1901-04-01 Joe Gans W-TKO4 Martin Flaherty [Eureka Athletic Club, Ford’s Opera House, Baltimore, MD, USA]

1901-04-02 Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) (page 4)

MARTIN BLAMED IT ON BAD EYES.
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HOW JOE GANS MET ANOTHER OF THE EASY VICTIMS.
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Flaherty Was a Mark for the Colored Man, and Lost the Battle at Ford's in the Fourth Round, When Seconds Threw Up the Sponge--Defeated Man Had Reputation Made in Battles With Erne, McFadden and Sullivan, but Was Outclassed by Dusky Lad--Diversion Caused by the Arrest of a Woman, Who Wanted So Badly to See Contest that She Dressed in Man's Clothes.
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Another victim was brought up for Joe Gans, at Ford's Theater, last night, in the person of Martin Flaherty, of Lowell, Mass. Toward the ending of the fourth round after Gans had twice floored Flaherty in that round, Colonel Michael Haley threw up the sponge and the fight was Gans', while the great American people stood up on their opera chairs and yelled "Fake" and clamored for their money back. Colonel Haley, once a lightweight pugilist, and now looking like nothing more than a well-fed burgomaster, declares that Flaherty is next thing to a blind man, and as the Colonel assumed an air of injured innocence, and Flaherty blinked owl-like, with eyes partly closed, it is probably true, but that didn't satisfy the great crowd that filled every part of the theater for no other purpose than to see a slashing contest.

Colonel Haley says that what Flaherty needs is some of Colonel Mulberry Sellers' eye-water, and not the fierce jabs dealt out by Gans. Whatever the cause, the fact is that Flaherty was no more a match for Gans than was the lamented Whitey Lester. Flaherty knew that he was in for a good, hard beating dealt out in rag time, but he butted along with the plain desire to lose the fight in the first or second round on a foul. This is exactly what would have occurred but for the philanthropic thoughtfulness of Referee Mantz, who labored long and faithfully to give the people their money's worth. There was hardly a time that Flaherty did not fight foul.

He Hit in Clinches.

It was his game to hit in clinches, in plain violation of the rules. Totally unable to judge distance, Flaherty was perfectly helpless at long-range fighting, and his only hope was to work overtime in the clinches, trusting to pummel some of the steam out of Gans, or else to lose the fight on a foul and take the loser's end of the purse to his thrifty New England home.

So strongly was Flaherty inclined to fighting in the clinches that in the very first round there was afforded the diverting spectacle of a gold-laced police captain reaching over the rope and taking a strangle hold on Flaherty, nipping him into submission. Captain Cadwallader was the hero of this bit of police strenuousness and his method was more effective than that of Mantz, as Flaherty had a deep respect for the majesty of a law represented by an official ready to take a hand in the game himself. The only part of the game at which Flaherty was good was at blocking. He was a dead one at assault work; and, even if the truth, that should control all chroniclers, will not unreservedly admit that it was the fault of bad eyes. It is an excuse as good as any other. Although Flaherty could occasionally ward off the whip-like blows that Gans shot out, the Lowell man was plainly in for a good, hard drubbing. It took but one round for Gans to show to the front. In the first round, after the usual fiddling, they exchanged light rights and lefts and clinched. Flaherty started his fouling and infighting right then. Joe returned some of the short-arm blows, and Mantz had his troubles breaking them.

Martin led a left, but it was an abortive attempt, as it fell short, and Gans easily blocked it.

Gans' Head in Chancery.

They clashed again and clinched, and Flaherty managed to get Gans' head in chancery and began belaboring him, while Mantz made a center rush on the struggling men and tried by voice and muscle to break them apart. Flaherty was bent on doing all the execution he could in the clinch, and kept at it until Captain Cadwallader reached over the ropes, seized Flaherty by the chin and head, and, getting a strangle hold, took all the steam and breath out of him. There were lots of warnings to Flaherty, but it availed not. In the second round Flaherty blocked rights and lefts, and they exchanged body blows with little effect. Gans sent in a slashing right upper cut as Flaherty started to bore in, and in a clinch the pair fell with Gans on top. Flaherty clinched, fought foul and refused to break. After working like an army mule, Mantz tore them apart and sent Flaherty to his corner just as the gong sounded for the ending of the round. Mantz again warned Flaherty about fouling.

At the opening of the third round Gans scored a hard right hook on Flaherty's jaw and dazed him. Joe sent a straight left to eye and swung to head. Flaherty blocked a right and left, and scored lightly on Joe's wind.

The fourth round was the finish. Flaherty led two lefts for body that fell short. Gans feinted with right and floored Flaherty with a left to neck that knocked Flaherty flat. After some sparring Gans waded in, and, with a right to jaw, knocked down Flaherty and dazed him. This is when Col. Haley threw up the sponge and began his explanations about Flaherty's bad eyesight.

A Woman in Disguise.

The scenes that followed the close of the fight were diverting. During the process of the contest Captain Cadwallader spotted a woman dressed in man's clothes in the audience. After the show Cadwallader shouldered his way through the crowd, trying to overtake the woman. She saw his game and struck out at a lively gait down Fayette street to Eutaw, and headed for a well-known restaurant on the latter street. Just as she reached the door the police officer reached her. At his heels were over a thousand excited men, and the scene was lively as the officer marched his unique captive out Baltimore street to Greene, where he called the patrol.

As the crowd had reached huge proportions, Captain Cadwallader marched his fair captive to Pearl street, where he met the patrol. At the station the gay masquerader gave the name of Elizabeth Moore, aged 24 years, of Buffalo, N. Y. She was dressed in dark trousers, with sack coat, fancy vest, low collar, red necktie and white alpine hat. Se is a handsome brunette, and wore gold eyeglasses. Her glossy tresses were tucked under a wig of black curly hair. Her husband put in an appearance, and, at a late hour last night, started out to hunt up his wife's feminine attire and $101.25, the collateral necessary to produce to escape a night in the station on the charge of disorderly conduct.

Wanted to See the Fight.

"I wanted to see the fight awfully bad," said the fair prisoner to the police officials, "and the only way that I could get in was to dress like a man. My husband secured these clothes from a man friend, and helped to rig me out. I am awfully sorry to get into this scrape, and I should never have ventured into such a place had I thought there was any chance of discovery."

And the pretty "man" looked down at her grotesquely large patent-leather shoes, and seemed more anxious to cry than to see any more pugilistic contests.

Flaherty's Good Record.

Martin Flaherty's record looked so good that he should have done better. He has to his credit a decision over Frank Erne, a 20-round draw with George McFadden, and a creditable fight with Spike Sullivan. After the bout last night he blinked most dolefully, and declared that he had been hit on the eyes so much in the past three years that he can see nothing. The theater was packed, and the crowd was sadly disappointed at the outcome, as they wanted a clean, hard and a long battle. While the outcome last night was in no way framed up by the promoters, it is, nevertheless, unfortunate, as the vast crowd last night demonstrated the popularity of boxing among good men.

Several Lively Preliminaries.

Before the principal contest five preliminary bouts were run off, in which boys of the nonprofessional rank were the opponents. All of the bouts were for three rounds, and three of them created much laughter among the audience. John Eich and George Whitman were the first two to go on. Not the least bit of science was shown by either, and both swung wildly. At the end of the third round very little damage was done, and the decision was announced a draw.

The second bout was between James Farren, the 105-pound Baltimore featherweight, and Chris Butt. They were both well matched in their weight, but Farren displayed more science, and before the opening round was ended Farren delivered a left punch to Butt's abdomen which caused Butt to go to the floor, and was counted out. Farren was just as fresh as when he started, and stayed in the ring and then boxed Buck Washington, colored, the "Old Trial Horse of the Monumental Amphitheater," who could not get anyone to don the mitts with him. Washington looked to be 15 pounds heavier than Farren, but Farren showed great cleverness and landed some telling blows. Both were there at the end, and the referee announced it a draw, but Farren, from a spectator's point of view, had the better of the bout.

George Kunnicker and Sammy Harris, colored, were the next two to go on. These did not show any science whatever, but hammered each other over the ring. The referee had a difficult task in separating them. No damage was done by either, and the bout ended with a draw.

Fred Hill, of Canton, and Doc Tanner wound up the preliminaries. After going two slow rounds the referee disqualified them. Harry Lyons, Herford's featherweight, refereed the first two bouts and received an ovation.


1901-04-02 Baltimore Morning Herald (Baltimore, MD) (page 4)

GANS MADE SHORT WORK OF MARTIN FLAHERTY

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The Lowell Boxer Was Knocked Out in the Fourth--Rough Tactics Marked the First Two Rounds--A Woman in Man's Attire Saw the Battle

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The Gans-Flaherty battle attracted a big crowd to Ford's Opera House last night. The theater was packed from pit to dome, and standing room even was at a premium. The bout was scheduled to go 20 rounds, but it came to a sudden termination in the fourth round, when Flaherty's seconds threw up the sponge, after their man had been knocked down and virtually out.

Flaherty was distinctly a disappointment. He has the reputation of being a hard, rough fighter, and the crowd last night expected to see him make a lively battle. He was never in it, however. He was rough enough, to be sure, and in the first two rounds resorted to foul tactics, refusing to break and hitting in the clinches to such an extent that the police were compelled to interfere. As far as fighting went, however, the Lowell man was completely outclassed. When Gans started in to do business he pounded Flaherty right and left at will, and soon had him wobbling.

The first two rounds were marked by clinches and foul tactics on the part of Flaherty. In the third round Gans went after the Lowell man and staggered him with a terrific right on the jaw. This took all the steam out of Flaherty, and was the beginning of the end.

In the fourth Gans started right in to do business and sent Flaherty to the floor with a right on the jaw. The Lowell man was quickly on his feet, but was met with another right, which sent him down for good. Flaherty was staggering to his feet when his seconds threw up the sponge.

There were some cries of "fake" on the part of the crowd, but they were entirely uncalled for. While Flaherty was not entirely out he was virtually so, and it was an act of wisdom and mercy on the part of his seconds to give up the battle. The defeated man was so dazed that he had to be led off the stage, and it was some time after he had reached his dressing room before he could see clearly.

Flaherty claimed that his eyesight was affected and that he could not see well under the glare of the electric lights. It is quite probable, however, that Gans' righthand smashes had something to do with the failure of eyesight.

Gans' seconds were Al Herford, Cobb Bond, Herman Miller and Harry Lyons. In Flaherty's corner were Col. Mike Haley, Joe Elliott, "Scotty" McTavish and Dan Leahy. George Mantz was the referee.

Preliminary to the main bout there were some lively settos of three rounds each between local talent. John Eich and George Whitman had a lively go with no decision, as they were amateurs. Jimmy Farren put Chris Button out in the first round with a solar plexus blow, and then boxed two rounds to a draw with Buck Washington. George Kunnecke and Sam Harris fought a draw. Doc Tanner and Fred Hill boxed two rounds, but were stopped by Manager Herford on the ground that there was "nothing doing."

A Woman at the Show

There was an amusing sideshow connected with the fight which for a while attracted almost as much attention as the main event itself. Mrs. Elizabeth Moore somehow conceived the notion that she would like to see the fight, and she did see it, although at the expense of considerable notoriety.

Dressed in the latest approved men's habiliments, Mrs. Moore, accompanied by her husband, entered the opera house last night and took seats in the orchestra, about six rows from the front. The pair was immediately noticed, and the immediate audience "rubbered" in amazement at the woman's attire, which, to say the least, was inartistic. An enormous wig barely concealed her natural growth of hair and she carried herself with an air decidedly non-masculine.

The attention of Captain Cadwallader was called to the woman, but he decided to wait until the close of the performance before interfering. In the meantime the woman enjoyed the fight immensely and cheered the gladiators on. She afterward said that she had never seen a fight before and had never enjoyed herself more in her life.

At the conclusion of the contest Captain Cadwallader rushed out of the back entrance to the theater in an endeavor to head the woman off, but the pair made good their escape and entered a restaurant on Eutaw street, near Baltimore. They were followed down the street by a crowd which grew greater each moment. When the captain arrived the entire street was blocked. He pushed his way into the place and some moments later emerged with the woman. Meanwhile the crowd had grown enormous and it took the mightiest efforts of six officers to force a way to the nearest patrol box.

All along the streets the wagon was followed by the noisy mass, which threatened to break down the station doors. The husband procured a hack and departed in search of proper wearing apparel for the woman, who was placed in charge of the matron. She said that her home was in Buffalo, N. Y., and that she had been stopping on Calvert street, near Read, for the past six weeks. The charge of masquerading in male attire was laid against her. She was afterward carried away in triumph by her husband, properly clothed and in a happy frame of mind. He deposited the sum of $101.45 for her appearance this morning.

1897-02-20 Frank Erne L-UD20 Martin Flaherty [New York Athletic Club, New York, NY, USA]

1897-02-21 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) (page 8)

FLAHERTY WHIPS ERNE.

Frank Erne of Buffalo met his Waterloo last night in the arena of the New York Athletic club. Martin Flaherty of Lowell, Mass., gave him a drubbing which the Buffalonian will not soon forget. The work of both men was of the hottest kind throughout the twenty rounds.

During the last two rounds the Buffalo boy made a game struggle to offset the decided lead that his opponent had gained over him, but his efforts were futile and when the bell ended the contest everybody who saw the fight was perfectly satisfied that Flaherty had won a well earned victory and Referee Arthur Moore as well as the judges decided that Flaherty had won it.


1897-02-21 The New York Herald (New York, NY) (page 10)

FLAHERTY DEFEATS ERNE.

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The Conqueror of Dixon Receives a Hard Punching at the N.Y.A.C.

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Martin Flaherty, of Lowell, defeated Frank Erne, of Buffalo, in a twenty round boxing contest at the New York Athletic Club last night. It was the best show ever given in the club's gymnasium, which was packed with members and their guests. Erne recently got a decision over George Dixon in twenty rounds, and many have referred to him in consequence as the feather weight champion of America.

In the first three rounds Erne looked like a sure winner, but Flaherty then got to work, and in the next round cut Erne's eye, ear and mouth almost into ribbons. Throughout the rest of the bout his eye bled freely, and at times his face looked, as one spectator put it, "like a butcher shop."

Erne displayed great gameness. He took a terrific punching and was fairly beaten. When the judges, Edward W. Kearney and Charles Coster, gave their decision the cheering was loud and prolonged. There was not a dissenting voice.

There were two preliminary bouts, each of ten rounds. Frank Smith, of California, and "Bobby" Wilson, of Jersey City, were the first to meet. Wilson won in the seventh round, and Smith, in falling, twisted his ankle, and was carried off.

The second bout was between "Jack" Hannigan, of Pittsburg, and "Joe" Youngs, of Buffalo. It lasted the limit, the judges agreeing on Youngs.


1897-02-21 The Sun (New York, NY) (page 4)

FRANK ERNE DEFEATED.

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MARTIN FLAHERTY PROVES HIS MASTER AT THE NEW YORK A. C.

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The Buffalo Pugilist Outpointed and Badly Punished in a Twenty-Round Battle--Flaherty Escapes with Scarcely a Mark--Wilson and Youngs Also Win Bouts.

Frank Erne of Buffalo, the featherweight pugilist who not long ago received a decision over George Dixon, met his master in Martin Flaherty of Lowell last night at the New York A. C. Flaherty earned a well-deserved verdict because he was faster, a harder hitter, and fully as clever in ring tactics as the Buffalonian.

Erne's left eye and ear were cut open in the early rounds, and to the end of the battle he bled profusely. Flaherty on one or two occasions nearly ended the contest with heavy right-hand swings, which were aimed for the point of the jaw. Erne, instead of cutting the pace throughout, seemed partial to defensive work, and in the latter part of the "go" most of his efforts were limited to countering. Flaherty escaped with scarcely a mark.

The gymnasium was crowded with members and their guests when the opening bout was put on. Arthur Moore was the referee, Charles Coster and Edward Kearney were the judges, Robert Stoll held the watch, and Waldo Sprague was the master of ceremonies. The first bout was between Bobby Wilson of Jersey City and Frank Smith of California. They were to box ten rounds at 117 pounds.

The boys met before at the last show under the club's auspices, and after a hot battle Smith received the decision. Last night the referee stopped the fight and declared Wilson the winner. Smith's ankle was injured to such an extent in the last round that he was carried to his dressing room.

What was expected to be a fast "go" was the second bout, between Joe Youngs of Buffalo and Jack Hannigan of Pittsburgh, ten rounds, at 122 pounds. Youngs received the decision of the judges amid intense satisfaction. Both boys were badly punished.

Erne and Flaherty came next. They were matched for twenty rounds at 126 pounds. Both weighed in and were prepared for business shortly after 10 o'clock.

First Round.--Erne's left fell short of the body. Then both sparred for an opening. Erne tried his left for the head and was blocked, Flaherty putting a right on the heart. Erne again shot out his left and it reached the mouth. Flaherty ran into a clinch, and Erne put in a solid left on the stomach. This made Martin rush a bit, but Frank got away nicely, and also countered strongly on the mouth. They were sparring lightly at the end.

Second Round.--Erne sailed in with a volley of left-hand jabs, which did no harm. Then he swung a left to the ear, Flaherty putting in a good rib roaster. The latter came in with a double blow, which was prettily stopped, and repeated the attack, getting his right over the heart. Erne put in a left on the neck, and Flaherty got in a double swing on the head. Erne's left for the body was short, and Martin countered on the face. The round was about even.

Third Round.--Erne's left was stopped, but he tried it again, both landing on the body. They exchanged half-arm jolts on the head and Erne shot a hard left to the body. He also put a left on the mouth, Flaherty rushing in with a couple of swings on the face. Erne piled in after this with half a dozen solid punches on the head, and Flaherty for the first time used his elbow. The latter rushed, but he was met by a volley of short jabs which stopped him short. It was Erne's round.

Fourth Round.--Flaherty got his right to the back of Frank's neck. Then Erne put a stiff left on the nose and they mixed it up to a clinch near the ropes. Both did some heavy swinging without damage and then fiddled until Flaherty led for the neck and received a terrific body punch just above the belt. Erne also shot in two lefts to the neck, Flaherty countering rather wildly and rushing unsuccessfully just at the end.

Fifth Round.--Flaherty's rush was blocked, but he tried another and got a left to the body. Flaherty came again and with a couple of hard lefts he shook Erne's head up for fair. Erne's left swing was stopped nicely on two successive occasions, and Martin swung his right behind his opponent's head. The Lowell man rushed, but Erne skipped around the ring like a sprinter.

Sixth Round.--Erne's left was stopped, but he tried another which partially landed. Flaherty tried a right-hand swing for the jaw, Erne ducking quickly, and coming up again with a left on the body. Flaherty rushed, Erne running away, after which they mixed it up, and Martin chased Erne to the ropes, where he landed a heavy left flush on the nose. Then Erne kept away, so that the round ended in sparring.

Seventh Round.--Erne's left was short, but he put a second jab on the mouth. Flaherty began rushing and swinging, whereupon Erne took the defensive and kept away. Flaherty finally landed a hard one on the mouth and then both fell in a clinch. They exchanged hard swings on the head, and Flaherty put in a corker on the mouth again. Erne was bleeding from the left eye and mouth when he sat down.

Eighth Round.--Erne began to fight faster and shot a couple of lefts to the head. He rushed, too, but Flaherty's defence was effective enough to prevent damage. Martin later resumed rushing tactics, and landed a couple of heavy swings on the left eye, which drew more blood. Then he cut loose and put in a volley of punches on Erne's face and body, Frank fighting back almost blow for blow. Erne's eye was bleeding freely at the end.

Ninth Round.--Erne began the onslaught with left jabs, but Flaherty met him with more heavy swings on the eye, drawing more gore. Erne rushed with a left on Martin's eye, but the latter's blows were the heavier, and Erne took the defensive for a moment. Flaherty continued his hard hitting until Erne's eye bled so much that both men were practically covered with it. This was easily Flaherty's round.

Tenth Round.--Flaherty landed heavily on the eye the moment Erne came up. Frank put a couple of sharp jabs on the mouth, but they were nothing compared to the punches that Flaherty sent into the damaged eye. Erne began swinging his right, but it was for the most part stopped, although one good swing found the jaw. They were sparring at the bell.

Eleventh Round.--Erne's left for the body was short, and another left was well stopped. Flaherty then put in a swing on the cut eye, and received a cross counter on the mouth. Flaherty also put a heavy swing on the left ear which brought forth more blood. Flaherty came in with a straight left, Erne countering. Martin did some more leading, with the Buffalo boy on the defensive.

Twelfth Round.--Erne led, but his rival smashed him on the eye. Flaherty also put in a left on the nose, Erne countering on the body. Martin got away from a couple of swings and then rushed Frank to the ropes, where he sent in half a dozen swings to the head, Erne meanwhile driving in body blows. Flaherty stopped a long left, and then punched Erne's nose so hard that it brought a clinch.

Thirteenth Round.--Erne's left was short, but he sailed in for a mix up and landed a heavy right over the heart. Erne then missed two lefts and was chased into a clinch. Erne came to close quarters and Flaherty slipped down in getting away from the rally. Erne put in a couple of good lefts on the neck and Martin's terrific left went wide of the mark. Erne showed improvement in this round, which, however, was in the Lowell man's favor.

Fourteenth Round.--Erne's left was stopped, and when he came on again, Flaherty put in a hot body blow. Erne rushed with a storm of punches on the head and body, Flaherty clinching, and then rushing the Buffalo boy to the ropes. Erne tried his left repeatedly, but he did very little harm.

Fifteenth Round.--Erne opened with a left on the nose. He tried another for the body at long range and Flaherty blocked it off easily. They came closer and Flaherty fought his man to the ropes, where he landed heavily on the neck and body. Erne was still bleeding, but full of fight. In a clinch both fell, and upon arising Flaherty put a heavy one on the jaw, Erne countering on the mouth.

Sixteenth Round.--Erne did not seem anxious to lead, so after a moment's fiddling Flaherty rushed in with right and left on the eye and jaw. Erne clinched, and after the break he received four heavy smashes on the head and neck, Erne's counters being anything but strong. Then, in a fit of desperation, Erne rallied and forced his man to the ropes, after which he was clearly staggered with a heavy right on the jaw.

Seventeenth Round.--Erne's left was short on the first three attempts. Then Flaherty rushed and made Erne clinch with a couple of heavy jolts on the neck. Erne tried two swings, one of which reached the neck, and then rushed, Flaherty clinching. Martin put in a body punch and sent in a terrific left squarely on the right eye. Then they mixed it up, and just as the bell rang Erne landed a right that sent Flaherty sprawling. The latter, however, was all right as he took his chair.

Eighteenth Round.--They sparred a moment and then Erne tried his left unsuccessfully. Flaherty swung a left to the jaw, and Erne was driven to the ropes, both landing well on the head and body. Flaherty was cautious now, until he saw an opening for a double swing, and also put a left to the body. Just as the bell rang Flaherty landed a right on the jaw, and Erne staggered.

Nineteenth Round.--Erne opened the round with a left on the mouth, but Flaherty came to close quarters and drove his man to a corner, where they clinched. Erne's eye was still bleeding terribly, while the Lowell boy did not have hardly a mark. The latter rushed again and swung two hot ones on the eye, Erne, as usual, countering. Again Flaherty rushed and landed half a dozen heavy jolts on the head. When Erne took his corner he was terribly punished.

Twentieth Round.--They shook hands, and Erne cut loose with two swings on the head. But Flaherty rushed in with a couple of great drives in the face and a left body punch. Erne thereupon took the defensive, and Flaherty pitched in to make a Garrison finish. He got in two blows to one for Erne, and the latter was on the defensive when the bell rang.

The judges agreed on Flaherty, which was considered to be a just verdict.


1897-02-22 The Evening Telegram (New York, NY) (page 7)
"Frank" Erne, who has extracted considerable satisfaction from a very questionable decision over George Dixon, collided with a disagreeable experience at the New York Athletic Club Saturday night when he was clearly defeated in a twenty-round bout by Martin Flaherty, the sturdy Boston featherweight. Flaherty had the best of the argument from start to finish, and got the decision. Erne pursued his customary tactics of showy sparring and dancing methods, but Flaherty, eschewing all frills, used his left with telling effect, and at intervals swung a staggering right. Erne was badly punished, while the New Englander showed not a mark.

The club members insisted that they never saw such excellent bouts at those presented Saturday night, which was a just compliment to Matchmaker "Charley" White.


1897-02-22 The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY) (page 8)
Frank Erne ran up against one of the biggest surprises of his life when he met Martin Flaherty in the New York Athletic Club on Saturday night. Flaherty outfought him all the way, and got the decision easily.

1896-06-16 George Dixon D-PTS20 Martin Flaherty [West Newton Street Armory, Boston, MA, USA]

1896-06-17 Morning Boston Journal (Boston, MA) (page 3)

FOR A DRAW.

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Martin Flaherty and Dixon Quit Even.

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Last of Ring Contests in Massachusetts.

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Martin Flaherty of Lowell fought Champion George Dixon to a draw in a 20-round bout, in what was the last of public boxing in this State, last night.

The contest took place at the Suffolk Athletic Club's Armory, about 2500 people being present. It was an interesting encounter, and showed that Flaherty is of very tough stock, and could have stayed probably 20 more rounds.

There was a delay owing to a misunderstanding on the weight, as it was claimed that Flaherty was two pounds heavier than the articles called for. There was quite a wrangle, and Flaherty agreed to forfeit the money he posted. The purse will probably be $1400, divided equally between the two men.

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Dixon had in his corner Frank Steele, Joe Butler and "The Pickaninny." Behind Flaherty were his brother Joe, "Maffit" Flaherty and a friend.

The West End contingent lost a good sum of money on Dixon, as they wagered that George would win in 10 or 12, or at the most 16 rounds. The betting was 2 to 1.

Flaherty looked heavier and bigger in every way than Dixon. The Lowell boy has improved a great deal, for Dixon did not look or fight as if he had gone back any.

On leading and forcing Dixon would have got the decision, but Jimmy Colville, who was referee, judge very fairly when he declared it a draw, for while Dixon scored a great majority of the blows, yet Flaherty was by no means a whipped man.

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From the 16th round Dixon fought at a very fast pace, trying, if possible, to knock his man out.

In the last round Flaherty made a decided stand. Flaherty used his elbow almost all the time, putting it on Dixon whenever the latter led. Dixon's punches were about all for the stomach and Flaherty's short ribs got a merry roasting. Dixon did not use his right once for the jaw, and only a few times for the body, in most instances for the heart region. A few of these were glancing blows.

Flaherty was strong at roughing it, and in mix-up and exchanges used his strength to good advantage. At no time did Dixon seem to have his man measured. He didn't punish him enough for that. Neither were marked a bit. The rounds were about all repetitions of one another, Dixon continually leading for the stomach with a left swing and Flaherty on the defensive.

In the eighth, ninth and tenth Dixon varied this attack by swings for the jaw with the left, and some of these blows on Flaherty's right cheek were powerful and stinging. In the eleventh George went back again to body punching and did not change from those tactics.

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The first bout was between Dave Sullivan and Joe Elms (colored), at 112 pounds. This was a rattling set-to. In the first five rounds Sullivan had slightly the best of the argument, but after that it was in favor of Elms by a good deal.

The end came unexpectedly in the tenth round, when Elms was having a sort of a country fair picnic with Sullivan, knocking him all over the ring. Suddenly, in the thickest of the fray, Sullivan pushed out his right.

It caught on Elms's jaw, and down went the black fellow straight on his head. It was a hard blow and on the right spot. Elms got up in about seven seconds, but he was dazed. Referee Colville sent Joe to his corner and called Davey the winner.

Elms scored a knockdown in the eighth round, and had he fought cleverly from that on would have won easily. His defeat came to him from his own fault, for had he used care in the tenth his would have been an easy win.

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The second bout had as principals "Spike" Sullivan, brother of young Dave of the preceding bout, and Lewis Sullivan of East Boston. This was to be eight rounds at 126 pounds, both being under 126 pounds.

This was a very odd contest. "Spike" was declared the winner in the second round.

In the first round Lewis did the fighting, and scored all but two of the blows. He was wild, though, and not quite steady enough. In the second round "Spike" did some of his funny maneuvres, which tended to rattle Lewis. The exchanges were lively. "Spike" got Lewis over into his corner and banged him hard several times.

After that Lewis seemed to be out of kilter. Then there was another mix-up in Lewis's corner, and before anybody knew it Lewis was on the floor writhing in agony. It was a curious knockout, and hardly anybody saw the cause. "Spike" jolted a right into the stomach and a left up at the chin. Spike was then and there declared a winner.


1896-06-17 The Boston Daily Globe (Boston, MA) (page 5)

20 ROUND DRAW.

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Flaherty Held Dixon Off in Bout.

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Colored Man Did Nearly All Leading Right Through.

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He Seemed a Bit Off in Mixing It Up.

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Lowell Man Weighed Too Much Before Battle.

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Long Discussion Before They Went Into the Ring.

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George Dixon, the featherweight champion, and Martin Flaherty of Lowell boxed a 20-round draw at the Suffolk club last night. It was the last boxing contest that will be held in this state for a long time, and those who attended saw one of the best shows ever given in this city.

The surprise was Dixon's failure to defeat Flaherty. The colored boxer was the favorite in betting, odds of 100 to 35 being offered with no takers.

From the very start until the last round Dixon did all the leading. Time and again he tried to get his left over on the jaw, but it went too far or Flaherty stopped it. Nevertheless he landed on the wind repeatedly. Flaherty boxed for a draw and he got it. He did not lead more than half a dozen times.

Flaherty depended on his staying powers to pull him through and to wear Dixon down by repeated clinches.

The contest proved that Dixon needs a good rest before he enters the ring again, as the rushes that have made him famous were missing last night. In every round his admirers were expecting he would let himself out, as he generally does, but they were disappointed.

The boxers were to weigh in at 124 pounds yesterday afternoon at 1.30. Dixon got on the scales and they did not move. Flaherty, however, was one and a half pounds over weight. He weighed later on, it is said, at 124 pounds, and his backer refused to pay the forfeit.

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This caused a long wrangle, and for a time it seemed as though there would be no contest. However, just before 10 o'clock Dixon entered the ring with his second, Joe Butler, Joe Elms and Frank Steele. He was given a good reception, and Flaherty followed him five minutes later and also received recognition from the spectators. He was attended by his brother Joe, Pat Cahill and Moffitt Flaherty.

It took about 10 minutes to get things ready and they shook hands at 10.10. One minute later the bell rang and they stepped to the center of the ring. For half a minute they circled around looking for an opening, and then Dixon led with his left, but fell short, and they clinched. Dixon got in on the wind with his left and another clinch followed.

Dixon tried again with his left a couple of times, but missed and they clinched. Dixon got in his left on the top of Flaherty's head, as the latter ducked, and they locked again. Flaherty rushed but fell short, and another clinch followed.

Flaherty reached Dixon with a left on the face and then led with his left, but missed. Dixon swung his left, but it was wild and they clinched. In fact every exchange throughout the bout ended in a clinch.

Second round--Both were very cautious and were not taking any chances. Dixon tried with his left but missed. He got in a left on the neck and Flaherty countered on the ribs with his right. Dixon landed a left on the face and they got in close, Flaherty getting in a left on the chest. Dixon missed another left and they clinched. The colored boxer, however, landed some good swings with his left on the neck and body before the round closed.

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Third round--Dixon led with his left and fell short, and Flaherty then led but Dixon jumped back out of the way. Dixon got in a left uppercut on the body and landed again on the same place a few seconds later. Both landed on the face together with their lefts, and Dixon then sent his left on the wind, Flaherty countering on the face with his left. Dixon landed on the body and neck with his left, and Flaherty got in a left and right counter on the face and neck. They were clinched when the bell rang.

In the next three rounds Dixon kept up his leading, jumping in at Flaherty, landing his left on the body. Occasionally Dixon would try for the jaw but Flaherty covered that point very well. Clinch followed clinch, and Flaherty sent in several counters on the face when Dixon led.

The seventh round was a little livelier. Flaherty opened by leading, but he fell short. Dixon rushed and they clinched on the ropes. Flaherty then tried roughing it by wrestling, but the referee made him break away. Dixon then jumped in in his old style, and for a time it seemed as if Flaherty would become rattled. He saved himself by clinching and Dixon landed some good left and right swings on the neck and face before the bell rang.

The next round was somewhat lively too. After missing a few times Dixon got in his left on the wind. Soon after they got to close quarters, and both tried to land with right and left. They were too close to do any damage, and it only resulted in a hugging match. After breaking away Dixon rushed in again and Flaherty clinched just as the bell rang.

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The next three rounds were a repetition of the early ones, Dixon doing all the leading, Flaherty being content to guard, clinch or counter, all of which he did in good shape.

The 12th round was a little more lively than the preceding three. Both missed lefts for the face and then Flaherty landed with his left and they clinched. This was followed by a mix up on the ropes, both getting in a few right and left punches on the body and head. Dixon then rushed, Flaherty stepped aside and the colored boxer slipped down near the ropes. In a second Flaherty rushed and stood over him, but the referee ordered him away. Dixon was up in a second and he showed Flaherty's admirers it was only an accident by the way he sailed into his opponent. The bell cut short further proceedings.

From that until the last round each round was a repetition, Dixon leading, Flaherty countering each exchange and ending in a clinch.

Several times they roughed it on the ropes but could not get in any telling blows, being too close.

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In the last round, after Dixon missed a left swing, Flaherty set his admirers in high glee by rushing, landing a left on the jaw. Dixon then landed his left on the wind, and they landed on the face together with their lefts a moment after. Dixon tried a left for the jaw, but it was too far over, Flaherty countering on the jaw with his left.

Dixon landed on the wind with his left, Flaherty countering on the jaw with his left. They got in close and both exchanged several lefts and rights together on the neck and jaw with honors even. They shook hands and the referee called it a draw.

Two preliminary bouts preceded the main event. Joe Elms, the colored boxer of Chelsea, and Dave Sullivan of South Boston were to box 12 rounds at 112 pounds. They had a good contest, and Elms was having the better of it as it neared the finish, when a right-hand cross counter on the jaw in the 10th round cut short his aspirations to the winner's end of the purse. Mike Sears challenged the winner, and can get backing to meet him for $500.

The second bout was between "Spike" Sullivan, brother of the winner in the first bout, and Lewis Sullivan of East Boston. It only lasted two rounds, "Spike" landing some stiff body punches that sent Lewis down and he was unable to continue.


1896-06-17 The Boston Herald (Boston, MA) (page 12)

DRAW, 20 ROUNDS

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Dixon and Flaherty Come Out on Even Terms.

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Not Much of a Fight from a Fighting Standpoint.

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Flaherty on the Defensive Almost All the Time.

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The Weighing-In Gives Rise to a Disagreement.

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Sullivan Whips Sullivan, Sullivan Whips Elms.

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A draw was the decision of Referee Colville in the glove contest between Champion George Dixon and Martin Flaherty at the Suffolk Athletic Club last evening. This was after they had boxed 20 rounds, none of which could be designated as exciting or particularly interesting. They were altogether too scientific. Flaherty acted almost entirely upon the defensive, occasionally making a break. Neither achieved very much, and taken altogether it was a tame exhibition. Flaherty secures credit for making a draw, only Griffo and Cal McCarthy having been able to do it with Dixon for the distance. Neither was hurt, and they could have gone twice the limit of the journey.

A great kick occurred over the weighing in. Flaherty was overweight on the scales on which he stood with Dixon, but 50 minutes later he weighed under the stipulated 124 pounds on the scales at the club. It is claimed that the first scales were doctored. A lawsuit will result over the $500 forfeit put up by the men for weight.

There were about 2000 people present, and the show did not close until 11:30 P. M.

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The opening round was marked by frequent attempts to land by each, with no result. The blows were ducked, and they invariably came to a clinch. Dixon rushed continually in the third, but Flaherty met him about every time with a left glancing blow on the left ear. The next was marked by determined efforts on the part of Dixon to get in, but Flaherty was wary, and had a splendid guard.

The Lowell man rested easy in the fifth, but once tried a right chopper for a knock-out, but it missed. Dixon did all the work, and Flaherty was inclined to use his forearm. Once it was put into Dixon's throat so palpably that the spectators hissed.

In the sixth, Dixon got in his double left blow, stomach and face. Later he got in two lefts on the body. He did all the work, Flaherty being very much on the defensive.

Flaherty did some hot mixing when Dixon came into him in the seventh, and roughed the champion on the ropes. Once he landed a left on the ear, and twice he buried his right in the stomach. It was a pretty "go."

Flaherty slipped down in the 10th, and Dixon generously helped him to his feet. The champion did the forcing, as usual, but some of his blows landed cleanly. In the next, however, Dixon scored two fair left-facers, the first of the night. It was Dixon's round.

The 12th was the hottest up to date. Dixon cut the pace, and Flaherty met it. On a rush, Dixon slipped down, and was helped up by Flaherty. After that came the best punch of all. Flaherty crossed his right over hard, and the blow landed on Dixon's left ear solidly. It was a soaker.

The 15th was full of excitement, for the men fought hard and fast. Flaherty continually used his left forearm on Dixon's throat. Several times he planted right body blows. The little champion didn't seem to mind, but rushed all the time, landing when he could.

Flaherty showed a "mouse" under the left eye in the 16th, in which Dixon did the forcing.

The remainder of the rounds were repetitions of those preceding, and but for the reputation of the men the crowd would have walked out. The 20th and last round ended in a rattling mix on the ropes. A draw was declared, and this seemed to suit everybody.

Joe Elms of Chelsea and Dave Sullivan of South Boston, 112 pounds, 12 rounds.

This was an Indian "scrap," full of tough, rugged work. Elms had the better of it at the start off, but Sullivan got his temper up in the 5th, and fought like a young tiger, but without judgment. Both went down in this round, but Sullivan almost fought himself out.

In the sixth Elms dropped Sullivan to his knees with a right-hand cross. Sullivan got up and went looking for more, although weak. Elms, who was experienced, let the "kid" fight himself out as much as he wanted.

Elms started the ninth at a racing clip, and shook his man from top to bottom twice with right cross-counters. Sullivan withstood them, however, and in a mix-up and a wrestle both went down. The end seemed near for Sullivan, who was weak in his legs.

Elms looked like a sure winner, and in the 10th round he caught Sullivan with a right on the "point," which seemed almost to settle it. But Sullivan was tough and dead game. He closed in, and by one of the luckiest punches in the history of the ring, he got in a short right-arm jolt on the jaw, and Elms fell forward on his face on the floor. Time, 1m. 55s. That settled it.

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Lewis Sullivan of East Boston and "Spike" Sullivan of South Boston, 126 pounds, eight rounds.

This was short. Lewis Sullivan went to work at the sound of the gong, and placed a left on the jaw with the first lead. Later, he landed right upper-cuts and it looked as if he was going to have it all his own way.

But in the second round the scene shifted. "Spike" chased his opponent, and, getting him into a corner, flicked him cleverly with a light right upper-cut. Lewis Sullivan fell down, and was declared a loser. The round lasted 1m. 37s.

It was the softest knock-out of the year. The blow was so light that it seemed as if it could not have hurt, and yet it did the business.


1896-06-17 The Lowell Daily Sun (Lowell, MA) (page 1)

FOUGHT A DRAW

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Martin Flaherty the Equal of Champion Dixon.

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FAREWELL BOXING EXHIBITION A SUCCESSFUL EVENT.

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Lowell Man Surprises Even His Admirers.

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Either George Dixon has been greatly overrated or Martin Flaherty has been underrated by the followers of the art of boxing in New England for of the 2500 people who visited the grand wind up of boxing in New England at the Suffolk club in Boston last evening a large majority were confident that at least Dixon would outclass Martin while many thought the dusky champion would have a cinch on his Lowell opponent.

Round 1--Flaherty reached the face lightly with the left. A clinch ensued and both roughed. The referee cautioned the men and they proceeded. Dixon's left was stopped and Flaherty made a hard drive on the ribs. Dixon laughed loudly when he landed in the wind and was scored upon with a light right-hand just as the gong rang.

Round 2--Flaherty met Dixon's rush with a sharp uppercut on the breast; Flaherty ducked cleverly from a left swing and shot his right in quickly on the chin. Once more Dixon essayed the left, but was stopped. Dixon rushed Flaherty, clinched and a lot of short arm work was done by both. Dixon's left swing for the body landed on Martin's arm.

Round 3--Flaherty forced Dixon back with a vicious rush and a moment later landed the left lightly on the face. Flaherty landed with a sharp left on the ear. Dixon had not yet landed a clean score. The champion's rushes were met with stiff rights on the ribs, and whatever honors there were perched on the Lowell man's banner.

Round 4--Dixon opened with a long, low swing for the body, but was stopped. Dixon, after some sparring, rushed and swung wide around the neck. Flaherty tried to land the right, but failed to connect. Martin avoided a hot rush by a splendid duck and a moment later they came to close quarters and clinched. Dixon drove hard for the wind with his left, scoring lightly.

Round 5--Both came together with a rush, Flaherty scoring a rib-roaster, Dixon's left reaching the face. Flaherty missed a right chop and a clinch followed. Dixon's right connected with the rib, Flaherty again reaching Dixon's "ten" ear. Toward the end of the round they came together in a clinch, and the Lowell man was censured for sending his forearm across Dixon's throat.

Round 6--Dixon swung for the stomach, pushed Flaherty away and landed his famous "one-two" and wind on face, the men clinching. Dixon scored with the left in the wind, tried to chop and then clinched. Flaherty seemed content to let Dixon do the bulk of the work, and depended on countering to offset the champion's rushes.

Round 7--Dixon jumped from his corner and led with the left, Flaherty working his right up to the chin. Martin rushed Dixon to the ropes, where a hot mix-up took place, but nothing serious occurred. Flaherty a moment later scored lightly twice with the left and received a hard swing in return. Honors even.

Round 8--Both seemed strong and refreshed by the minute's rest. Dixon, as usual, opened with a rush, but Flaherty avoided nicely. In a clinch both fought viciously at short range, and the crowd, not understanding that the men were boxing while one hand was free, shouted disapproval.

Round 9--Dixon tried with the left, Flaherty landing the right lightly in the wind. In a clinch the Lowell man scored with the left. Dixon's swing, just as the bell rang, went wide, and yet there was no winner in sight.

Round 10--Both led lefts and in avoiding Flaherty slipped, his opponent, man-fashion, lifting him up. Flaherty drove the right in the wind. The balance of the round was spent in sparring.

Round 11-Dixon's swing for the body was stopped. Flaherty led with the right, Dixon retreating to the ropes. Dixon scored clearly on the nose with the left a moment later. Flaherty played hard with the right, but neither seemed to do effective work.

Round 12--Flaherty began the round by rushing Dixon to the ropes. A minute followed in which each fired hot shot on the head of his adversary, but bringing no result. Flaherty chopped the champion hard with the right, and when the gong rang both were hard at it in ding-dong fashion.

Round 13--Flaherty met a rush with a light drive on the ribs, Dixon scoring with the left. A clinch and a rally in which honors were even ensued. Once more the gong found the men hard at it. No choice.

Round 14--Flaherty along about the middle of the round scored a double left lead and forced Dixon to the ropes. Beyond this there was nothing of moment done.

Round 15--The gong had hardly been rung when they got together. This round was one of the fastest so far. Dixon rushed, as was his custom, but the sturdy Lowellite met him blow for blow, and the winner was as far away as ever.

Round 16--Flaherty's right went solidly into the wind and Dixon clinched. Dixon landed a left uppercut and light sparring closed the round.

Round 17--Again nothing effective was done in the three minutes. Each worked in his own way to win, but their cleverness offset any damaging effect intended punches could do had they landed.

Round 18--Dixon placed the right in the stomach. Flaherty drove the right viciously for the ribs and forced Dixon back. Infighting followed and closed the round.

Round 19--The work throughout was very even, and there was not an effective blow delivered.

Round 20--Flaherty led the left for the chin and rushed Dixon to the ropes where give-and-take work was indulged in. Dixon slipped into a stiff uppercut and clinched. The bell sounded as the men were fighting terrifically.

1896-03-05 George Godfrey D-PTS15 Nick Burley [City Point Athletic Club, Music Hall, Boston, MA, USA]

1896-03-06 Boston Morning Journal (Boston, MA) (page 3)

POOR BOXING.
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Burley and Godfrey Took Things Easy.
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It Looked as if They Fixed Things.
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Referee Did Not Understand the Rules.
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Flaherty-Sullivan Drew.
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Neither George Godfrey (colored) nor Nick Burley added one leaf to their laurel wreaths by their wretched exhibition of boxing at the City Point Athletic Club boxing show, held last evening in Music Hall.

They sparred 15 rounds, which were of the tamest description and disgusted the spectators and the club officials. Burley was cautious, and in the sixth round was disabled. Godfrey picked him up bodily and deliberately threw him over his head, a clear infringement of the rules. But as Referee Sheehan did not want to award a decision on such a technicality and as Burley, who though limping and in pain, was willing to continue, he called for the next round, after a couple of minutes' rest. After that it was a game of tag, as the gallery gods declared.

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The show outside of this was good, and was attended by about 2700 people. There were three other bouts, in which Capt. Wm. Daly, Jr., was referee. Twenty sturdy blows were not delivered in the big contest. Some claimed that the boxers had arrived at an understanding, and declared that it was another fake.

The first bout was between Peter Corrigan of Jamaica Plain, and Mott Leary of East Boston, at 145 pounds, for eight rounds. This was a bout in which the strong physique of Corrigan carried him to victory. Leary pounded Corrigan time and time again, but Corrigan stood the blows, and then when Leary tired himself by his exertions, Corrigan sailed in just at the close of the sixth round and knocked his man out.

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Joe Mullins, with his dance, went against his fellow townsman from South Boston, Jack Foley. The latter was a tyro, but did well. Mullins is a coward and resorted to most foul tactics. He won, but such boxers as he hurt the sport. "He should never be billed again in this city," said a well-known sport.

The third bout had as principals Martin Flaherty of Lowell, weighing 126 pounds, and Billy (Spike) Sullivan of South Boston, weighing 118½ pounds. This was a rattling good contest with the men interlocked in each others' embrace fully two minutes of the three in each round. Both stayed the 12 rounds and it was declared a draw, with Flaherty having a decided advantage on points, but none on condition at the end of the bout.



1896-03-06 The Boston Daily Globe (Boston, MA) (page 3)

LOOKED "QUEER."
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Godfrey-Burley Bout Was Very Tame.
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Men Acted as if There Had Been an Understanding.
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Flaherty and Sullivan Gave a Good Exhibition.
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Latter Did Much Better Than Was Expected.
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The bout in Music hall last evening between George Godfrey and Nick Burley was one of the poorest exhibitions seen in Boston for a long time, and was on a par with the Hall-Maher "fake."

The exhibition was under the auspices of the City Point athletic club. Godfrey and Burley were scheduled for 15 rounds, and during the whole contest there was not as much boxing as in one round of the other bouts.

Before the men had boxed three rounds it was plain to the 2500 spectators that they had come to some understanding.

In the sixth round Burley should have been awarded the contest on a foul, as Godfrey deliberately threw him to the floor, injuring his left hip.

Referee Sheehan declared the bout a draw, but he would have been justified in declaring it no contest.

The 12-round contest between Martin Flaherty of Lowell and "Spike" Sullivan of Boston was the best bout of the evening. Flaherty completely outclassed Sullivan, and scored fully 10 blows to Sullivan one. The bout was called a draw, as the contestants had agreed that such a decision should be given if both were on their feet at the end of the bout. Flaherty has had much more experience than Sullivan yet the latter made a better showing than was expected.

The next bout was between Peter Corrigan and Mat Leary, two local boxers. Leary started off like a winner, and had it all his own way in the first round. Corrigan made a better showing in the second, and it was more even, both boxers landing often with left and right. The third round was of hurricane order, each one disregarding all the rules of defense, and simply swinging right and left alternately, landing together time and again on each other's face and jaw. Corrigan had a shade the better of it. The next two rounds were even, both men sparring for wind. The sixth round proved the last. Leary did most of the leading and landed often for two minutes. Then Corrigan got in some stiff blows that had their effect on Leary, who went down in his own corner just as the bell rang. His seconds decided it was better not to let him go on again, and Corrigan was given the decision.

Joe Mullen and Jack Foley, two South Boston featherweights, were the next pair. All that can be said of Foley is that he is game and willing. During the contest he seldom reached Mullen, while the latter landed some hard punches with both hands on the face and body. They were to box 12 rounds, but in the eighth Mullen landed a couple of right swings and a left jab on the jaw that dazed Foley, and the referee sent them to their corners, and gave Mullen the decision.