1921-08-05 Mike Gibbons W-PTS12 Gus Platts [Arena Athletic Club, Arena, Boston, MA, USA]

1921-08-06 The Boston Daily Globe (Boston, MA) (page 7)

It Will Take a Better Boxer Than This Platts Person Is to Show If Mike Gibbons Has Really Come Back to His Old Form
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GIBBONS HIT PLATTS TOO OFTEN TO COUNT
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By DANIEL J. SAUNDERS

Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul Phantom, never met a softer opponent or won a decision as easily as he did the one he gained over Gus Platts of England, European middleweight champion, in their 10-round bout at the Arena A. C. last night.

Gibbons received $5000 for administering the licking he gave Platts and the latter received $3500 for taking it. Platts is one of the worst English fighters who ever showed in Boston. He is a sturdy fellow but muscle bound.

The punches he landed on Gibbons had little force. Only a few times did Gibbons show how clever he is when he wants to be. He did not have to display his cleverness, Platts was so easy. The St. Paul boxer took many punches that he could easily have avoided, but he evidently did not want to show the Englishman up any worse than he was doing.

It looked at times as if Gibbons were carrying Platts, and there were other times when it appeared as if he were trying for a knockout, for he staggered Platts with lefts and rights on the jaw.

Gibbons hit Platts so often with lefts and rights on the jaw, face and stomach that it was impossible to keep count of them. It was easy enough to keep tabs on the blows that Platts landed. The latter was such a punching bag that the big crowd of fans would not have kicked if the referee had stopped the bout before it had gone half the distance. If Platts is the European champion then the men he defeated in order to win that title must have been a poor lot of fighters.

This was Platts' first fight in America. He will have a sore fact for some days from the jabbing that Gibbons gave him all through the battle.

Platts weighed in at 160 pounds at 3 o'clock and Gibbons tipped the beam at 155 pounds at the same time. It was the second easy match that Gibbons had won in two succeeding nights, he having won from Ratner the night before in New York.

In the semifinal bout, Barney Rivers of Providence outclassed Willie Corbett of Somerville so much that Corbett's seconds threw in the towel in the sixth round and Rivers was declared the winner.

Freddie Madden of East Boston and Frankie Conway of Philadelphia boxed a hard and fast eight-round bout. Madden got the decision, but the majority of the fans figured that Conway was the winner.

In the opening bout, Newport Johnny Brown won from Billy Coogan of South Boston, three rounds.


1921-08-06 The Boston Herald (Boston, MA) (page 6)

Platts Clay in Hands of Mike Gibbons

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Gibbons Throws Flock of Boxing Gloves All Over Opponent Platts

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By W. A. HAMILTON

Gus Platts, proud possessor of the middleweight championship of Europe, was due to gaze on the field of American contenders for world championship honors. He might have obtained a peek at Mike Gibbons last night at the Boston Arena, but if he did it was a little peep. For 10 rounds Europe's best bet in the middleweight division stopped Mike Gibbons's assortment of punches unflinchingly and at the end was marked up a little, but as full of fight as when he started.

Hard Work for Platts

If Platts is the champion of Europe we would like to see some of the men he defeated winning his way to the title and the man he captured the championship from must be a "beaut." Poor Gus looked worse than anything we ever saw in a local ring. He absolutely knew nothing about boxing, but of course that could be accounted for when the fact is known that he faced the cleverest middleweight in the business today.

Gibbons, smart as ever, but lacking much of the old dash and snap that featured in his previous encounters here, looked good to the uninitiated who never saw him in action before, but not like the Gibbons who smeared Gus Christie and Joe White all over the ring in 12-round bouts several years ago.

Boxing to Gibbons is the most natural thing in the world, while to Platts it is hard work. There isn't a natural move in the Englishman, and if he has any he failed to display them last night. He couldn't do a thing but stop punches with his face and body until the mill became monotonous, and if Gibbons hadn't been in fairly good condition he would have tired under his own efforts thumping the Englishman.

Platts was willing enough and game as a pebble. He was belted enough in five rounds to have discouraged a less game fighter but never stopped trying to keep pace with his elusive and cleverer opponent. Gibbons was altogether too fast and shifty for Platts, who expected that he might tire under a heavy pace, only to be fooled in the end and outpointed for the decision. Outpointed hardly describes the result as Platts was outclassed more than any other fighter who has appeared in a local ring and been on his feet at the end.

Platts Never in Distress

Despite all that came his way, Platts at no time was in danger of being bucked away. He never was in distress and never wavered under the stinging left jabs and hooks Gibbons caught him with in each of the 10 rounds. Not once did Platts back away from his opponent. The faster Gibbons scored the harder Platts tried to fight, but it was next to a hopeless task for him to score on Gibbons.

Platts admitted his defeat manfully, but believes he will do better in his next contest. What he received last night was what he wanted, a hard, fast contest, and there is no denying that he learned a lot about boxing from Gibbons.

Gus claimed distinction of never having been knocked off his feet in more than 200 contests, and the distinction still belongs to him as he was propped up at the finish without ever being in danger of being knocked down even though he stopped more gloves than he ever thought were made.

Corbett Stops in Sixth

Willie Corbett had to give up in the sixth round in his fight with Barney Rivers in one of the preliminary bouts. The Cambridge boxer was not in any too good condition and the pace proved too warm for his comfort when his seconds tossed in the towel.

Freddie Madden of East Boston defeated Frankie Conway of Philadelphia in an eight-round bout. The judges' decision failed to please a few, but Madden won the contest by his cleaner and harder hitting and was entitled to the verdict.

Willie Coogan started out like a sure winner, but was defeated in the first round in his fight with Young Brown of Newport. The latter was sent to the canvas with a right that looked good enough to win the fight for Coogan, but when Brown took his feet he made the going warmer than Coogan could stand.


1921-08-06 The Boston Post (Boston, MA) (page 5)

Gibbons Winner but Platts Game

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European Champion Cheered for Forcing Tactics, but Is Outclassed by St. Paul Phantom

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BY DOC ALMY

When Gus Platts of England tied up with Mike Gibbons of St. Paul as the proper opponent with whom to make his American debut, he made a big mistake.

He knows this himself, now, so do the 7000 fans who took in last night's bout at the Arena.

Gibbons, though 37 years old and growing older, won the decision all the way, starting with the first round and going through to the end of the 10th.

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TOUGH BUT SLOW

Platts showed himself to be game, willing and tough, but he was dead slow as a ringster alongside the St. Paul "phantom," and stopped enough punches to sink a battleship. Happily for Platts, Gibbons is not a hard hitter, for Mike speared his man with straight lefts and rights, hooked him to the jaw with either hand, and now and then shook him up with jolts and uppercuts to the chin. Against the Britisher, the St. Paul man appeared to have lost none of his old-time speed, cunning and cleverness. His showing caused many to express the query what he would do with either Wilson or Downey or both.

Though Platts' face and jaw was the target for Mike's pet punches, the bulldog in the Englishman caused him to stick right with him, and, excepting two or three rounds, he was always forcing. His aggressiveness won for him more than one cheer in the earlier stanzas, though toward the last, when the fans realized that he had no chance to win, the referee was urged to interfere.

Face Badly Puffed

Gibbons left the ring without a mark, while Platts' face was badly puffed and bore a cut under the right eye. Jack Sheehan was the third man in the ring. After the bout it was learned that Platts had suffered a rupture in connection with his training and narrowly escaped being barred by the State's doctor from going into the ring.

Willie Coogan of South Boston, who was substituted for Denny Glynn in the first prelim, because the State weigher found Glynn six pounds overweight, gave Johnny Brown of Newport, R. I., a lively scrap for a couple of rounds, upsetting the Rhode Islander in the initial session. Then Willie blew up in the third and the referee stopped the affair, the award going to Brown.

Madden's Verdict

Freddie Madden, East Boston, and Frankie Conway, Philadelphia, put up a rugged eight-rounder in the next prelim. Madden did the cleaner landing and cleverer work, but too much holding to please the fans. He was given the verdict and the fans did not like the decision.

Willie Corbett, the Tech student, bit off too big a mouthful in Barney Rivers of Woonsocket, R. I., in the semi-final. Willie made a game, uphill fight of it and had the better of the first three rounds. Then he began to go to pieces and in the sixth the towel was tossed from his corner. The award went to Rivers.

1912-02-23 Mike Gibbons W-KO2 Willie Lewis [Empire Athletic Club, New York, NY, USA]

1912-02-24 New-York Tribune (New York, NY) (page 5)

LEWIS BITES THE DUST
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Knocked Out by Gibbons in Second Round of Bout.

Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul middleweight, knocked out Willie Lewis, of this city, in the second round of a ten-round bout at the Empire Athletic Club last night. One minute and twenty-five seconds had elapsed in the second round when Gibbons whipped over left and right hooks to the point of the chin and Lewis fell, to box no more for the night.

The bout was one sided from start to finish, and Lewis was never in the hunt. He landed about four punches, and was fortunate to last out the first round, as seven seconds before the end he was knocked down and saved from defeat then and there by the bell.

Gibbons went at his man at the start in a manner that forecasted the summary ending that followed. Stepping up briskly, he circled about, and, feinting Lewis into kinks, hit him when and where he pleased. Lewis, clever as he is, looked like an untried schoolboy, and was thoroughly afraid of the man before him. In an effort to take a chance he went in close, but Gibbons handled him like a child. His efforts at infighting were smothered, while Gibbons ripped solid counters home at pleasure.


1912-02-24 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) (page S3)
Willie Lewis is in the Down and Out Club. The clever fighter from the Gas House district hit the toboggan slide at the Empire Athletic Club in Manhattan last night, and still is on his way to oblivion. Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul middleweight, started Willie along the road. It did not take Mike very long to bid Willie "bon voyage." After one minute had elapsed in the second round, Mike tapped Willie with his right on the point of the latter's jaw, and Willie peacefully passed away. So ended the second lesson, the first having been read at the Fairmont Athletic Club in the Bronx a month or two ago.

Lewis never had a lookin during the encounter. His first knockout at the hands of Gibbons had left the former afraid of the clever fighter from St. Paul, and as a result, Willie wanted to keep well out of the road of Master Gibbons. The St. Paul man kept after the New Yorker and dropped Willie in the first round for the full count. However, the bell saved Lewis and he was able to get to his corner for a minute's rest. Hardly had the second period started than Gibbons sent over his right and Lewis dropped dead to the world. Not waiting to hear the count, Gibbons reached down and helped Referee Tone carry Lewis to his corner. It took a good two minutes to bring Lewis back to the land of the living.


1912-02-24 The Evening Telegram (New York, NY) (page 6)

Gibbons Makes Short Work of "Willie" Lewis in Ring

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Western Boxer Knocks Out the New York Pugilist in the Second Round.

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BELL SAVES DEFEATED BOXER IN THE FIRST

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Wide Open Swings Are Quickly Taken Advantage of by the Winner of Bout.

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By Ed. Cole.

It took one round and one minute and twenty-five seconds of the succeeding round for "Mike" Gibbons, of St. Paul, to knock out "Willie" Lewis, of New York, at the Empire Club last night. But for the very friendly bell Lewis would have passed up the fight in the first round, as he was down and the count was going on when the gong sounded to cease hostilities. He came up for the second round in fairly good condition and tried his best to get a swinging right to the young man from St. Paul. But it was a sorry attempt, and after Gibbons pumped a few left jabs into Lewis' face and hooked a short right to his jaw he went down, and everybody, about three thousand lovers of the boxing art, donned their wraps and went home.

That Gibbons is a master of the art of boxing he demonstrated last night without a question of doubt. He showed that he lacks nothing. He knows everything that was ever known in the art of self-defence. In the last three months he has developed what appeared to be lacking in his early fights in this city--a knockout punch. This he has proved he possesses twice within a month by knocking out Cashman and Lewis.

In regard to his cleverness, both with his hands and his footwork, old timers at the boxing game compare him with the one great boxer of the old days, "Jack" Dempsey, "the Nonpareil," who mastered opponents in the most artistic way until he met "Bob" Fitzsimmons. A fighter never leaves a positive record on the books that can prove decisively which is the better man unless they meet, hence it is only a matter of opinion whether Gibbons or the late and much thought of "Jack" Dempsey was the greater fighter.

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Gibbons a Phenomenon.

One thing is positive, however, Gibbons is not only phenomenally clever, but he has a snappy punch with either hand that will bring an opponent to the mat. This is something that Dempsey never boasted of. That is the one addition to Gibbons' stock of ability that will possibly give the impression that Gibbons would have proved Dempsey's master had he lived in the days of "the Nonpareil."

That Gibbons is headed for the middleweight championship is assured, and he is loaded to the muzzle with all kinds of shot. He intends to have another meeting with "Jack" Denning some time in April, and if he is in as good condition as he was last night it is only a question how long Denning will be able to stand his punishment. After that there is but one other fence for him to climb, the "Eddie" McGoorty obstacle, and the latter will no doubt prove the hardest proposition he has had to deal with.

Last night's contest needs little description. It was lopsided throughout. That Lewis' intention was to bring Gibbons to earth by a right swing was evident before a minute of the first round had elapsed. Lewis jumped into action immediately he left his chair. He shot his left out and Gibbons dodged it and in return for the attempt Gibbons hooked up his right and followed in one, two succession with his left. Lewis then tried another right swing, but Gibbons just backed away as cleverly as a batter gets away from an inshoot.

Gibbons drew Lewis into a right swing and then sidestepped a trifle and as Lewis floundered from the force of his swing Gibbons hooked him on the point of the chin and passed the left over on him as his head bobbed up from the force of the uppercut. Then with a short stinging right, again on the point of the chin, Lewis toppled over in bad shape. The referee started to count him out but the gong sounded and Lewis was helped to his corner.

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The Last of Lewis.

No sooner had the second round been called than Lewis made another effort with his powerful right hand, but it met atmosphere and not Gibbons. That was about the last thing Lewis did in the fighting line, for Gibbons smashed him with right and left, upper cut him and jabbed him. Lewis covered up with both hands, but the storm of gloves that bounced off him caused him to wobble about like a beheaded chicken. Then Gibbons waited for a couple of seconds and Lewis opened his gloves to see where Gibbons was. He didn't have time to locate him, for "Mike" shot his left into his face and hooked up his right to the jaw with the accuracy of a rifleman locating bull's eyes. Another right and left to the jaw and the story is told.

At the ringside Gibbons tipped the beam at 151 pounds and Lewis at 149½ pounds. To-day Gibbons leaves for St. Paul to see his wife, who expects to present a young middleweight to her husband in the near future. After that event he may return here to meet Denning and probably a local boxer in Bridgeport, Conn. He and his manager, "Ed" Reddy, will then take a trip to the coast in search of middleweight game.


1912-02-24 The Evening World (New York, NY) (page 4)

Lewis Cries When He Realizes Mike Gibbons Has Knocked Him Out

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Local Fighter Quickly Disposed Of in Second Round by St. Paul Fistic Artist.

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Three thousand fight fans witnessed the bout between Mike Gibbons of St. Paul and Willie Lewis of this city at the Empire A. C., and after it was over these same three thousand persons left Manhattan Casino proclaiming the Westerner one of the greatest fighters for his weight they have ever seen in action. This high compliment was tendered to Gibbons for the easy and graceful way in which he knocked out Lewis in the second round, after about one minute of fighting, with a terrific right hand swing on the jaw.

Gibbons would have accomplished the feat in the first round had it not been for the clang of the bell, which sounded while Willie was groggy on his feet after having got up from the floor in a helpless condition from a heavy blow on the chin.

Up to the time Gibbons put in the punch that stowed Lewis away the Western "phenom" had given an exhibition of cleverness, ring generalship and clean and terrific hitting which are seldom seen in bouts at the local clubs.

Gibbons fought an entirely different battle from those which he put up in his previous six contests here. Instead of doing a lot of unnecessary feinting, sidestepping and ducking, as he did in these other bouts, Gibbons just walked out of his corner and with his guard high he cut loose at Lewis in a way that showed he was out to win as quickly as possible or lose out himself in the attempt.

After jabbing Lewis a few times in the face Gibbons let fly an overhand left hand swing, which nailed him flush on the cheekbone. The moment the blow landed Lewis's legs began to wobble, and as he started to stagger Gibbons dealt him left and right hand swings on the jaw. These blows dazed Willie completely, and he began to rush at Gibbons, letting fly with a right swing. Gibbons saw the punch coming and, stepping back, let the blow fall short and then countered beautifully with two straight jabs into Lewis's face, sending his head back.

By this time Lewis was bewildered, and Gibbons, seeing he had him at his mercy, hooked a left swing to the jaw which sent him reeling. As quick as a flash Gibbons drove in a right uppercut, dropping Lewis to the floor.

After Referee Tone had counted six, Lewis staggered to his feet. He was very shaky, while both hands hung at his side. Gibbons was just about to put over the finishing punch when the bell rang, causing Referee Tone to go between the men.

When the second round started Gibbons waded right into Lewis by jabbing him hard in the nose with a straight left. Willie then threw over a left hand swing to Gibbons's jaw, which seemed to rile him, for he let go three stiff jabs to Willie's face and then crossed his right to his jaw, sending him to the floor on his back.

With the exception of a slight turn of his head and the raising of his right leg, Lewis did not move, and was counted out. At the fatal count of ten the referee and Gibbons bent down and picking Lewis up carried him to his corner. After he recovered consciousness Lewis, broken-hearted over his defeat, put his head on his glove and began to cry. He was still crying when he was escorted from the ring by his seconds.

Gibbons Best Man I Ever Met, Says Lewis in Adieu to Ring.

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By Willie Lewis.

I think Gibbons is a wonderful fighter. He is not only clever and shifty, but he can certainly deliver a terrific blow. Before my fight with him this time I was confident he could not punch. I know different now, for he proved to my satisfaction that he is one of the hardest punchers in the business. I have fought middleweights, light heavyweights and heavyweights, both in this country, England and France, but none of them hit me so hard as Gibbons. I wish to state right now that I am through with the fighting game forever. I have fought my last fight. I took on this bout with Gibbons to find out if I was still there or all in. I am satisfied now that I am all in, and that is the reason why I have retired from the game. I have been fighting for thirteen years next June and I think it's about time for me to quit. I intend to pay strict attention to my cafe in the future and forget the past. I wish Gibbons the best of luck and hope to see him middleweight champion in a year or so.



1912-02-24 The New York Herald (New York, NY) (page 11)

Gibbons Knocks Out Lewis

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St. Paul Middleweight Puts Local Man Away in Second Round at Empire A.C.

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Beaten into a state of utter helplessness and knocked out in the second round, "Willie" Lewis made a sorry showing against "Mike" Gibbons, the St. Paul middleweight, in the Empire Athletic Club ring last night. Gibbons did not allow Lewis to land a single clean blow, but went after him from the opening gong and battered him down in impressive fashion.

The crowd of five thousand that jammed the hall got an excellent idea of what was coming when Gibbons hammered Lewis down in the first round. Had not the bell come to the local man's relief just as he arose it is highly probable that he would have been saved the necessity of going into the second session. Gibbons took matters coolly, doing the execution in a businesslike way with right and left uppercuts, jabs and smashing jolts to the body. Lewis attempted several left hooks, but he was wild and the St. Paul boxer stepped inside the swings with straight lefts to the head. Gibbons landed half a dozen right uppercuts and left jabs and Lewis hit the boards. As he got up, wavering, the gong sounded.

The second round went just 1m. 25s. Gibbons repeated his programme of the previous round, and finally knocked Lewis out with a ripping left to the jaw. The Minnesota boxer's hair was not even mussed, and he failed to get any perspiration up. In the second bout in the city Gibbons easily defeated Lewis in ten rounds. "Willie" clamored for another chance, and he got it with a vengeance. Gibbons entered the ring weighing 151 pounds and Lewis scaled at 149½.

In the preliminaries "Eddie" McFarland, the Oklahoma lightweight, made a fair showing against "Kid" Alberts, the latter winning on points. "Willie" Chandler stopped "Young Terry" Martin, a negro, in five rounds. "Battling" Reddy and "Phillie" Carmine went six rounds to a fast draw.


1912-02-24 The New York Press (New York, NY) (page 7)

GIBBONS KNOCKS OUT LEWIS IN 2D ROUND

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St. Paul Fighter Lands Haymaker with Ease.

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NOTHING TO STOP HIM

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New Yorker, Unable to Put Up Defense, Takes a Count Soon After Start.

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There's another wreck on the track. Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul Limited, booming along at a mile a minute clip, crashed into Willie Lewis of the Gashouse district at the Empire A. C. of Harlem last night. All that was left of Lewis was the pieces. The once great welterweight was a mere toy in the hands of Glittering Gibbons. Willie's light went out in the second round. After dropping the former pride of the Parisian boulevards toward the end of the first round, the bell coming to Willie's rescue and postponing is enforced sleep, Mike caused the swan song to be sung over McKetrick's roustabout before the second round was half over. Mike sent a snappy right hook to the jaw and the tottering Lewis dropped like a log. Willie fell on his face, unconsciously tried to pull himself up and rolled over on his back while Referee Dan Tone tolled the full drone of the doleful decimal. Lewis was carried to his corner. Two minutes afterward he was revived and led weeping from the ring.

The beginning of the end came in the first two minutes of fighting. About the middle of the first round Gibbons hooked a hard left to the jaw. The punch rocked Lewis from head to toe, and but for his falling into a clinch he would have been floored. Gibbons fought himself free and shot rapid-fire lefts and rights to Lewis's head and body. For a few seconds Lewis weathered the gale. Then "crash!" and he was driven to the boards from a one-two punch, a straight left and a crossing right. Willie arose at the count of five. The fog was still in his eyes and he walked blindly in without offering to protect himself. Gibbons shook the staggering Lewis with stiff punches to head and body, but just when Willie was ready to fall the bell came to his rescue.

Lewis, staggering to his corner, was showered with water by his seconds. He was weak and groggy, however, when he came up for the second round. Mike went right in to finish him. For a few seconds Willie tried to block the lightning punches that Gibbons shot in from all angles. Gibbons, however, picked out the holes in his armor, and drove home shot after shot. Lewis threw discretion to the winds and waded in with his guard down, risking all on one good healthy swing. It was Gibbons, however, that landed the haymaker. He sent three lightning left jabs and a terrific right to the body. Another left jab and a vicious right uppercut followed. Then the terrible crossing right and--it all was over but the count.

Though defeated Lewis was not disgraced, and he went down to defeat like a man. It was another case of the pitcher going once too often to the well. A great fighter in his day, Lewis's stamina and vitality were sapped by loose training that often amounted to excesses. He was but a shell of his former fighting self. In fact, he has been living on his reputation since he was beaten to a pulp and knocked out by Frank Klaus a year ago. His ring generalship and courage have carried him through several tough battles since then, but it only was a question when some good, fast, hard-hitting man would come along and "bust" the bubble.

Gibbons entered the ring at 9.55 p. m., accompanied by his manager, Eddie Reddy, and a retinue of handlers. Lewis followed a minute afterward. Danny McKetrick and Joe Jeanette looked out after things in Lewis's corner. It was announced the men had weighed in, as agreed, at 147 pounds at 3 p. m. The announcer said the ringside weights of the men were: Gibbons, 151 pounds; Lewis, 149½. While the men were donning the gloves Jess Smith, Johnny Dundee, Tommy Coleman and Knock Out Brown were introduced, and a collection was taken up in behalf of the widow of Connie Schmidt, the Jersey fighter who was killed by a freight train last week. The McMahon brothers donated $50 and those around the ringside contributed generously, several hundred dollars being taken up.

The gong rang a few seconds before 10 p. m. Lewis lead with a light left to the face, Mike coming back with a snappy left and a right-hand uppercut to the face. The punch hurt Lewis. Gibbons shot a left to the jaw and Willie, returning the compliment, fell into a clinch. Lewis hooked a right to the jaw on the break and, quick as a flash, Mike planted a left and right to the face. Gibbons stepped back and then leaped in with a crossing right labeled "knock out." The punch missed the mark, grazing the jaw. Lewis shot a left to the face and tried the right for the jaw, but was blocked. Mike then began peppering Lewis with straight lefts. Gibbons shot in his punches with the speed of a bullet, and Lewis could not block or duck them. Willie got wild and missed a hard left swing. Lewis landed a right to the jaw, and then Gibbons hooked a vicious left to Willie's mouth. The punch shook Lewis from head to heel, and he fell into a clinch. Mike fought himself free and hooked a left and right to the jaw. Again Gibbons sent the left and right to the jaw, following with a right cross. Lewis was sent to the boards. He got up at the count of five. Gibbons tried hard to finish him. Lewis, though groggy, was set to receive the punches. Mike was showering him with stiff lefts and rights, and Willie was staggering when the bell came to his rescue.

Lewis had trouble getting to his corner. It looked as if he would fall before he could get to his chair. Frantic work by his seconds brought him up for the second round. Mike opened the round with a left to the face. Lewis missed a right and clinched. Mike shot a right to the body and hooked the left to the face. Gibbons reached the face with a straight left and crossing right. Willie reached the body with a right, and Mike sunk a left and right in Willie's mid-section.

Three times Mike jabbed Lewis in the face. By this time Lewis was almost in. He dropped his guard and tried to land one good, solid punch. Gibbons stepped in and placed a right to the body. He jabbed the face and uppercut the jaw with his right. Suddenly Gibbons crossed his right flush to the jaw. Good night.


1912-02-24 The New York Times (New York, NY) (page 12)

GIBBONS KNOCKS OUT LEWIS IN SECOND

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St. Paul Man Has New Yorker Staggering Around Ring in Empire A. C. Fight.

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Willie Lewis had his chance last night at the Empire Athletic Club to prove that his recent defeat by Mike Gibbons was a fluke, and the St. Paul whirlwind brushed the erstwhile king of welterweights into dreamland in less than five minutes. A right to the jaw was the finishing punch and it did the trick so effectively that Lewis was still in the land of dreams when Gibbons carried him to his corner. The knockout arrived less than two minutes after the second round began.

From the bell which started the rival battlers on their way until Gibbons dropped Lewis to the canvas for the full count, there was nothing to the bout except Gibbons. Lewis, noted for his feinting ability and all-around boxing cleverness, was as powerless before the St. Paul boy as a novice, and during the five minutes he failed to land a single effective punch on Gibbons. Mike simply toyed with the New Yorker, feinted until Willie was dizzy, stepped out of the paths of Lewis's punches without apparent effort, and penetrated Lewis's guard with his terrific punches as often as he desired. It was evident before the first round was half completed that Lewis was in for the trimming of his life. He took almost as much punishment as could be crowded into such a short space of time.

Before the bout was ten seconds old Gibbons had jolted Lewis's head back with two lefts and a right. Within a minute he had Willie staggering around the ring, and before the bell sounded Gibbons dropped Lewis with a terrific right uppercut after staggering him with a left swing. Lewis regained his feet at the count of five, and the bell sounded just in time to save him from a knockout.

Gibbons went in to make a quick finish of the bout in the second round, and succeeded. He was landing often on Willie's jaw with either hand, and Lewis was unable to stop the shower of blows. His right eye was swollen and his face was very red from the punishment already received. A series of rights and lefts soon had Lewis groggy, and Gibbons shot out that terrible right with enough power to end the bout. Lewis did not move a muscle while Referee Tone tolled off the fatal ten, and Gibbons helped Willie's seconds to carry him to his corner.


1912-02-24 The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY) (page 8)

GIBBONS MAKES SHORT WORK OF WILLIE LEWIS

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Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul scrapper, to-day laid claim to the welterweight championship of the world, following his decisive victory last night over Willie Lewis, at the Empire A. C., of Harlem. Mike declared that he had been vindicated by knocking out the New York boy who claimed that Gibbons' recent decision over him was a fluke.

"I said I would put him away in a hurry, and I made good," was Gibbons' comment to-day.

A ring victory was never more decisive. In the first round Gibbons put over a crashing blow which would have ended the battle had not the bell rung while Lewis was lying helpless on the floor. In the second round the St. Paul wonder duplicated, but this time the bell did not come to the rescue.


1912-02-24 The Sun (New York, NY) (page 11)

WILLIE LEWIS KNOCKED OUT.

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Gibbons Does the Trick in Second Round at Empire A. C.

Willie Lewis, the local welterweight who once claimed the world's championship, was knocked out cold in the second round by Mike Gibbons of St. Paul at the Empire A. C. in Harlem Casino last night. Lewis was no match for the wonderful Western boxer. He could not land his heavy swings and also found it impossible to defend himself when Gibbons went after him. Gibbons outboxed, outfeinted and outslugged Lewis from start to finish.

Just before the first round ended Lewis was floored with a heavy right hand hook to the jaw. He was just getting on his pins when the bell rang. Gibbons cut out fancy business in the second round and made a punching bag of the Bowery boy.

He hit Lewis from every angle, putting so much power into his punches that a knockout was inevitable. A left hook on the chin finally put Lewis away in such a manner that he was dead to the world when the tenth second was counted.

Attracted by Gibbons, one of the largest crowds ever housed by the club gathered at the ringside, and by the time the preliminaries were at an end there were few empty seats in the big casino. The ringside weights were: Gibbons, 151; Lewis, 149½. Dan Tone was referee.

First Round--As Lewis tore in Gibbons landed a hook with each hand and made the local man break ground. Gibbons danced around his man with great foot work, jabbing him with lefts and sending over a terrific right to the ear. Lewis blocked for a moment and then, rushing in, he received more hooks in the face. Gibbons feinted beautifully, after which he shot a left to the jaw. Lewis's swings were short, and again Gibbons jabbed him in the face. Lewis tore in with a right on the neck, whereupon Gibbons cut loose with a blinding volley of punches. A right put Lewis down, and he staggered up just as the bell rang. Gibbons had the round.

Second Round--Lewis missed a hard blow with the right and Gibbons stepped in with hooks and upper cuts that made Lewis reel. The latter rushed and Gibbons sidestepped him. Again Lewis rushed and this time Gibbons landed a fierce right hook under the chin. Lewis tottered, but instinctively threw up his hands. Gibbons drove in body blows underneath his guard and then, shifting with a left hand upper cut, he reached the point of the jaw. It was a terrific wallop and Lewis's legs bent under him. He sank to the floor in a heap and after being counted out he was literally carried to his corner, where he soon revived. It was an easy victory for Gibbons.

1911-11-28 Mike Gibbons ND10 Willie Lewis [Fairmont Athletic Club, Bronx, NY, USA]

1911-11-29 New-York Tribune (New York, NY) (page 5)

LEWIS FINDS A MASTER
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Battered from Pillar to Post in Savage Bout with Gibbons.

Willie Lewis practically was eliminated from the ranks of the contenders for the welterweight championship when Mike Gibbons, of St. Paul, beat him decisively in a ten-round bout at the Fairmont Athletic Club, The Bronx, last night. Lewis never had a chance after the first round, and, after escaping a knockout in the second, was lucky to last the limit. Even his most partisan admirers were forced to admit that Lewis was beaten by a better man. One of the oldtime Fairmont crowds witnessed the bout, and fully 2,500 persons were packed in the hall.

Gibbons made good all the statements which preceded him out of the West. He was, indeed, a large edition of "Packey" McFarland, but with a more vicious punch. He boxed fairly at all times, and met the questionable tactics of Lewis with furious rallies.

Confronted by a clever boxer, Gibbons feinted and boxed Lewis into kinks. He hit short and straight to the mark. The punch travelled only a few inches, but it carried crushing force behind it, and time and again Lewis reeled from the impact. Toward the end of the battle Lewis became desperate, but as his efforts grew wilder he played right into the hands of his opponent, who countered him with both hands almost at will.

Lewis was game. He took a licking which would have made many a man take the count, but he stuck to his guns gamely. At times he resorted to elbowing, but these were few and far between.

The second round narrowly escaped being the last for Lewis. Willie opened fire with a blow to the head, but the St. Paul lad ripped a smashing right uppercut to the chin and Lewis rocked under it. Gibbons then leaped in with a left to the face, and when a shift fooled the East Side boy into dropping his guard the former crashed a right to the jaw. Lewis staggered and his arms dropped. Like a flash Gibbons landed again, and Lewis dropped across the lower rope and rolled over on his back to the canvas. At the count of seven he recovered and arose, and although Gibbons battered him from pillar to post Lewis lasted out the round. The St. Paul man was wild in placing his blows, else he would have scored a knockout.

Lewis also bordered on a knockout in the eighth round, when a heavy fire of solid smashes to the jaw and body had him rocking, but the Western lad was unable to drive in the finishing punch to the vital spot. He outboxed Lewis, who tried swing after swing with the desperate hope of a beaten man to turn the tide of battle in a single punch. His efforts were fruitless, for Gibbons was cool and clever, and either swayed back or stepped in and countered.


1911-11-29 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) (page S1)
Mike Gibbons came pretty near living up to all that was said of him when he easily won from Willie Lewis last night at the Fairmont A. C. Gibbons is known as a hard hitter, and he dropped Willie for the count of seven in the second round. The Westerner had also been touted as a clever boxer. He proved it when he had no trouble in outpointing Willie, who is one of the most scientific of the present crop of middleweights and has always depended upon his skill more than upon his strength.


1911-11-29 The Evening Telegram (New York, NY) (page 8)

"Mike" Gibbons Beats "Willie" Lewis, Winning Welterweight Crown
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St. Paul Boy Just Played with Lewis and Nearly Had Him Out in Second.
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"Willie" Lewis gave the welterweight championship crown to "Mike" Gibbons, of St. Paul, last night at the Fairmont Athletic Club. "Willie" didn't want to do it. In fact, he did the best--and his best was very poor--to keep the honor for himself. But "Mike" Gibbons took it without so much as saying if you please. It was the easiest thing that the St. Paul boy has experienced in his ring career, easier than taking pennies from an infant in arms. He made "Willie" look like a novice long before the gong sounded at the end of the tenth round--just fooled with and laughed at the New York champion.

It took Mr. Gibbons just one round to figure out Mr. Lewis. After that it was easy. The issue was never in doubt. He outpunched him and outpointed him at will. In the second "Willie" came within an ace of going out. Gibbons ended a fast exchange of blows by hooking over a hard right. It caught Lewis flush on the point of the jaw and sent him flat on his back, with his head outside of the ropes. Every one of the big crowd of fans present thought it was the finish of Mr. Lewis. Referee Joh stood over him counting off the seconds. "Willie," dazed and stunned, crawled slowly to his feet and managed to get up just before the fatal ten.

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Lewis Weak at Finish.

Then Gibbons tore into him and gave him an awful beating, but he was over anxious and could not send in the finish punch. He hit Lewis at will. The New York boy, dazed, staggered about the ring under the rain of blows. Once he stuck out his chin and let Gibbons smash him two or three times. But, strange to relate, Gibbons couldn't do it. He was nervous, excited by the uproar in the house, and the bell found Lewis on his legs, but very groggy. The "fans" were disappointed in Gibbons. They could not understand it.

There was very little real fighting for the next three rounds. Lewis forced matters, but his punches, chiefly a left jab, had no effect on Gibbons. Lewis, who had the first by a good margin, also had the third by a shade on points. Gibbons made little if any effort. The New York boy also had the fourth. All that Gibbons did in these two rounds was to feint and jump about the ring. Occasionally he put one over, but he was not fighting or making any pretense of it.

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Gibbons Shows Form.

But in the fifth he opened up, and before the round was ended proved to the crowd that he was Lewis' master at every stage of the game. Both exchanged blows at the opening. Then Gibbons started to do some fast and fancy left hand jabbing, landing repeatedly, beating Lewis to the lead all the time. The New York boy rushed and was met with a hard right uppercut to the face. He put over a left jab, and in return Gibbons rocked him with hard rights and lefts to the head. Lewis covered up to avoid punishment. In a breakaway he hooked over a left. It was Gibbons' round by a big margin.

Lewis opened the sixth with a left jab, following it up by three more. They clinched, and in the break "Willie" whipped over a right hook. Gibbons laughed at him. It made Lewis mad and wild. Then Mr. Gibbons took a hand and made "Willie" look like a preliminary boy. It was his round. So was the seventh and eighth. Honors were about even in the ninth, though Gibbons' blows were more telling.

The tenth round opened slowly, both boys hugging and clinching. Gibbons had the better of this rough work. Then things began to happen--that is, happen to Lewis. Gibbons let out a few links and jabbed, hooked and punched Lewis all over the ring, receiving hardly one in return.

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Lewis Takes Count.

It looked for a few seconds as if Lewis would go down and out, but he stuck it out to the end. It was Gibbons' round by a mile. The welterweight championship went with the bout. Both boys weighed in at 145 pounds at three o'clock. Lewis looked heavier than the St. Paul lad when they came together and had the advantage in height and reach. Both were in excellent condition.

Gibbons made a good impression on the local fans. It was his first appearance in the East. He is clever both in defence and offence, and has a good punch. It was the general impression that he would have put Lewis out before the end had he forced matters. In this he was a disappointment. He contented himself with outpointing Lewis. Gibbons came out of the battle without a mark and was apparently as fresh as when he started. Lewis, on the contrary, showed the marks of the bout in a badly bruised and cut face.

Gibbons meets Walter Coffey next week at the Fairmont in the star bout.

In a rattling good six round semi-final "Kid" Harmann had the better of "Mike" Clancy. The latter appeared in the first preliminary and made his opponent, "Frankie" Pappa, quit in the second round.


1911-11-29 The Evening World (New York, NY) (page 6)

Mike Gibbons, Classiest Fighter Seen Here, Easily Beats Up Willie Lewis
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Local Championship Aspirant Luckily Weathers Pugilistic Gale After Being Almost Put Away in Second Round.
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BY JOHN POLLOCK.

Willie Lewis, whose sole ambition always has been to win the welterweight championship of the world, had said ambition completely shattered at the Fairmont A. C. last night. Willie met Mike Gibbons, the crack welterweight of St. Paul, in a ten round bout and what Gibbons did to him in those ten sessions of fighting is sad to relate.

Not in many a day has Lewis been so completely outclassed by a man of his own weight. To size up the bout in a few words, Lewis never had a look in after the first two minutes of fighting in the opening round. If he were not a great ring general he would have been knocked out.

As it was, Willie had a narrow escape in the second round, for Gibbons dropped him with a short, snappy right hand swing to the jaw, his neck hitting the lower rope. This saved his head from striking the floor, otherwise he might have been rendered unconscious.

Although badly dazed from the punch, Lewis staggered to his feet at the count of eight and luckily managed to last the round out despite the fact that Gibbons landed numerous right and left hand swings to the jaw.

GIBBONS WONDERFULLY SKILLFUL BOXER.

It was after this round that Gibbons started in to display his wonderful skill as a boxer and fighter, and the way in which he feinted Willie into knots and landed on him not only surprised Lewis's followers, but was also a revelation to the admirers of Gibbons.

Any time that Gibbons wanted to get in a punch he did so without the slightest exertion, and there were times that he scored three or four blows without a return. At infighting Gibbons also outclassed Lewis, sending in short, choppy rights to his jaw and stomach. After the fourth round Lewis seemed to lose heart, for some of the wild swings not only went wide of their mark, but also showed that Willie was badly bewildered.

Several times during the latter part of the battle Lewis took a chance at mixing with Gibbons, but his efforts were useless, for while he succeeded in getting in some jabs and swings, the latter stood toe to toe with him and gave him some wicked blows, which caused his face to swell and drew the claret from his mouth.

GIBBONS TRIES TO PUT LEWIS AWAY.

In the last round Gibbons tried to put Lewis away. He jabbed Willie several times and sent his head back with a right swing on the chin. Lewis fought back hard, but Gibbons kept sending in his blows with much speed, and at the bell Willie was in bad shape.

Although Gibbons won by a big margin, it must be admitted that he is not much of a puncher. He showed this by failing to put Lewis out, although he landed enough blows to do so.

Gibbons is a clever two-handed boxer, hits short and straight to the mark, blocks excellently, takes advantage of all openings and is a fine ring general. However, he does entirely too much fancy stepping. In many of the rounds he indulged in this when there was no need of it.

As for Lewis, he is not the fighter he was a few years ago. He has lost his punch and cleverness.


1911-11-29 The New York Herald (New York, NY) (page 14)

"WILLIE" LEWIS ALMOST OUT
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"Willie" Lewis' claim to the welterweight title was pounded out of his grasp at the Fairmont Athletic Club last night when he was decisively beaten by "Mike" Gibbons, of St. Paul. In the second round a right swing to the jaw almost finished him. Flat on his back, mouth wide open, scarcely moving a muscle, Lewis looked so far gone that the large crowd began a rush for the exits. By a superhuman effort he managed to get to his knees at the count of eight and totter to his feet just in time. Gibbons battered him from post to post, but Lewis hung on and saved himself, reeling to his corner at the bell. Thereafter, Lewis, although fighting desperately, could do nothing better than last the limit of ten rounds.

After the first few minutes spent in solving Lewis' style, Gibbons had everything his own way. Throughout the entire thirty minutes of milling Lewis, always regarded as a clever boxer, scarcely landed a dozen blows. Gibbons, on his toes all the time, dancing, shifting, jabbing, feinting, had Lewis completely bewildered. Lewis tried to win by chance blows, but Gibbons blocked them all with his gloves and elbows, dealing out punishment that had Lewis groggy time and again.

Lewis surprised the crowd by his ability to assimilate the punishment, particularly after the stormy second round. In the last two rounds he was fighting in a dazed condition all the time.


1911-11-29 The New York Times (New York, NY) (page 12)

MIKE GIBBONS WINS FROM WILLIE LEWIS
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New York Welterweight Floored for the Count in the Second Round.
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Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul welterweight, had his first real Eastern test last night when he fought Willie Lewis of New York at the Fairmont A. C., and the Westerner more than made good. Lewis, who claims the welterweight title, and who can usually be relied upon to hold his own or do better against any boxer of his weight, looked at times like a novice against Gibbons, and when the final bell sounded the local boy was so far behind that there was not the least doubt as to superiority.

It was announced that the pair weighed in at 145 pounds at 3 o'clock. While there is some dispute regarding its ownership, Lewis has been generally accredited as the best of the 145-pounder and better than many middleweights, in which class he fought until recently. In the second round Lewis walked into a terrific short right swing by Gibbons and went to the canvas as if shot. For five seconds he laid on his back with his head dangling over the lower ropes, his arms and legs being motionless. Then he slowly pulled himself together and was barely able to stand up as Referee Billy Joh counted ten. Gibbons tore in to end the battle but Lewis was able to stall and avoid punishment well enough to finish the round.

At every stage of the game Lewis was outclassed. He has always shown through his wonderful cleverness his ability to feint an opponent into knots. Last night he was as far outclassed in cleverness as he has been accustomed to show up slower opponents. Gibbons at times appeared only to toy with Lewis. He sent his jabs through Lewis's guard without any apparent effort, and his peculiar defense so puzzled Lewis that the New Yorker was unable to do any damage. Gibbons has a peculiar motion in approaching an opponent, and it so bewildered Lewis last night that he often stood still and let Gibbons walk in. Besides making a big hit by his cleverness, Gibbons went into popular favor early by his manners in the ring. His work was always clean. He never lost his temper and he had a smile that Lewis could not shake off. On two or three occasions when Lewis began to rough it Gibbons did nothing more than cut loose and show how fast he could fight, never resorting to rough work.

The opening round for the most part was made up of feinting by both men. Neither showed any great desire to mix matters and few good blows were struck. Lewis got in bad with the crowd early by hitting on the breakaway and using his elbow in breaking from a clinch. Each handed out about four hard wallops and the round ended with honors even.

After getting over two or three hard wallops early in the second, Lewis got in the path of a terrific right-hand uppercut, and it shook him from head to foot. A few seconds later Gibbons handed out a similar punch, and he went to the canvas on his back, his head resting on the lower rope. It seemed that he was knocked out for good, but he opened his eyes at the count of five and slowly pulled himself together, barely regaining his feet at the count of nine. For a full minute Lewis did nothing more than stagger around the ring and protect himself from Gibbons's blows. The latter tore in to put an end to the battle, but was unable to do so. The minute's rest did Lewis a world of good, and he was greatly refreshed when he came to the centre of the ring. Lewis was cautious and was very careful to keep away from Gibbons's swings. He jabbed with his left, but very lightly. The round was even.

In the fourth the action was not as fast as in the third. It was feint, feint, feint, and then more of the same work. Gibbons did not show the tendency to lead that his earlier work would lead one to expect, and Lewis was still fighting a wary, cautious battle. The round showed little in favor of either, as no work of any consequence was done.

The fifth showed plenty of work. Gibbons jabbed Lewis repeatedly and also sent over some hard rights which hurt Lewis. Acting on orders from his corner to cut loose and take a chance, Lewis continued to rush in and try to get over a staggering punch, but Gibbons was always out of the way when the punches went by. He usually shot over a stiff right to Lewis's jaw, and he jabbed him at will throughout the round. It was Gibbons's round by a big margin.

In the sixth, Gibbons continued to show to advantage. In fact, he seemed to simply toy with Lewis. The greater part of the round was spent in jabbing to Lewis's head, and three or four times he cut loose with a shower of blows that shook Lewis up. In the open fighting, and also in the infighting, Gibbons had a big lead over his opponent.

The seventh round was on the same order as the sixth, but Gibbons's lead was less pronounced. It was a succession of light jabs and two good slugging sessions, and at each Gibbons had a shade the better of the game.

The eighth was all Gibbons's. He did more effective work in getting over his punches than in any other round. He did not score a knockdown as in the second round, but he landed much oftener and his punches had enough steam to shake Lewis and hurt him considerably. Lewis was still rushing in and swinging in the hope of getting over a knockout, but Gibbons was as good in taking punishment as he was handing it out.

In the ninth the pair indulged in some rapid-fire exchanges, with the honors for the round in favor of Gibbons. About the middle of the round Lewis showed his best work of the bout, and in one rapid exchange he had a bit the better of the fighting, but during the remainder of the round Gibbons showed the same superiority in both infighting and long range work. The round belonged to Gibbons.

In the tenth it appeared as if Lewis was due for another trip to the canvas. He got in the way of one right hand swing which jarred him to his toes, and he could not check a shower of rights and lefts which followed in quick succession. But the veteran was able to take them all without going down. Gibbons was strong at both styles of fighting, and he finished up the victory with plenty to spare. He went to his corner at the close of the bout without a mark on his face. Lewis's face was badly swollen from the shower of blows which he had to take during the ten rounds.


1911-11-29 The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY) (page 6)
Mike Gibbons of St. Paul to-day is hailed as the recognized welterweight champion. His victory last night over Willie Lewis, one of the strongest contenders for the title, was so clean-cut that all the critics to-day award him the palm. Gibbons sent Lewis down for the count of seven in the second round and thereafter simply toyed with his opponent and permitted him to stay the limit.


1911-11-29 The Sun (New York, NY) (page 7)

GIBBONS A SURPRISE.
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St. Paul Welterweight Easily Outpoints Champion Willie Lewis.

Mike Gibbons of St. Paul, who came here several weeks ago practically unknown, proved at the Fairmont A. C. last night that he has a strong claim on the welterweight championship of the world. Gibbons in a ten round bout easily disposed of Willie Lewis of this city, who entered the ring with the prestige of having defeated the American and English champions in this class.

Lewis never had a lookin. In the second round he came within an ace of being knocked out. Gibbons, who is a great boxer and a solid puncher, put him down in that round with a right hook on the jaw. Lewis lay partially on the ropes for five seconds, apparently dead to the world, but he managed to struggle up at the count of eight and then stayed to the bell.

After that Gibbons, confident of success, was satisfied to outpoint the New Yorker. He went about his task with remarkable skill. He was so fast and clever that Lewis could not land his terrific swings, while Gibbons seemed able to send home the punches whenever he pleased. Lewis tried all styles of fighting but the result was the same. Gibbons knew too much for him and so easily outclassed him that there wasn't a doubt as to which was the better man.

Gibbons is a legitimate welterweight, but he is willing to take on heavier opponents and after his victory he was matched to box ten rounds with Walter Coffey of California at the Fairmont A. C. next Tuesday night.

The bout attracted a crowd that filled every nook and corner of the building. More than 2,500 fans smoked cigars until the air was stifling and the club managers had to open all the windows in the low roof. The men weighed in at 145 pounds at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. When they climbed into the ring, more than seven hours later, each had taken on several pounds. William Joh was the referee as usual.

First Round--Lewis was the first to lead, his left being short. Gibbons, working in and out swiftly, shot a left to the ear. Gibbons blocked a rush and stepping in the put left and right on the head. Gibbons did some great feinting, Lewis throwing up his guard and using his feet. Lewis then tried a left that was stopped. Gibbons jabbed him twice in the nose with a speedy left. Gibbons also landed several body blows and had the round on clean points.

Second Round--Lewis's left fell short and he ran into a clinch. At close range both landed rib roasters. A quick left hand jab drew the blood from Lewis's mouth, the latter rushing in for a mix, in which Gibbons sent home a heavy right hook to the jaw. At long range Gibbons shot another right to the eye that staggered Lewis. Still another right knocked Lewis down for the count of eight. When he got up Gibbons tore in for a knockout and rained all kinds of terrific punches on the New Yorker's head and body. But the latter in weak condition staggered through to the gong.

Third Round--Lewis met a rush with a left to the body. Gibbons stepped away from several hard swings and feinted Lewis into knots. Dashing in with a left, he put Lewis on the ropes and shook him with a right hand swing on the neck. Gibbons scored points with clean left hand jabs until Lewis decided to mix it. Then both landed heavy swings on the head, Lewis being the first to clinch. Gibbons landed more sharp lefts in such a manner that Lewis was puzzled when the bell sounded.

Fourth Round--Gibbons stepped away from a rush and laughed. He made Lewis miss a couple of swings and then did some great blocking. After that Gibbons stepped in with hard left hook under the jaw and Lewis backed away. Gibbons was so skilful that he blocked and countered continually and had the round by a wide margin.

Fifth Round--Gibbons opened with a solid left squarely on the jaw. He repeated the blow and made Lewis's nose bleed. Gibbons blocked a dangerous swing and peppered Lewis's face with dazzling left handers. Lewis covered up as he tried to get closer, Gibbons bolting him in the stomach with short uppercuts. Gibbons blocked a right for the jaw and sent a hard right hook to the neck. Lewis tried to mix, but Gibbons's defence was superb and he remained unhurt. It was Gibbons's round.

Sixth Round--Lewis missed a left, but he landed another on the neck. They clinched roughly, and on the break Gibbons showed fast footwork as he danced in and out landing quick blows that Lewis couldn't block. As Lewis missed again and again Gibbons smothered him with rapid jabs. Lewis took the defensive and saved himself by clinching. In a rapid exchange Gibbons staggered his man just as time was up. Gibbons's round.

Seventh Round--Gibbons stopped a left and then poured in several hot jabs to Lewis's mouth and nose. Lewis swung wildly, Gibbons getting away nicely and then jumping back with more hard punches in the face. Lewis mixed it fiercely, but he was outpunched and outboxed. Gibbons wore a broad grin as he drove in smashes and made Lewis look like a greenhorn. Gibbons easily had the round.

Eighth Round--Lewis missed several desperate swings and received more cutting jabs in the face. Gibbons blocked a wild rush and ducked a fierce swing. Lewis landed a hard left on the ear, but when he tried to follow it up Gibbons wasn't within reach. Then Gibbons stepped in with half a dozen short punches on the jaw, Lewis clinching. Lewis rallied with another wild attack, but he couldn't land an effective blow. Gibbons punched Lewis's face until it was crimson. Gibbons's round.

Ninth Round--Gibbons made his man miss several times before he shot in the usual fast lefts. Lewis rallied and mixed it with terrific power. He landed several swings on the head but Gibbons stood up and traded punches with him until Willie began to clinch. Gibbons in that rally showed both stamina and cool headedness, for he came back later with an attack that drew the claret from Lewis's nose. A right hand hook jarred Lewis and a left in the mouth made him see stars, yet he rushed blindly until time was up. Gibbons's round.

Tenth Round--Lewis rushed into a hard mix. Gibbons feinted a moment and followed with lefts in the face and rights in the body. Lewis was slow but full of fight and kept mixing it. Gibbons blocked many blows but landed himself with plenty of steam. He shot a right to the jaw and ducked a quick return. Then he made Lewis reel with a right on the jaw, but the latter tore in for more. Gibbons finished in splendid style and was an impressive winner.

Old vs. New

1918-10-26 The Rockford Republic (Rockford, IL) (page 7)

HIGH PRAISE FOR NEW FIGHTERS BY FORMER SCRAPPER
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Jimmy Barry, Former Bantamweight Champion, Says Boxers in Training Camps Are a Revelation to Him.
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BY ED. W. SMITH.

Score one for the modern boxer! Make it a big one!

Jimmy Barry, former bantamweight champion of the world and one of the greatest fighting men among the midgets that the world ever saw, believes that the modern boxing star has it on the old timers of his day at least. Further, Jimmy is ablize with enthusiasm about the boxing man of today and says that the scribes, who are arguing that the fighter of today is nowhere near as good as the ones of a decade back, don't know what they are talking about.

There is some weight to Jimmy's words since he retired from the game practically unbeaten after whipping everything in his class as well as everything within ten pounds of his heft. Further Jim in his day was closely allied with some of the greatest fighting men of that time and knew them well. Hence, his opinion is well worth considering. Barry told me all about it the other day when he returned from Camp Gordon, Ga., where he had been with the army boxing instructors for a couple of weeks.

"Got It On Old Boys."

"What I saw at Camp Gordon was the biggest sort of a revelation to me," the ex-champ said. "I've got to admit it now though I never did before. They've got it on us, these boys who do the boxing today. They're so good that the old timers like myself must admit that we never at any time approached them in form or style or anything else excepting perhaps the hitting power. Of course that will ever remain the same for a punch is a punch the world over, today or fifty years back or fifty years hence.

"I shadow-boxed with Benny Leonard down there and what a wonder he is, to be sure! He had a broken hand, received in the second round of his recent fight with Ted Lewis, and couldn't put the gloves on. But he showed me enough to make me think, and think deeply. He boxes exactly the style we all used to use twenty years ago. He never takes a punch in order to land one. He gets away from all of them if he can, relying on his own speed and skill to get home his own blows. And he has the science of punching down better than any of the old timers I can remember--straight to the point, never wasting any in wild swings.

"It is of such past masters of boxing as Johnny Kilbane, Mike Gibbons and Packey McFarland I would speak particularly. Say, my boys, they've got a lot of stuff that I never heard of when I was fighting. Their stuff was never in any book. It is all their own.

Hit from All Angles.

"Here's the angle: We used to go straight, always in position with left leg and arm advanced, always hitting out straight and as true as possible. Now, these fellows not only do that, but suddenly they start hitting out from angles that we would have considered impossible. Gibbons can hit you no matter in what position his feet or hands are. So can Kilbane and so can Packey.

"I was simply amazed when I saw them going and couldn't believe it. Mike is a real master but Packey is different. He has a style all his own, like nobody's I ever saw, and it is effective. I saw him box, once with Willie Ritchie and once with Harry Brewer of Kansas City. It was the biggest treat I have had in years. Stuff? Why, it's unbelievable. You've seen fellows with stuff, haven't you, who couldn't use it? Well, these birds use it, believe me.

"Jack Twin Sullivan was there and dozens of other old timers. Jack is going great despite his years. He is a wonderful fellow to have around because he is such a great entertainer. The tests are tremendous and it takes a strong man to get by. I failed, but blame that on my poor health. I simply was not big or strong enough."

1912-05-31 Mike Gibbons W-PTS10 Willie Brennan [Victor Athletic Club, Cleveland, OH, USA]

1912-06-01 Cleveland Plain Dealer (Cleveland, OH) (page 7)

GIBBONS HAS K. O. BRENNAN NEARLY OUT, WINS DECISION

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Gives Buffalo Lad Terrible Ten-Round Trimming, Knocks Him Down in Eighth, but Can't Put Him Out.

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BY J. P. GARVEY.

Mike Gibbons, wearing eight-ounce gloves, treated Knock-Out Brennan of Buffalo to a terrible punching at the Victor Athletic club last night. The bout went the limit--ten rounds, but the defeat pained the Buffalo Dutchman more than a clean knock-out. Gibbons won all the way, of course, but Brennan gave him a much better fight than was expected of him by many. He took his gruelling gamely. At times he seemed to be completely used up from the St. Paul man's heavy bombardment, but he managed to keep his feet in every round but the eighth, when he sank with a thud to a sitting position after running into Mike's short right cross, delivered on the nose.

Gibbons is all that he is touted to be, the revelation of the century. He thoroughly knows his trade and is master of all its crooks and points. He has a quick, jerky foot motion which enables him to keep out of danger and his retreat and sidestep are lightning-like. His jab is cutting and is used with excellent time and judgment. At inside work he is a wonder. He lets his opponent do the holding and he works himself loose in every clinch, hitting sharply with either hand. A right uppercut to the stomach was his mainstay last night at short range. All his blows were snappy, with body behind them and they traveled a very short distance. His feinting was done with arms, shoulders and feet.

Brennan came into the ring with a plaster over his left eye. Before the first round was over the eye was bleeding and his lips also. The plaster, however, stayed on until the fifth session, when a right hook sent it flying through the air.

Brennan is Aggressor at Start of Battle.

Brennan dove right after the western boy from the start, but most of his blows were neatly blocked. Gibbons crowded him and forced him to keep hitting, while Mike confined his hitting to light taps and a playful loop and uppercut taps to the stomach in the clinches. Gibbons gave the crowd an idea of his footwork in the opening round, stepping lightly away from long swings, plying a meek little jab as Brennan races after him. K. O. meant to do things all right enough, but from the second until the fifth he did not let all the juice into his punches, except when crowded hard. Probably he didn't care to incur Mike's ire.

* * * * *

In the second session Gibbons did considerable feinting, playfully rapping a short left hook against Brennan's jaw when the K. O. made a lead. He took several blows on the neck and face just for the sake of making the bout look good. None of the blows carried full power, because Mike was keeping Brennan off his balance and catching his gloves. He laid himself open, however. But K. O. failed to connect solidly. The Buffalo man made up his mind in this round that he had no chance to win, and during the next three rounds he held off to prolong the affair as much as possible.

With each succeeding round after the first Gibbons placed more power behind his blows. He did it gradually. All the while he was playing with his man and exhibiting his great science. On the average of five times to a round Brennan connected with various kinds of blows.

Soon after the bell sounded the beginning of the sixth Gibbons warned Brennan.

"You've got to fight now," said he.

A few seconds prior to this comment Referee Kelly had demanded of the fighters that they quit stalling. But they were not stalling, although the crowd thought so. Obviously the crowd and referee expected too much of the welterweight champion. Well, he cut loose in the sixth and at the close of the chapter Brennan was weak. Gibbons tried for a clean K. O. Drawing Brennan into a right swing, he rammed his own right to the jaw after Brennan had missed. Brennan was shaken up several times, but managed to evade the fatal wallop.

In the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth rounds Gibbons apparently endeavored to lift Brennan into dreamland. He fought hard in spells, but did not completely let himself go. If he had the Buffalo lad could not have withstood the mauling he would have received. Mike, however, wanted to end the bout with one punch. He threw in stunning jabs in an effort to place Brennan for his right hand cross, or he played for a counter, but K. O. managed to stall, hang on, duck and otherwise stick it through. He fought back at intervals and occasionally landed a good punch, but he generally got his cover up after letting a rap go.

He was taking a fearful ramming. Gibbons' uppercuts to the stomach could be heard throughout the rink. His jabs often had Brennan groggy. When Gibbons went to his corner after the seventh, he told Manager Eddie Reddy that he didn't think he could knock out the tough fellow from Buffalo.

"I hit him my hardest in that last round, and flush on the chin, but he stood up under it."

In the eighth K. O. took a seater after missing a right-hand punch and running abaft a swift right counter.

In the ninth and tenth Gibbons exerted all his ring strategy to pull Brennan into an opening for the dream blow and he accomplished this frequently, but Brennan took all he sent and smiled, although he went to his corner groggy. He went the limit, though, and I'll bet he's happy because of it, but it was tough going for five rounds.

Earl Williams and Willie Driscoll fought a sensational ten-round semi-final. Williams got the decision from Referee Hinkel and earned it. He jabbed Driscoll continually in every round and inflicted much punishment, but Driscoll stuck firmly to his task and kept after Earl. He was strong and the beating didn't weaken him greatly. In the tenth round he made a hurricane finish and the spectators shouted for a draw, but Willie had started too late.

Kid Wolf and Porter Root fought a hard ten-round draw in the preliminary. It was a good go. Wolf was wilder than ever before and Root did the best boxing of his life. From the seventh to the tenth Wolf fought tigerishly and evened up the margin Root had gained earlier, but he could not overcome it because his blows missed the mark with great frequency.


1912-06-01 The Cleveland Leader (Cleveland, OH) (page 8)

GIBBONS TOYS WITH KNOCKOUT BRENNAN

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St. Paul Star Outclasses Rival Throughout Ten-Round Bout.

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Kid Wolfe vs. Porter Root, 10 rounds, draw.

Earl Williams got decision over Willie Driscoll, 10 rounds.

Mike Gibbons won decision over K. O. Brennan, 10 rounds.

Official timekeeper, Mike Lavin.

Announcer, Paul Sullivan.

Referee in preliminaries, M. J. Hinkel.

Referee in Gibbons-Brennan bout, Walter C. Kelly, sporting editor Leader.

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BY WALTER C. KELLY.

Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul sensation, gave Knockout Brennan a scientific lacing in their ten-round bout at the Victor A. C. last night. Gibbons had everything that a boxing champion could wish for in the way of equipment. He proved to be the fistic wonder that we had been expecting to see, although he was working under wraps in a greater number of the rounds. He plainly did not desire to stop Brennan, and entered the ring evidently with the intention of merely outpointing the Buffalonian, for in the early rounds Gibbons' blows were light, although at times sent in with fair speed.

Later on, after the referee had called for more spirited work, Mike began to steam up and shoot them in with more earnestness. He sent fusillades from every known angle to Brennan's jaws and body from long range, and at infighting he proved the greatest ever seen in Cleveland. He has the best idea of close range boxing of any fighter since the days when Terry McGovern used to knock out the boys in two and three rounds.

Gibbons never holds, but while the other fellow does so Mike keeps both fists busy, pumping them in from various angles. And when he cares to make them good these blows are stingers.

Brennan's Bad Eye.

Brennan entered the ring with a gash over his left eye, and on it he wore a piece of gauze bandage. Gibbons evidently did not like to land upon the damaged eye, but along about the time when he was urged to go in and put some "pep" into his boxing, he forgot about the eye and the bandage was sent flying out among the spectators. A moment later three of Brennan's false teeth followed.

Gibbons proved to be wonderfully fast and skillful. He feinted his man into knots and countered so sharply when Brennan missed or came short that he rocked Brennan's head repeatedly. In my opinion Gibbons could have knocked out his man had he desired to do so. But he is evidently like Packey McFarland, and some others, satisfied to go along and win on points. He landed one right uppercut on Brennan's jaw last night which lifted him clear off his feet, and when he came down the K. O. boy tripped over Gibbons' feet and sat down hard upon the floor. He got up instantly and resumed boxing, but Mike was indulgent and made no attempt to go after him for decisive results.

Brennan was a disappointment in a way, although he fought with more finish than usual. He sacrificed his bulldog aggressiveness, however, for the clever stuff, and the blows that he did manage to land upon Gibbons were lacking in force. He was completely outclassed by the skillful St. Paul boy, who charitably refrained from trying to end the battle, as it appeared to many he might have done, in the early stages.

Brennan was at times bewildered and swung wildly as Mike feinted. Of course, when he missed Gibbons peppered him. Mike used a neat right uppercut that did not travel many inches, but it was a beauty when he let it go at anything like top speed.

Mike's Mistake.

Personally, I believe Gibbons made a mistake in not having gone after his man more determinedly in the early rounds, for no matter how good a reputation a fighter may have he loses prestige the moment the fans get to suspect that he is not giving them his best efforts.

Brennan had no business in the ring with his damaged eye, and it is not at all improbable that it was on that account that Gibbons played so gently with him in the first few rounds. In justice to Mike, however, it must be admitted he did go after his man later on and gave him a severe drubbing. And Brennan, who has always been noted as a dangerous fighter, was as harmless as a kitten before Gibbons.

The attendance was not so large as had been expected, there being less than 2,000 persons present. However, what they lacked in numbers they made up by noise. Part of the crowd stirred up such a commotion when Referee Matt Hinkel gave a decision to Earl Williams over Willie Driscoll that Captain Rowlands threatened to clear the hall and refuse to permit any more boxing for the evening, if the noise was not discontinued at once. The fans subsided. Otherwise the best of order prevailed and the bouts were very well conducted.

Among the fistic celebrities at the ringside were Champion Johnny Kilbane, Jimmy Dunn, Tommy Gavigan, Paddy Lavin, Charley Murray, of the Buffalo A. A., and Hugh Ross, from Buffalo; John Griffith, Sr., Akron; Paul Kohler, Tommy Kilbane, the Brock brothers, Dave Lannan, Cheeks Ginsburg, Dr. Kva and many others.

Root Gets a Draw.

In the curtain-raiser Kid Wolfe and Porter Root boxed ten fast rounds to a draw.

Wolfe began with a series of lefts straight to body and face. Root countered neatly with left jabs to face, and an occasional right uppercut to body.

As the bout progressed Root improved. He did some clever jabbing and uppercutting.

Wolfe proved stronger in the close range work and his blows had more steam behind them. Both were willing enough to mix it.

In the ninth round Wolfe made a desperate spurt, and rocked Porter several times with uppercuts. Root landed three good ones in a rally.

In the tenth, after Wolfe jabbed the face, Root drove two rights across to jaw. Wolfe tore in and they swapped a score of double-barreled shots to face and body.

A sensational mixup closed the round.

Decision Unpopular.

In the semi-windup Referee Matt Hinkel awarded Earl Williams of this ???? ???? (missing) of Milwaukee after a fast ten-round bout.

Driscoll forced the fight all the way but he missed many times. He also blocked many blows.

Driscoll began crowding at the start. Earl shot two lefts to face and made Willie miss twice. Driscoll blocked two lefts and cornered Earl at the ropes, landing right and left hard to body. Earl put left to face and right to body, and Driscoll drove left to body and right to jaw.

Williams began the second with jab to face. Driscoll crowded and, shifting, drove terrific left to body. Both blocked lefts and Driscoll covering up well, forced Earl about the ring, blocking his several jabs.

In the third Willie rushed Earl to the ropes and they swapped body biffs. Earl jabbed face and Willie swung right to head. More crowding and dancing followed.

In the fourth Driscoll swung right to neck and Earl jabbed face. Driscoll missed several times and continued to bore in. Earl danced away and jabbed but Willie blocked most of them.

In the fifth Driscoll landed low on body and as Earl was protesting Driscoll drove a hard right to jaw. Williams went after him and sent half a dozen stingers to face. Willie continued to crowd a la Wolgast.

In the sixth Driscoll crossed a stunning right to jaw and forced Earl to a corner where Willie bombarded the body. They exchanged lefts and Driscoll fell as he missed with a swing.

Driscoll began the seventh with right swing to the shoulder. He then missed and Earl slammed two hard smashes to the face. In a mixup Willie peppered the body and Earl staggered him twice.

The eighth found both tired but willing. Same old tactics. Willie finally cornered his man and drove two to body. He missed and Earl slugged him hard with both hands to face. This was repeated. Willie smiled in a surprised way.

In the ninth Driscoll rushed desperately, missed five times, and then put three lefts to Earl's jaw. Earl sent right to body and they mixed.

In the tenth Driscoll tried hard for a decisive blow but Williams was too wary. Driscoll kept rushing and he got in some hard blows to body. Earl jabbed some and they mixed.

Referee Hinkle awarded Williams the decision and a series of cheers and hoots went up.

Battle by Rounds.

BY XEN SCOTT.

It was shortly after 10 o'clock when Brennan entered the ring. He was accompanied by his manager, Al Smith, and two other members of the great Smith family, Herman and Tommy. Gibbons came a moment later, attended by Manager Eddie Reddy, Joe Hartman and J. McDonald.

Round 1--They sparred. Brennan sent light left to face. Mike feinted. They clinched. Both played body at close quarters. Gibbons cut Brennan's lip with left to mouth. Brennan missed swing to face. Brennan missed swing and slipped to floor. Just as round closed Gibbons opened cut over Brennan's eye. Brennan did all the leading, but Mike beat him to the punch.

Round 2.--Gibbons blocked right to face. Gibbons played left to body. Brennan sent two light lefts to face. Mike starts claret from K. O.'s bad eye. They sparred for an opening. Mike put left to bad eye, and sent left jab to mouth. Brennan sent left to jaw at close range. Gibbons puts both hands to stomach.

Round 3.--Brennan missed left to face. Gibbons tapped left to face and then hooked right to jaw. Mike sent short right to ribs. Mike played left to injured optic and then hooked left to nose, starting the claret. Mike missed with left. Brennan rushed. Mike punched off the plaster over K. O.'s eye. Brennan rushed but Mike sidestepped. Brennan tried hard, but seldom landed cleanly.

Round Four--Brennan led with left and missed. They clinched. Brennan rushed, took stiff uppercut to chin and right to heart. They exchanged lefts to face. Mike blocked left to face. Mike sent left to face and followed with a one-two to jaw. Mike sent left to jaw and took left to face. In a clinch Gibbons sent hard left and right to stomach. Brennan rushed and missed left swing.

Round Five--Mike drove left to face. Brennan led with left, but Mike beat him to the punch. Mike sent left and right to face. They clinched. Brennan sent left to face and Mike uppercut to jaw. Mike sent light left to face. Brennan missed left swing and Mike sent right to face. Mike shot left to face and right to ribs.

Mike was taking it easy at this stage.

Round 6--They exchanged rights and lefts. Brennan sent left to face. Mike jabbed left to jaw twice without return. Referee Kelly told them they must stop fooling and do some real boxing. Mike, following left to face, put left and right to body. Brennan led right and Mike shot hard right to body. Mike sent hard right to face and left to mouth. Brennan appears very tired.

Round 7--Mike drove left to face. Brennan backed away and missed right to face. Mike sent left to heart. Brennan was completely outclassed. Mike shot left to jaw and repeated. Gibbons sent left and right to jaw. Brennan was just about finished.

Round 8--They sparred. Brennan backed away. Mike sent left to jaw and right to face. Brennan put right back-hand swing to face. Gibbons missed right uppercut to jaw. In clinch Brennan tripped and went to mat. He immediately went into a clinch and hung on. Mike played left and right to face.

Round 9--Brennan backed away. They clinched. Brennan shot right and left to jaw. Gibbons uppercut to face. Brennan missed left jab and took left and right to face. Brennan put left to heart and right to face. Mike swung left to body. Brennan hung on. He missed right swing and Mike put hard left to face. Mike jabbed left and right to face as the gong sounded.

Round 10--Brennan missed left. He fought like a tiger, swinging wildly. He sent right to jaw. Mike sent left jab to face. Brennan rushed Mike, who put left to face and repeated. Brennan hung on. They exchanged lefts to neck. Brennan shot left to face. He missed left to wind. Gibbons uppercut to face and sent left and right to body. Brennan backed away and was covered up as the gong ended battle.

Referee W. C. Kelly immediately awarded decision to Gibbons.

1915-05-31 Mike Gibbons ND10 Soldier Bartfield [Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, NY, USA]

1915-06-01 New-York Tribune (New York, NY) (page 13)

OUTDOOR BOXING DRAWS WELL AT EBBETS FIELD
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Crowds Cheer as Bartfield Holds Gibbons to Close Decision.

Twelve thousand spectators set the seal of approval on open air boxing at Ebbets Field yesterday afternoon. Five ten-round bouts were contested, and few indeed were the spectators who left. This is the first battle fought in this city, or this vicinity, out of doors since Terry McGovern won the bantamweight championship of the world from Pedlar Palmer, at Tuckahoe sixteen years ago.

But now that the fans have had their taste of boxing under conditions that were really ideal, there is little doubt that shows held in the open air will become as popular here as they were in California. After five years of watching boxing bouts in superheated clubs where the air was smoke laded and impure, the enthusiasts hailed the chance to get out under the sun, where the boys could show at their best. The fighters also hailed the chance, and the pace was fast in every bout from the time that Dutch Brandt landed his first left jab on Battling Lahn until Al McCoy missed his last wild swing on Silent Martin.

To start the ball rolling Dutch Brandt defeated Battling Lahn after a rattling bout, coming through in the last five rounds. Then Battling Levinsky outboxed Dan (Porky) Flynn. The surprise of the afternoon, however, came when Soldier Bartfield held Mike Gibbons to a close decision, and although outpointed by a fair margin, was hailed by the crowd for his brave showing. Johnnie Dundee knocked out Johnnie Drummie in two rounds of a one-sided battle. The last bout resulted in a draw, and Al McCoy was one of the principals, with Silent Martin the other.

Soldier Bartfield astounded the crowd by his work against Gibbons. It was only that Mike landed his punches straight and according to the Queensberry rules that won for him.

The bout between Levinsky and Flynn was fast for big men. Levinsky scored a knockdown in the second round and outboxed his man easily. He weighed 179 pounds to 198 pounds for Flynn.

Experience and strength won for Dundee over Drummie. The speedy little Italian was entirely too good for the Jersey boy and had the additional advantage of five pounds in weight. A left and right hand punch to the jaw, landing simultaneously, brought the bout to a close.


1915-06-01 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) (page 2)

First Open Air Boxing Show Makes a Big Hit With Fans
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Soldier Bartfield Surprises Mike Gibbons--Levinsky Pounds Porky Flynn and Dundee Hands Drummie the Kayo--Silent Martin Makes McCoy Look Anything but a Champ--Brandt-Lahn Go the Best.
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When approximately fifteen thousand men and women give up over twelve thousand dollars to see a few husky youths show their skill with the gloves, boxing looks as if it were really some sport. That is what happened at Ebbets Field yesterday afternoon, when Johnny Weismantel led his cohorts over from the Broadway Sporting Club to the home of the Superbus and put boxing on the map as one of the big outdoor sports.

When the outdoor game was first broached there were many who said that Johnny could never get away with it. But he did, and got away with it good. He put on a card that has seldom been equaled for class about these diggings, and during the forty-two rounds out of fifty that were originally scheduled there was neither action or word by either the crowd or the boxers that might offend the sensibilities of the most exacting.

The ring was pitched where the home plate is on ball days, and about it yesterday afternoon were many well-known Brooklynites and a score of big politicians from all the boroughs. Even Labor was represented in the person of Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor. What Mr. Gompers came for we do not know, but it was hinted that he has in view the forming of a boxers union with a graduated scale of prices. If such be a fact, the promoters will give every assistance, for what some of the fighters are getting away with gives the magnates cold chills down the back, even on so warm a day as yesterday.

Mike Gibbons Gets the Surprise of His Life.

The event of the afternoon had been forecasted by the prophets as a joke. And so it turned out, but not in the way predicted. Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul Wizard, met Soldier Bartfield, the local aspirant for welter-weight honors, and it was expected that Mike would kindly oblige with a little boxing lesson and Bartfield take the place of an animated punching bag.

But did it happen so? Not much. Wizard Mike received the surprise of his life. Mike had been guaranteed $1,500 for his little exhibition, $50 a minute, and he got it. In fact, he got more than that, but not in coin. As has been intimated, something happened that upset calculations. Mike was received with a roar of applause when he entered the ring, while Bartfield got a scattering hand and an acre of grins. The grins changed to a yell of surprise before the first minute of the first round had passed, and then to roars of encouragement for the rest of the battle.

Bartfield accomplished the impossible. He did to Mike what Mike has been doing to others. He made him look like a monkey. He outjabbed and outguessed Mike and landed two punches to the Wizard's one. He rubbed his nose before Mike rubbed his, and even beat him to the sneeze. He had stolen Mike's code book and had studied it to such advantage that he knew it better than Mike. The St. Paul lad tried every trick in his box, but none of them worked. With seven pounds the better of the weights, he naturally hit harder than the Brooklyn boy, but that was all.

Soldier Bartfield "Made" Himself.

With the exception of a couple of rounds, it was Bartfield all the way. The Soldier played on Mike's left side the whole distance, and with all his wonderful finesse Mike was never able to get on his right. In the clinches alone he excelled, but did no damage there. On the other hand, Bartfield had his left in Mike's face all through the bout, and worked his right to such advantage that Gibbons' left ear looked like a toy balloon before the bout was over. The Soldier "made" himself yesterday afternoon, and when he left the ring he received an even heartier cheer than did Mike when he entered it.

Almost as pleasing to the crowd was the result of the McCoy-Martin bout. Silent Martin took the place of Johnny Howard against the middle-weight champion, Al McCoy. The crowd showed sl well how it liked the champion when he appeared that Martin, although deaf, caught the drift and followed his cue to the letter. The champion was hailed as a joke and so he proved as a champion. Off the reel, Martin was after him like a wildcat, and the crowd howled in delight as the silent one forced him about the ring. McCoy grabbed and hung on at every opportunity. He did not like Martin's style and showed it clearly. Martin has not much style at that, but he is effective. He can punch, and to this statement McCoy can testify. For the full ten rounds Martin was on top of him all the way, and had McCoy stood to his guns and fought, instead of making a wrestling bout of it, there would have been a new champion without a doubt. As an alibi, McCoy's friends declared that his hands are in such bad shape that his doctor has told him he will never be able to hit hard with them. He lived up to the doctor's orders yesterday afternoon.

Johnnie Dundee had the easy time of the day. He went on with Young Johnny Drummie. This also was for ten rounds, but Dundee ended it in the second with a left to the body and a right hook to the jaw.

Battling Levinsky obliged by taking on Dan (Porkey) Flynn for ten rounds and almost tickled the porkey one to death with tantalizing lefts. Dan was on the received end from start to finish and was the prettiest decorated contestant of the day when the Battler got through with him. Only Dan's weight saved him on several occasions, and the final bell was a welcome sound.

Brandt and Lahn Furnish the Pyrotechnics.

The opening bout furnished the genuine pyrotechnics. Dutch Brandt and Battling Lahn were the principals, and while they were at it there was not a dull moment. In the early rounds Lahn looked like a sure winner, but he lacked the stamina of his opponent. Brandt's body blows took the sap out of him in the fourth round, and after that the Dutchman was always the aggressor. Lahn fought back gamely, but never had a chance to recover, and was a well-whipped lad at the finish. All in all, it was a wonderful day for the fight fans, and as they left the grounds there was nothing but praise for Johnny Weismantel, who had engineered the show.


1915-06-01 The New York Times (New York, NY)

GIBBONS HAS HARD BOUT.
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Soldier Bartfield Makes Westerner Hustle to Win.

Under a clear sky, with a warm sun tempering the rather stiff breeze, open air boxing was revived at Ebbets Field yesterday afternoon in the presence of 11,000 enthusiasts. The solid bank of straw-hatted fans in the upper tier of the big baseball stand, the circus seats and canvas walls on the field, the bright hued raiment of the women scattered throughout the big crowd, the boxers dancing around the ring, the referee clad in white flannel, the band and the clicking of the "movies," all tended to give real holiday color to the scene. The boxing show itself was good, very good. Five real star bouts were staged, and card, and the contest was somewhat of there was variety of boxing sufficient to satisfy the most ardent and exacting devotee.

The ring was built on the playing surface of the diamond, near home plate on the third base line, and its decorations of the national colors and its ropes covered with green velour made the setting a very attractive one.

Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul middleweight, and Soldier Bartfield, champion of the United States Army, furnished the star bout of the all-star a surprise as Bartfield easily earned a draw with the Westerner. Gibbons did not appear to exert himself and did not show the ability as a boxer which has marked his work in the past. Bartfield realized that he had the opportunity of his career and he displayed the best he had. Although the busy left jab that he shot to Gibbons's face repeatedly did not have any effect on the St. Paul boxer, but all his tricks were mimicked over a swing or jab that stung. At those times during the bout when Gibbons did let out, he easily showed his superiority over Bartfield, but these spurts were too far apart to give him any advantage. Only in the last two rounds did Gibbons cut loose from his apathy and jarred and staggered the soldier with his terrific wallops. Gibbons is a tricky boxer, but all his tricks were mimicked by Bartfield yesterday and were not of much value to the Westerner. Gibbons weighed 155 and Bartfield's weight was 148.

Dan (Porky) Flynn, who put a crimp in Al Reich's aspirations several weeks ago was pitted against Battling Levinsky, and the rugged young east sider had the better of the contest. In the second round Levinsky scored a knockdown, and several times during the bout he caused the blood to flow from Flynn's mouth and nose. Levinsky was careful and did not take any chances with the Boston boxer. He was always alert, on the defensive mostly, and kept the boxing at long range as much as possible. The Bostonian with his superior ring experience and generalship was able to keep Levinsky's attacks at a distance and but few times during the bout did he assume the offensive to the point where Levinsky was worried. The Boston boxer had an advantage of nineteen pounds over Levinsky, whose weight was 179.

The only knockout of the afternoon was scored by Johnny Dundee, the Italian-American boxer, who dropped John (Young) Drummie of Jersey City to the floor with a dull thud for the count in the second round. Dundee was hopping around through the air most of the time, and about the middle of the second round he drove a right and left uppercut to Drummie's jaw, and the Jersey boxer went down. He tried gamely to regain his feet, but those wallops had completely drained him of energy and strength.

Al McCoy, a Brooklyn middleweight, was matched against Johnny Howard of Bayonne, but Howard being laid up with ptomaine poisoning, Silent Martin was rushed from the trenches to take his place. McCoy didn't show much championship ability in his bout with Martin. Martin by his gruelling, aggressive method of boxing had the Brooklyn man plainly worried, and several times during the bout caused him to wince. Martin is by no means a polished boxer, but he can take reams of punishment and still be on hand for more. And he has a clever defense. He did not have to extend either of these qualities yesterday, but whenever McCoy did put on steam, the "dummy" merely smiled. McCoy had an army of advisers in his corner, who continually barked instructions at their charge, but even then the best he could get was a draw. He weighed 157 1/2 to Martin's 155.

Dutch Brandt and Battling Lahn furnished the opening ten-rounder, and it was a fast, hard hitting bout, with Brandt the winner by a big margin.


1915-06-01 The Sun (New York, NY) (page 13)

GIBBONS EXTENDED.
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Soldier Bartfield Surprises Him With Vigorous Attack.

The open air boxing bouts of the Brooklyn Sporting Club held yesterday afternoon at Ebbets Field, the home of the Brooklyn baseball club, proved a big success. Nearly 15,000 fight fans, including a number of women, were in the stands to see five ten round bouts, one of which ended with a clean knockout in the second round. In this contest Johnny Dundee put Young Johnny Drummie of Jersey City away with a right hook to the jaw, followed with a left uppercut. Drummie lay flat on the floor of the ring and was counted out.

In the main bout of the afternoon between Mike Gibbons and Soldier Bartfield the Brooklyn man surprised his noted foe and put up a good fight. Gibbons won by only the smallest sort of margin. It looked to those around the ringside as if the St. Paul man wasn't going at his best. In the first four rounds the Soldier peppered Mike with jabs, while the St. Paul fighter smiled. As the ninth opened Gibbons caught the Soldier on the ropes and with quick right and left hooks to the jaw made the claret flow from Bartfield's mouth. The Soldier was cheered when he left the ring. Gibbons weighed 155 pounds and Bartfield 148.

In the opening bout Dutch Brant won over Battling Lahn. The bout was fast from start to finish, both boys putting up a clean contest.

Battling Levinsky and Porky Flynn furnished the second entertainment. Levinsky won. He weighed 179 pounds, whereas Flynn tipped the scales at 198. In the final Al McCoy made a poor showing against Silent Martin, who was substituted for Johnny Howard. In McCoy's corner were several seconds throughout the bout telling Al what to do. The silent man, who is deaf, had no one in his corner. One of his seconds remarked, "We only use the wireless when he is fighting."

The ring on the field was put up between home plate and third base and gave a good view to all those in the grandstand. Around the ring were benches and boxes. The seating arrangements gave everybody a clear view of the ring. It was the first open air contest around here in many years.