corner by the referee.

From the tenth to the eighteenth round both men fought desperately, Dempsey punishing La Blanche about the eyes, his left being nearly closed. La Blanche got in on Dempsey's face and nose several times toward the end of the latter round. Dempsey caught La Blanche square under the chin with his left, sending him to the floor. When he got up the gong rang.

From the nineteenth to the twenty-third round was a repetition of the former rounds. Dempsey in the twenty-third round swung the Marine to the floor.

From the twenty-fourth to the twenty-ninth round Dempsey continued to stab the Marine in the face, the latter rushing and being cleverly stopped by the Nonpareil's left. Dempsey hit the Marine a little low down and was cautioned by the referee. La Blanche rushed at Dempsey, getting home on Dempsey's wind, the latter going to the floor. Just before the gong rang Dempsey got in on the Marine's face with both right and left, the Marine slipping to the floor.

In the thirtieth round Dempsey got home heavily on the Marine's wind and punched him in the face, but the punishment did not seem to affect the Marine.

In the thirty-first and last round Dempsey sent in a good one with his left that found a place on the Marine's nose. Dempsey got the Marine into the latter's corner and gave it to him with right and left handers. The Marine worked out of the corner and facing Dempsey, led at him but fell short. Dempsey countered and the Marine retreated and, whirling suddenly around, caught Dempsey square on the nose in the same manner that Jimmy Carroll caught Blakelock. It was the first time this kind of tactics has been introduced into the California Club. The blow brought Dempsey face forward to the floor, striking his nose heavily, which started to bleed. The timekeepers were counting the seconds and had reached seven when Costigan shouted, "Get up, Jack." Dempsey raised himself to his knees and raised his arms in the air and looked around dazed. He was in the act of getting up when the referee announced "out." Dempsey arose, and staggering to the ring side, grabbed the ropes for support, saying, "Fight on;" but La Blanche had heard the decision, and was the winner of the $5000 purse, but not the middleweight championship, as that has to be fought according to London prize ring rules. Dempsey takes the short end--$500--and many of his friends are in the same boat. Many thousands of dollars changed hands, not alone in the Coast, but in the East.

1904-12-01 Jack Blackburn ND6 Joe Grim (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

1904-12-02 The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) (page 10)

JO-A DE GRIM IS-A ALL TO DE GOOD-A; VER-A FINE-A BOY
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Jack Blackburn Make-a de Much Punch on Italo Champo's Face But Grim-a Never Get-a de Cold Foot
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Great Sphagetti! Jo-a Hammer de Africa Man for Two-a Round and de Crowd-a Have-a de Short Spasm of Excitement.
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Joe-a Then Get-a Short of-a de Wind and Spit-a de Gore, But Keep-a de Blackaburn-a on de Hi-yi Till de Sweet-a Bell Tinkle
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By the Count of Little Italy

Jack Blackburn last night made another attempt to stop the human punching bag, Joe Grim, in six rounds, but, like his former effort and that of other fighters, he failed to accomplish his purpose. The bout was the wind up at the Broadway Athletic Club. Joe was just as much on deck when the bell rang for the end of the sixth round as when he stepped forward to shake hands for the beginning of the hostilities. There was, however, quite a change in his appearance after the scrap, but as he had stayed the limit the Italian citizens around the ring yelled themselves hoarse with bravo for "Joe-de Grime."

Grim took enough lacing and punishment to have stopped half a dozen ordinary boxers, but instead of quitting or being knocked out he fought back as savagely in the last three minutes as he did in the first round. Blackburn was relentless in his efforts, but he could not land the punch. He landed any number of wicked straight rights and uppercuts, with a countless number of left jabs, but besides badly damaging Joe's dial and causing the red fluid to flow, the blows did not get to the spot which leads to sleep. Both of Joe's eyes were nearly closed when the bout ended and his lips badly swollen.

Joe surprised the big crowd present by going right at Jack when the first round opened. He never let the colored man have a second, and chased him around the ring with all kinds of punches known only to the redoubtable Italian. Blackburn stopped most of the punches by clever blocking, varying his defensive tactics with ugly short left jabs to Joe's face, which soon had his left eye in trouble. The second round found Joe just as gallus, but he lost some of his steam before the bell rang from the repeated jabs Blackburn landed and several ugly uppercuts which found lodgment on Joe's face.

Grim was the recipient of severe punishment in the third round and he was very much as wildered when the bell rang. Blackburn tried his hardest to stop the hero of Little Italy in this round. Joe made a wonderful brace in the fourth and had the crowd in an uproar by forcing all the milling. Like the first round, he kept after Jack persistently, despite the punishing left jabs which Blackburn continually shoved in his face as he came boring in. Joe was tired, however, when the bell rang. He started the fifth with his characteristic shout of defiance, but before the round ended he was a sorry-looking spectacle. Blackburn nearly closed the right eye with an ugly uppercut early in the round, and had the gore flowing freely from his lips and nose when the round ended. Things looked rather hazy for Joe when he took his corner.

The sixth only witnessed additional punishment for Grim. He accidentally hit Blackburn low and the negro renewed his efforts to stop his opponent before the bout terminated. Grim was so tired and weak he could hardly protect himself, but by gamely facing the punishment he stayed until the bell ended the one sided go.

In the semi wind up Fred Blackburn, brother of Jack, bested Rozy Kernell. Kernell was down three times in the last round.

1904-11-03 Jack Blackburn ND6 Joe Grim (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

1904-11-04 The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) (page 10)

GRIM TAKES A PUNCHING
----
Blackburn Has the Italian Champion Looking Bad in Fifth Round.

Joe Grim took a pounding from the hands of Jack Blackburn last night in the wind-up at the Broadway Athletic Club that he will remember for a long time. The Italian marvel was severely punished in the last two rounds and there were not many spectators in the big crowd who thought Joe would respond for the bell in the sixth. Just after the fifth round opened Blackburn sent Joe to his knees with a short right hand hook, the blow splitting open an ugly cut under the left eye. Grim stayed down for the limit and when he arose the blood was streaming from the cut. He was wobbly on his pins and Blackburn, anxious to accomplish what all other boxers have failed to do, namely a knockout, went after the Italian with a vicious aggressiveness. He punched Joe unmercifully and the pride of Little Italy was a sorry spectacle as he wobbled around the ring covered with his own gore and practically defenseless. It looked as if Joe's time in the ring had come at last and even the police made an attempt to stop the bout.

Before they could get to the ring Joe's old time bravo had appeared and he was jumping around the ring in a tired sort of manner. Blackburn tried hard to stop the human punching bag, but the bell was a timely interferer for Joe and he took his corner looking like an Indian. The minute's rest worked wonders, for when he shook hands his stamina asserted itself. To show that he was as gallus as ever he danced around Blackburn for a few seconds after the round had started. Jack took things rather easy and Joe to the surprise of the crowd cut out the gait. It did not last long, as tired nature asserted itself and Joe fell back to defensive fighting. Jack seemed to let up on his opponent, as he only went after Joe at a slow clip. Joe's punishment was severe but to show that he was as spry he was the first out of the ring when the bell rang.

1907-05-10 Packey McFarland W-PTS10 Maurice Sayers (Milwaukee, WI, USA)

1907-05-11 The Milwaukee Journal (Milwaukee, WI) (page 8)

BOUT A SLOW ONE
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PACKY M'FARLAND WINS OVER SAYERS.
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Milwaukee Lightweight Makes Miserable Showing Against Chicago Stockyards Champion in Windup Bout Before the Badger Club. Steve Kinney Wins Sensational Fight from "Chicken" Duffy.
------

In a disappointing fight Packy McFarland, the Chicago stockyards champion, won a ten-round verdict over Maurice Sayers of Milwaukee in the windup bout before the Badger club last night. Neither fighter displayed any form and the spectators were disgruntled. Sayers fought way below his usual standard, while close followers of the game figured that McFarland did not show anything near the speed that had been anticipated.

The Milwaukee boy contented himself with fighting on the defensive from start to finish and Packy kept after him continuously, turning the bout into a running match for the greater portion of the time. At infighting McFarland was clearly Sayers' master and the local boy never had a chance at this style of gaming. But at the long range milling Sayers showed up strong and had he continued to keep away from his opponent he might have fared better. He also showed considerable cleverness at times. In ruggedness and strength McFarland towered way above Sayers. Packy was entirely too strong and when he roughed it with Sayers the latter invariably got the worst of it. Sayers said after the fight that he was quite weak after the third round and could not get any force behind his blows. Although the weight agreed upon was 133 pounds at 3 o'clock, Sayers weighed in at 129 pounds. He is unable to account for this decrease in weight, as he had trouble in making less than 133 several months ago.

McFarland started off with a rush and in the first two rounds got quite a lead. He continued after Sayers in the third and fourth, but in the latter session Sayers performed better. He used his long left jab with effect and slowed up the Chicagoan considerably. In the fifth Sayers again employed the same tactics and for a time it looked as if he might be able to even up matters, but Packy refused to remain on the defensive and started rushing again with the result that he soon was far in the lead again. After this McFarland carried the fight to his opponent in every minute of the milling and at the conclusion had a big shade over the home boy.

Although the showing of McFarland disappointed quite a few of the fans, it is explained that the running tactics employed by Sayers handicapped him and prevented his best work. Although he is a willing mixer his blows do not appear to have as much steam behind them as has been claimed. He did not hurt Sayers to any extent and he might have his troubles with a more sturdy fighter.

The semi-final was a sensational affair, there being four knockdowns in the first round. In the opening period Steve Kinney and Tommy Duffy, the principals, both let go rights, connecting at the same time, which sent both to the mat. Kinney jumped right up but Duffy took the count of nine and when he arose he was tired, but to the surprise of everybody he again floored Kinney. Then Kinney retaliated and there was another knockdown. Kinney stood the fast pace better than Duffy and when the second session opened he went after his man with a vengeance, the result being that he soon had the Chicago newsboy champion down for the fatal count of ten.

Frank Kuchler, former amateur champion of the M. A. C. did not make a howling success of his first professional bout, Billy Moorehead earning the verdict over him in the third round. Kuchler showed himself to be a game fighter, but displayed poor form while on the defensive.

Young Gardner won over Jerry Nelson after six rounds of fast fighting in the opening contest.

1906-08-09 Harry Lewis L-DQ6 Maurice Sayers (Grand Rapids, MI, USA)

1906-08-10 The Evening Press (Grand Rapids, MI) (page 6)

SAYERS ON A FOUL
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In a Bout in Which Lewis Was Leading.
------
BLOW AN ACCIDENT
------
Elbow Caught the Milwaukeean Very Low.
------
It Was a Great Battle While It Lasted--Troy Won on a Foul Also.
------

In the sixth round, after one minute and thirty-five seconds of battling, Maurice Sayers was declared the winner over Harry Lewis on a foul in the main bout of the boxing show last night. Sayers went to the floor apparently in great agony and was carried to his corner, where Dr. De Cou, the club physician, made an examination and declared that he was suffering from a blow in the groin.

The blow was delivered as the men came together after a rapid fire exchange in which Lewis had all the best of it. The Philadelphian while crouched aimed for the stomach and as the blow glanced off his elbow caught Sayers. The blow did not seem to have great damaging force behind it, but was clearly a foul and Referee Lynch did what any competent referee would do under the circumstances--award the bout to Sayers. It was plainly accidental.

Lewis had all the best of the bout with the exception of the third round, when Sayers landed a good right and left to the jaw. In this round they stood breast to breast, exchanging blow for blow, and the crowd went wild with excitement.

It was a splendid bout while it lasted. Sayers was not the punching bag mark that Briggs proved to be, but showed good defensive ability and cleverness at infighting. His blows, however, lacked steam. Several landed on spots where they might have landed the money with a little more power behind them.

Lewis Was Leading Two to One.

Lewis fought better than he ever fought before in this city and his shifts, cleverness at infighting and hitting power surprised even those who had seen him in action before. He used a left jab and right cross that was so fast that Sayers could not stop it and was leading at least two to one when the end came. It is doubtful whether Sayers could have stayed the ten rounds.

After the foul blow was delivered Referee Lynch counted seven and then stopped, seeing that the Milwaukee man was in a bad way.

Manager Robinson, for Harry Lewis, demanded another examination of Sayers today and it was agreed to. The purse was withheld pending the examination. Sayers refused last night to allow more than the hasty ring examination, but changed his mind when Matchmaker Lynch demanded it before a payment of money was due.

The sudden and unexpected ending caused much discussion and fully half the crowd stayed long after the theater closed and argued the pros and cons. The crowd was pretty well satisfied when it was all over that Lewis was on the road to victory, but had accidently landed a blow which may or may not have hurt badly, but which was without question landed with the elbow below the belt.

The Preliminaries.

Young Wolgast, formerly of Cadillac, was given the decision in a tame four-round preliminary bout because of his aggressiveness and general desire to mix at all times. Ed Smith, his opponent, stalled through the first two rounds and then worked better.

The semi-windup between Young Nelson and Harry Troy was awarded to Troy in the sixth round on a foul, a hit in a clinch, in a bout fought under clean break rules. Young Nelson had been cautioned three times before after hitting the same kind of blows. While the bout lasted it was a warm affair. Nelson led on points, but Troy evened up with a clean knockdown with a left hook to the jaw in the second round.

HE DID NOT WAIT
------
Sayers Goes to Comstock Park and Avoids Another Examination.

Instead of waiting this morning for the examination by three local physicians of the injury occasioned by the foul in the main bout of last night's show, Maurice Sayers and his trainers went to Comstock Park, and were not on hand as ordered by Referee Lynch. The purse money is still held by the club and Manager Lynch declares that it will continue to be held. If Sayers was hurt as badly as he made pretense of being last night, he need not fear the result of an examination.

1915-01-23 Les Darcy L-RTD5 Jeff Smith (Sydney, NSW, Australia)

1915-01-25 The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, NSW) (page 12)

JEFF. SMITH BEATS DARCY.
----
UNSATISFACTORY CONTEST.

The meeting of Jeff. Smith, middle-weight world's champion, and Les. Darcy, the Maitland lad, drew a dense crowd--estimated at 15,000--to Baker's Stadium on Saturday night. Smith weighed 11st 5lb, and his opponent 4lb less. Mr. Harald Baker was referee.

Darcy had slightly the better of the first round. Feinting with his left, he twice crossed the right to the back of Smith's neck, but there was an absence of power in the blows. In the second round Smith got home once with his right, but other efforts to repeat the blow were cleverly blocked by Darcy, whose evasion was excellent. Points were about equal.

The third round saw Darcy's left land on the face, but Smith retaliated with a right to the body. Darcy cleverly ducked several swings. Still Smith justly claimed this round.

The American in the next round--and in some of the earlier ones--had imprisoned Darcy's left hand, and was holding and hitting. Only on one occasion did the referee step in and break Smith's hold. The latter scored with a right cross and two severe straight lefts. This round also belonged to Smith.

The fifth and last round was sensational. It was opened by Darcy hooking the left to the side face, and he followed with a right to the other side. The boxers then came to closer quarters, and Smith got home a body blow which caused Darcy to stop fighting and show signs of being in pain. He walked to his corner--Smith standing off him. The referee promptly went up to Darcy and said "Fight on." This Darcy did; and with remarkable vigour, too. He fully held his own, and was apparently as strong at the finish of the round as when he started the contest.

When Darcy walked to his corner his trainer and chief second, Dave Smith, threw in the towel. The referee immediately placed his hand on Smith's head and gave him the fight. Darcy's seconds at once exhibited his protecting cup, which was found to be dented.

At this stage the whole house was in an uproar. Presumably the referee did not see the blow referred to. If so he had no alternative but to order the continuance of the bout. On the other hand, if Darcy were struck unfairly he was clearly entitled to the decision. That he was not injured does not affect the issue. If a hit is foul the degree of damage is immaterial. But, as said before, the referee and a good many others round the ring did not see the blow in question.

Dave Smith's action was not justified when he threw in the towel. The referee is the sole arbiter--not the seconds in either man's corner. The contest itself was disappointing. Smith's form was but a shadow of that which he has previously shown. Darcy has unquestionably improved as a boxer but he did not exhibit his determination and forcefulness that have been features of his previous bouts.

For half an hour after the referee's decision the great crowd remained in the building arguing the point. Some in the highest-priced seats excitedly demanded their money back, and a fistic collision with one of the Stadium principals was imminent. It was just as well that nothing of the kind occurred, as the crowd was in an ugly temper, and only wanted a lead to make serious trouble.

1904-04-21 Joe Gans W-PTS15 Sam Bolen (Baltimore, MD, USA)

1904-04-22 The Sun (Baltimore, MD) (page 9)

BOLEN'S BOXING A SURPRISE
--------
Loses On Points To Gans, But Gets In A Knockdown.

The 15 round fight last night before the Eureka Athletic Club was a big surprise in that Sam Bolen, the New York lightweight, made such a fine showing with Joe Gans, the champion of the world.

The contest went the limit of the 15 rounds and Referee Fred Sweigert gave the decision to Gans on points.

The Baltimore man did not seem to be at his best, but the development that Bolen exhibited was remarked by everyone. There were three knockdowns and Gans scored two of them. There was a fair crowd present.

Gans' showing did not impress the crowd favorably. Many thought he was slower and did not hit as hard as he has been hitting. Bolen is a clever old fighter and was always there with a punch. Gans did not hold him cheap at any time, as he was always dangerous. From a scientific standpoint the setto was a great one. But with what was done in the first round each man was feeling the other out. Gans began to jab for the body and face with the left in the second round and continued this work up to the finish of the fight. Clever though he was, Bolen could not as a rule avoid Gans' quick left jolts. In previous fights, whenever a man fought at Gans, carrying the fight to him, he usually proved an easy mark for the champion. It was not so with Bolen, who fought at his man in every round.

From the second to the final round each was won by Gans on points. Both were strong at the finish, though Bolen had received many hard jolts. Bolen landed one or two good body blows.

In the eleventh round Gans with a left to the jaw staggered Bolen; then Joe shot the right over, and, catching Bolen back of the neck, stood the New Yorker on his head. Bolen was up after a count of five and went right on fighting. In the fourteenth round Joe sent left and right to the face and Bolen went down for a count of nine. A right to the ear sent Bolen down for another count of nine.

In the final round Bolen sent a right to the ribs and lifted Gans off his feet and dropped him to the stage.

Gans was up quickly and jabbed Bolen about until the gong ended hostilities. Gans had earned his decision.

In Gans' corner were Al Herford, Harry Lyons and Young Peter Jackson. Ernault Gephart was his timer. Bolen had as seconds Al Mason, George Kinnicker and Dave Holly, with Tom Daly as timer.

Kid Griffo offered to bet $500 that Gans could not stop him in 15 rounds.

The preliminaries resulted as follows:

Kid Selby beat Kid Wilson in three rounds.

Bert Brown, colored, and Al Washington, colored, fought a three round draw.

Matty Knox started to go three rounds with Kid Reason, colored, but Knox was no match and was taken off in the first round. Reason then made Bob Langley, colored, quit in two rounds.

Benny Hecht made Nick Clarence quit in a round. Kid McCullough took Clarence's place and boxed three rounds to a draw with Hecht.

Jimmy Farren was given the decision over Bud Lansing in three rounds. Lansing put up a great fight against the Southern champion.

A battle royal, in which Al Washington, Young Knotty, Nat Jennings and Bob Langley, all colored, took part, was decided a draw by Mr. Frank Brown, Jr., the referee.

As a final tableau, when the four negroes were down on the stage in a pile, Referee Brown sat on the pile and gave his decision.

1904-03-28 Joe Gans W-PTS10 Gus Gardner (Saginaw, MI, USA)

1904-03-29 The Saginaw Evening News (Saginaw, MI) (page 4)

GANS WHIPPED GARDNER

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COLORED CHAMPION PUT IT ALL OVER THE GERMAN BOY.

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Saginaw Fighter Was Determined but Gans Has Superior Skill--Large Crowd.

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At the most notable ring battle held in this city in the last decade Joe Gans of Baltimore, Md., lightweight champion, defeated Gus Gardner of this city, showing conclusively to the most enthusiastic friend of the Saginaw fighter that he has not a possibility of a hope of defeating Gans. The latter is the best fighter seen in this city since the days of "Kid" Lavigne. He is a master of the ring, a fighter, a boxer, a general. The situation is always within his grasp. He is not timid and insists upon fighting all the time. He has a dangerous left jab to the head which kept Gardner's head swinging like a pendulum for about six rounds. Gardner was up against the strongest fighter that he ever faced and he did not show up as well as he has in former encounters. He was unable to reach the colored lad with his hard swings to the body and the jaw. In fact he did not hit the champion half a dozen blows during the entire fight. In the ninth he caught Gans on the head just after the latter had missed a swing and stirred him for a moment. But there was no damage done. Gans had the fight cinched up to this point and did not let himself loose in the last two rounds. He did not knock Gus out, but he had him groggy more than once. It is entirely probable that if Gans went out after Gardner when trained to his best that he could put him out in less than ten rounds. The two boys weighed 137 and 136. Gans was the heavier.

Gardner went a long way to kill himself in this town before the bout. After a period of expectancy the two fighters entered the ring within a minute of each other, Gans leading the way. He was ready for business and quickly donned the gloves. Gardner laid back and it soon became evident that he wanted something. Manager Bowen of the club was sent for and Gardner wanted his money in advance. Bowed insisted that he deliver the goods before he received it. Then Gus refused to fight and Bowen put the money in the hands of Sam Oppenheimer. The crowd took Gardner's side of the controversy upon first thought but after Bowen made an explanation and stated that he was holding back money as requested by several of Gardner's creditors, its sentiment shifted. The feeling was that Bowen has played very square with the fighter and this is shared by even friends. At any rate it was thought Gardner should have settled this before he stepped upon the stage. It has certainly dimmed his popularity and his defeat later in the evening made it unlikely that he can ever draw a crowd here again.

The Arbeiter hall contained about 1,000 fight fans, the largest gathering drawn there under a similar program in a long time. James B. Conway, secretary of the Metropolitan club of Detroit, acted as the master of ceremonies. He introduced the principals for the first preliminary, Billy Johnson of this city and Young Mike Ward of Detroit. The respective weights were 120 and 107. The Detroit kid was gamy and took a hard beating although he gave Johnson as much as could be expected. Billy fought a good fight and got the decision. Young Kid McCoy received a great ovation, when he entered the ring to take on John Ford, colored, of Port Huron. He put it all over the colored boy who had a big sized streak of yellow and kept clinging to McCoy's legs for four and a half rounds when Referee George Campbell stopped the farce and gave McCoy the decision.

Billy St. Mary opened the program with an exhibition of bag punching, as only Billy can do.

It was 10:35 when the big fight started. Wm. H. Considine of Detroit was the referee. Gardner was seconded by William St. Mary, Charles Cherry, John H. Robinson and Hogan. In Gans' corner were his manager, Al. Herford and Frank T. Lavigne of Detroit. The timekeepers were Fred H. Smith for the club, Paddy Ryan for Gardner and J. B. Conway for Gans.

This is the story of Gardner's defeat by rounds.

The Battle by Rounds.

Round 1--They shake hands and spar for an opening. Gardner is first to land a left to the stomach following with a right to the head. In a clinch Gardner puts a left to the stomach. Gardner falls short with left and puts right to body, and Gans puts left to jaw. Gardner left to head and right to body. Gardner swings right to shoulder. Gardner misses left to ear. Gans lands right to kidneys. Gardner lands right to head and clinches. Gans puts right to body. Gardner misses to body.

Round 2--Gardner puts right to chin. Gardner crosses right to jaw. Gardner puts hard left swing to body. Gardner puts left to body. Gardner forcing Gans. Gans puts right to jaw. It is a very fast fight. Gardner puts hard right to body. Gans retreated. Gardner puts left to head. Gardner puts left to heart. Gardner misses left swing. They clinch and fight hard. Gardner puts right and left to head and receives right to body.

Round 3--Gardner rushes, lands left to kidneys and clinches. Gardner misses left to body. They clinch and exchange blows. Gans chopped right to jaw. They clinch and fight hard. Gardner lands hard right to body. Gans puts left to jaw. Gardner short with short swing. Gardner landed hard right to jaw. Gardner lands right swing to jaw. Gardner swings left and right to body. They clinch. Gardner landing hard right to body.

Round 4--Gardner misses left for body and hooked left to jaw. They clinch and exchange left, both swing and fight very cautiously. Gans ducks a left swing and puts right to body. Gardner short to head. Gans puts a left to jaw. Gardner lands on body. Gans puts hard left to jaw. Gardner puts right to body and repeating it. Gans chops a hard one to jaw. They clinch and exchange blows. Gardner swings left to body and right to jaw. Gardner swings left to face. Honors about even in this round.

Round 5--Gans puts a left to jaw and right to body. Gardner swings viciously for head. Gans puts left to jaw and repeats. Gardner swings to head. Gardner puts hard right to body and hard left to face. Gans missed an uppercut. They exchange blows in a clinch. Gans gets first blood. Gardner lands hard right on head. Gans jabs left to head and swings right, but Gardner gets away. Gardner lands right on head. Gans' round.

Gans Gets Stinger.

Round 6--Gans jabs left to head. Gardner lands left on head and right on body. Gardner repeats. Gardner lands hard left to body and they clinch. Gardner is tiring. Gardner puts left to body and repeats to head. They exchange rights on body. They clinch. Gardner fighting wildly. Gans puts two hard rights to jaw, staggering Gus. They clinch. Gans puts a left to head. Gans puts left to head. Gans' round.

Round 7--Gardner was much refreshed. Gans puts left to jaw. Gus swings right to jaw. Gardner puts left to head and right to body. Gans jabs left on head. Gus misses right and left. They exchange lefts. Gans puts left and right to head. They spar. Gans leads left to head. Honors even.

Round 8--Gans jabs left to jaw and receives right on body. Gans swings right to head. Gardner very wobbly. Gardner covers up to avoid Gans' right to head. Gans swings left to head and Gus swings right to jaw. Gans hit low and apologized. Gus missed a left to jaw. Gans uppercuts and Gus covers up. Gans puts a left on jaw. Gardner puts left to head and gets hard right swing in return. Gans' round.

Round 9--Gans puts left to head lightly. They clinch. Gans puts left to head and receives right on body. Gus puts right to body. Gardner puts hard right to Gans' body, staggering him. Gans comes back. Gans stalling . Gus puts right to body and left to head. Gus puts vicious right to body. Gans chopping Gus. Gardner puts left and right to jaw. Gans short on jaw. Gans chopped with left. Gus hit Joe over kidneys. Gans jabs left to head and Gardner swings left on body. Honors were even.

Round 10--They shake hands for wind-up. Gardner sends right and staggers Gans. Gus hooks hard to jaw. Gans chopped left to jaw. Gans lands right to body. Gus lands right on body. They clinch. Gardner swings a left to head. Gans puts a left to head and receives left to body. They clinch. Gans lands left on jaw. Gardner was wild and clinched. Gans puts left on jaw. Gus lands left on head, after being short with same. Gans gets the decision.

At the end of the bout Gans was fresh and showed no marks while Gus was flushed and tired.

the beginning

As an alternative to Boxing Biographies site, thought I'd be sharing some old newspaper reports on boxing, found and re-typed by myself. Random picks. I'm too tired of people writing about and discussing things they haven't really researched, so I'm picking mostly primary sources, not the many-years-past recollections of events and people, which are very unreliable. Also, whenever possible, I'll try to find local or semi-local newspaper, instead of wire reports.