1898-06-03 Joe Gans W-PTS6 Kid Roberson [Tattersall’s, Chicago, IL, USA]

1898-06-03 The Chicago Daily Tribune (Chicago, IL) (page 4)

BOXERS IN THE DARK.
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Lights Go Out at "Parson" Davies' Entertainment.
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ONE BOUT IS STARTED.
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Gans and Roberson the Only Fighters to Appear.
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ACCIDENT TO THE DYNAMO.

"Parson" Davies' company of fistic stars gave a one-act presentation of "The Light That Failed" at Tattersall's last night.

Joseph Gans of Baltimore, aspirant for the lightweight championship, and Mr. "Kid" Roberson opened the entertainment. Paddy Carroll marshaled them before the crowd, presented them in due form, and also Malachi Hogan as referee, announced that the two colored men weighed 135 pounds at 3 o'clock, and retired, leaving the two fighters to continue the performance.

For three minutes they devoted their time to executing the fancy steps of an Oxford minuet and pirouetted and tiptoed around the ring till the gong sounded.

Then they rested for a minute and began operations again. Gans swung his right arm and it found lodgment on Roberson's neck and the latter was down for four seconds. Gans landed two or three times more and time was called. In the third they went at each other a little harder. Gans went after Roberson, and after considerable sparring landed a right on his opponent's short ribs and the lights went out.

Master of Ceremonies Carroll asked the crowd to keep cool and wait. Some of the spectators wanted the colored men to fight anyway, but one of the seconds shouted back that they couldn't see each other in the dark, and as Gans was two shades lighter in color than Roberson the latter would have an advantage.

The crowd waited, while little patches of light flickered all over the building where cigars were going and an occasional match was lighted. The wait continued and the crowd disported itself as if it were in attendance at a strawberry festival. The lights winked exasperatingly once in a while, but just as the crowd would begin a yell, thinking the fights could go on, they would go out again. Meanwhile, the two bath-robed figures sat quietly in their corners and waited.

Finally it was announced that the dynamos had gone wrong and the bouts would be called off until tonight.

The crowd left in an angry frame of mind, many of the spectators asserting they had been duped.

"Parson" Davies was also angry, declaring he was the victim of a job. He asserted that the commutator of the dynamo had been tampered with and that the extra commutator had disappeared. The "Parson" averred he had some enemies, who, being unable to prevent him holding his entertainment by fair means, had resorted to trickery and had obtained access to the machine-room and tampered with the dynamo.

An electrician, J. G. Nolan, a friend of the "Parson's," volunteered to repair the damage, but after examining the dynamo said there was a "nigger in the woodpile" somewhere. He asserted that ordinarily any burning out or similar accident might easily be repaired, but he had never seen a commutator behave as the one at Tattersall's did, and the "Parson" was kept busy telling his friends how it happened.

The boxing entertainment did not draw as well as others at Tattersall's have, and the galleries were not nearly full, but the floor space was pretty well taken.

It was announced that the bouts would be held tonight, and return checks were given to the crowd at the door.


1898-06-03 The Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago, IL) (page 8)

NO LIGHTS, NO FIGHTS

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Disgruntled Arc Circuit Spoils the Contests.

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THIS IN THE THIRD ROUND

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Spectators at Tattersall's Boxing Carnival Dismissed.

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Promise Is Made That the Full Show Will Be Given This Evening.

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In the middle of the third round of the fight between Joe Gans and "Kid" Roberson at Tattersall's last night the arc-light circuit collapsed, and after half an hour spent in darkness the 3,000 spectators were dismissed with "rain checks" and told to come back tonight.

It looked bad for Mr. Roberson about the time that the lights went out. In the second round he had been floored and roughly used up, and he came up for the third in pretty bad shape. Up to this stage he had been used harshly, and if there was any disappointment at the going out of the lights none of it came from Mr. Roberson or his seconds.

When the four strings of light went out Master of Ceremonies Paddy Carroll told the spectators to remain seated; that all would be well again in two minutes. Five minutes later Carroll mounted the platform and announced that the break was more serious than at first anticipated; that it would take at least twenty minutes to make repairs. Half an hour after the circuit became defunct Carroll made his third appearance. He announced this time that the break was irreparable; that it looked like a job; that the spectators would get their money back; that the show would be postponed until tonight.

The spectators made an assault on the box office, loudly calling for the return of their money. Here they were told that no money would be refunded, but that the "rain checks" would be honored tonight.

"It looks to me like a job," said "Parson" Davies at the door. "I think that some one threw a handful of gravel or dirt into the dynamo."

"What would the object be?" was asked.

"I don't know," returned Mr. Davies.

Considerable grumbling was indulged in by the spectators from out of town. When told that the announcement made by Carroll--that all money would be refunded--was a mistake, the sports from a distance sought out Mr. Davies and tried to make it miserable for the manager. But the latter was obdurate, and told the rural ones that they would have to come back tonight if they wanted to get their money's worth.

It was 8:45 o'clock before the opening bout was put on. Joe Gans of Baltimore, and "Kid" Roberson, who now claims Chicago as his port of hail, came on. Al Herford and "Shorty" Ahern were behind the Oriole, while Kerwin and Smith looked after Roberson. From the outset it became apparent that the men were poorly matched. Gans began by peppering his man in the face with straight lefts, and easily avoided Roberson's return efforts. In the second round, toward the close, and after beating a left-handed tattoo on Roberson's face, Gans felled his man with a short right-hander, just back a bit too far to do the work effectively. As it was, Roberson went down and Malachy Hogan counted four. Roberson, badly rattled, got to his feet, but Gans did not press him hard. After one minute and twenty seconds of fighting in the third round, the lights--or rather the lack of them--came to Roberson's relief.


1898-06-04 The Chicago Daily Tribune (Chicago, IL) (page 7)

FIGHTS LOST ON FOULS

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"TOM" TRACEY AND "MYSTERIOUS BILLY" SMITH PENALIZED.

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Referee Bat Masterson Awards the Decisions to "Kid" McPartland and "Billy" Stift Because of Unfair Work by Their Opponents--Frank Childs and Charley Strong Battle to a Draw--Jack Moffatt Gets the Decision Over "Jim" Janey.

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The electric lights staid to a finish last night at Tattersall's, and "Parson" Davies' show, postponed from Thursday night, was brought off without interruption.

The five battles resulted as follows:

Joe Gans of Baltimore defeated "Kid" Roberson of San Francisco on points.

Jack Moffatt of Chicago defeated Jim Janey of Baltimore on points.

Frank Childs of Chicago and Charles Strong of Newark, N. J., fought a draw.

"Kid" McPartland of New York won from Tom Tracey of Australia on a foul.

"Billy" Stift of Chicago won from "Mysterious Billy" Smith of New York on a foul.

There were about 2,500 people in the building, and it was said the managers of the show lost $1,800.

Variety was the distinguishing feature of the program. On paper it appeared that science would predominate, but the early termination of two of the bouts left the slugging element in the ascendency. That the bouts were to the liking of the crowd was shown many times, and seldom have two men brought forth greater applause than Janey and Moffat. A feature of the evening was the demand made for "Parson" Davies, who was noisily received on entering the ring. In a short speech he said suggestions reflecting on him had been made as to the sudden termination of the show on the previous evening, and "money could not purchase the satisfaction he now felt because he had kept faith with the public."

Cleverness of Gans.

Gans and "Kid" Roberson, whose meeting on Thursday night was abruptly terminated by failure of light, began all over again. The six rounds fought showed Gans to be a cool, clever, and two-handed fighter. Only in the concluding stages of the sixth round did Roberson show any signs of equality with the Baltimore man. Then he forced matters and landed several telling blows with both hands. Early in the first round Roberson received a hard left under his sinister optic which almost closed that member. It was an additional handicup against the clever Easterner. A final rally by Roberson in the last round led to calls for a draw, but Gans had too long a lead.

Moffatt and Janey, who were announced as weighing 150 pounds, furnished the event of the evening so far as hard fighting was concerned. A truly wonderful capacity for punishment was exhibited by the "Black Demon." Time and again was his head forced back by the rushing left leads of Moffatt. On numerous occasions the swinging right hand of the sturdy blacksmith landed hard on the head of his dusky opponent. He took them all with smiles except in the fourth round, when he connected with a powerful right swing which sent him to the floor in a groggy condition. The gong brought him welcome relief. Throughout the whole six rounds Moffatt pursued his usual tactics. Some terrific infighting in the fourth ended by Moffatt landing hard on the chin and over-keeling the colored man. The applause that greeted the finish could have been heard for blocks. Moffatt was fully entitled to the decision.

Colored Men Fight a Draw.

Charley Strong and Frank Childs met at 170 pounds. In their respective sections they are considered the best colored fighters at their weights. Strong appeared a trifle stout in the abdominal region. He is long of reach and fiddles persistently with his left. Plenty of footwork marked the six rounds and most of the hitting was done at long range. Few good blows were struck in the first three rounds, and by the time they had finished both men were weary from much traveling. Windmill swings marked the conclusion of the fourth round. In the succeeding two there was but little to choose, and a draw was the natural conclusion.

"Kid" McPartland, who announced his weight at 134, made his initial bow to a Chicago crowd. With such a clever opponent as Tommy Tracey some scientific work was expected. A second or two of preliminary sparring was followed by Tracey rushing his opponent all across the ring and hard enough against the ropes to loosen the corner post. In a "clinch" Tracey landed two rights on the wind. He again rushed the "Kid" to the ropes and in a succeeding clinch again landed twice on the ribs. It was evident Tracey was hot after his man. No sooner had the second round started than Tom again forced McPartland to the ropes. Both fell over, exchanging blows as they fell. Another rush and another clinch followed and both went to the canvas, McPartland being underneath. Referee Masterson had great trouble in parting them. They were together again in an instant and once more fell to the floor. Next time the "Kid" got mixed in the ropes, and while there Tracey struck him several blows. Masterson gave the bout to McPartland, Tracey protesting strongly. By many it was thought McPartland was responsible for the clinching and wrestling, but the rushing style adopted by Tracey was certainly different from his usual methods. Two minutes and twenty seconds had expired of the second round when the bout was stopped.

Stift Wins on a Foul.

"Billy" Stift, who had some ten pounds advantage over "Mysterious Billy" Smith showed up in splendid trim. Smith was armed with two porous plasters and had his right knee in bandages. As far as the fight progressed there was little to choose. The New-Yorker was fast and clever, but several times was landed on heavily by Stift. Stift in the first round fell from the force of a blow which he failed to land. Few blows were struck in the second, which was even. Warmer work marked the opening of the third, Stift taking the aggressive. After one minute and eighteen seconds of fighting Stift swung and fell. While he was down Smith swung a hard right on the jaw, knocking the North Sider to the canvas. Masterson, who was on the other side of the ring, at once gave the fight to Stift. It was a difficult decision, and the opinion of the spectators was divided as to whether Stift's knee was touching the canvas or not. Stift was not knocked out and would have been able to continue. Smith refused to shake hands with Stift.

Malachi Hogan was referee of the first three bouts, and Paddy Carroll acted as master of ceremonies.


1898-06-04 The Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago, IL) (page 2)

LOST ON FOUL BLOWS

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Tom Tracey and Billy Smith Disqualified by Masterson.

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STAR BOUTS DISAPPOINT

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McPartland and Stift Are Forced Into Victories.

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Gans Wins from Roberson and Moffatt from Janey at Tattersall's.

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Five spirited contests were brought off last night at Tattersall's, as a result of a postponed carnival of Thursday night, when the collapse of the electric-light plant put a stop to the programme.

They resulted as follows: Joe Gans of Baltimore defeated "Kid" Roberson of Chicago in six rounds; Jack Moffatt of Chicago defeated Jim Janey of Baltimore in six rounds; Frank Childs of Chicago and Charley Strong of New York fought six rounds to a draw; "Kid" McPartland won from Tommy Tracey on a foul in two rounds; Billy Stift of Chicago won from Billy Smith of Boston on a foul in three rounds.

The opening bout was between Joe Gans of Baltimore, and "Kid" Roberson of Chicago, the game pair which began the hostilities the previous night, when the lights went out. Neither man did much in the first round. In the second Gans sent in a couple of sharp lefts to the face and to the body, and it began to look as though Roberson was up against the same hard game of the night before. Short lefts in the third round all but closed Roberson's left eye. Gans did considerable damage to Roberson in the fourth, but the local man stood up stoically under the lash. Both fought hard in the fifth, Gans doing most of the leading. Roberson came up for the sixth badly winded, but gamely willing. He fought hard and landed four good, stiff punches on the Baltimorean, bringing the claret. The crowd howled Referee Hogan's decision in favor of Gans, but it was proper and just.

Moffat the Victor.

Moffat and Janey were the next couple on. This was looked forward to as a slugging match, gauged on the encounter of a month ago at the Seventh regiment armory. Harry Gilmore and Henry Lyons acted as seconds to Moffatt, while Al Herford and "Shorty" Ahern were behind Janey. The men went at it from the start, and both earnestly sought to end the contest in a hurry. Slam-bang! they went at it, Janey once upsetting his man with a punch to the body. Both were wild in their eagerness.

In the second, they collided heavily, the exchanges favoring Janey, though Moffatt made valiant resistance. At the end of the second round it looked as though the strength of Janey was too much for Moffatt to overcome.

The third was full of cyclonic mixings, both roughing it viciously. It was a business match, with little or no pretense at scientific boxing.

In the fourth round a terrific interchange of rights and lefts culminated, first, in the flooring of Moffatt, and then, just as the gong sounded, the knocking down of Janey. The sound of the gong alone saved Janey, for he was all but out when the round ended.

The awful pace told on both men in the fifth round, and but little was done by either man. Moffatt did the major portion of the work in the last round, and was given the decision.

Frank Childs of Chicago and Charley Strong of New York were then introduced and "sicked" at each other.

Hoodlums Draw Fire.

Before the bout began there was an assault made on the Seventeenth street door by the hoodlums, which called forth the fire of the Pinkerton men. Two shots were fired in the air, and the mob was repulsed.

Strong and Childs fought at about 175 pounds. Strong was fat, flabby, and slow, and Childs had no trouble in landing almost at will. This for three rounds. In the fourth Strong came back and went at Childs, landing a couple of wild swings and almost winning. Childs came up recuperated some in the fifth round, but neither man could do any effective work. Hogan called the fight a draw at the end of the sixth round.

"Kid" McPartland and Tammy Tracey came on for the fourth number, "Bob" Masterson, the well-known Western sporting man, being introduced as referee. In the first round Tracey landed a few lefts to the "Kid's" face, and in the clinches pumped right short-arm blows into the kidneys. In the second round, in rough and foul fighting, Tracey four times backheeled the eastern man, falling on him and digging his knees into the stomach of McPartland. It was the most deliberate fouling ever seen in any ring, and after warning Tracey three times, Masterson righteously disqualified Tracey and gave the decision to McPartland.

The wind-up between Billy Stift of Chicago and "Mysterious" Billy Smith, Tommy Ryan's old and insistent foeman, was brought on shortly before 11 o'clock. Smith weighed about 160 pounds, the local man closely approximating 175 pounds. Stift appeared all tied up, and in the first round Smith succeeded in sending him in two short ones to the throat and wind, though no harm was done on either side. Stift landed on Smith's jaw in the second, Smith reciprocating in like fashion. They were in at close quarters when the round ended.

There was a warm exchange in the third round, and Stift was forced to his knees as the result of some sharp blows to the body in a clinch. While in this position Smith swung his right full to the side of the prostrate Stift's head. It was not hard enough to knock as rugged a fighter as Stift out, but the local man saw a soft spot and some easy money, and rolled over on his back, simulating unconsciousness. It was clearly a foul, and Masterson, following up the healthy precedent established in the preceding engagement, gave the fight to Stift.

The carnival receipts were $1,800 short of expenses.

1898-05-11 Joe Gans W-RTD6 Steve Crosby [Kentucky Athletic Club, Music Hall, Louisville, KY, USA]

1898-05-12 The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY) (page 7)

CROSBY THREW UP THE SPONGE
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JOE GANS EASILY WINS IN SIX HOT ROUNDS.
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STEVE WAS OUTCLASSED.
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The Baltimore Light-weight Played For Crosby's Stomach With marked Effect.
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JANEY WINS IN ONE ROUND.
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Steve Crosby, local colored light-weight, received an awful punching at Music Hall last night at the hands of Joe Gans, Al. Herford's crack Baltimore light-weight. At the end of the sixth round Crosby's seconds threw up the sponge. He would have been knocked out in the next round or soon after that.

In the fourth round Crosby led for Gans' stomach. Joe crossed over with his right, landing a terrific blow back of Steve's ear. Crosby's knees bent inward, and a few seconds later he toppled to the floor. He remained down five seconds. This was the beginning of the end. By a series of clinches and mix-ups Crosby staved off a knockout until the gong sounded, and when the fifth began he had recovered considerably. But Gans found no trouble in landing, and Crosby went down to his knees several times more. Upon regaining his feet he rushed Gans gamely, and his work brought forth repeated cheering from the crowd.

All this time, however, Gans was planting hard left jabs over Crosby's heart, and in the mix-ups he would land right swings on the Louisville boy's jaw or ear. It was clear to all that Steve was outclassed. He landed a corking left on the jaw in the second round, which took a little of Gans' steam away, but otherwise Gans was not hurt.

Gans is one of the best boxers who have been here. He is very clever, careful and cool and showed that he is a very stiff puncher. He punished Crosby a good deal. It was Crosby's first try against a top-notcher, and will probably do him good. He was never punched that way before.

The Kentucky Athletic Club deserves credit for the class of attractions it is putting on and all who go to Music Hall get a "run for their money." In last night's preliminary the referee stopped the contest between Jim Janey and Jim Brewster in the first round because Brewster was clearly outclassed, and the Kentucky Athletic Club did not want to give an exhibition that savored at all of the brutal. The cards of this club up to date have been all that was expected of them, and though last night's principal contest was one-sided the spectators got a "run for their money."

Gans entered the ring at 9:45 o'clock. He was followed by Jim Janey and Jack McCabe and his manager, Al Herford, of Baltimore. Crosby came on a few minutes later. His seconds were Jim Watts, Fountain Barnett and Will Foster. It was announced that the boys would box twenty rounds for a decision. The young amateur athlete who officiated at the Watts-Lansing contest of the night before was selected to referee the bout.

Gans weighed 136 pounds, while Crosby weighed 132. Gans is a genuine chocolate, while Crosby is coal black. They agreed to break clean. Time was called at 9:45 o'clock.

Round 1--Gans led with his left for the stomach, but fell short. He landed lightly with his left. Steve jabbed Joe in the mouth. Gans jabbed him a couple of light ones in the stomach. They mixed it up toward the close, but no damage was done.

Round 2--Gans jabbed his left in stomach. Steve landed a good left in the face and came back with a left and right, and right again. Gans jabbed a left in face and Steve fell short with good left lead. Gans jabbed his left in stomach, and caught Steve on the jaw a moment later with left hook. Steve landed good left on the pit of the face. Gans placed his left in stomach and Steve countered on the body with his right.

Round 3--Steve came up smiling. Joe jabbed him in the stomach. Gans upper cut Steve with a left. They exchanged left jabs. Steve landed his right on the body. They exchanged jabs. Joe jabbed Steve half a dozen times in the stomach. He followed it up with a right and left on the face. This was Gans' round. He was very clever. His play was to find Crosby's heart with straight lefts, and he succeeded admirably, landing at least half a dozen in this round.

Round 4--Gans kept jabbing Steve in the stomach. Steve landed a stiff right on the ribs, and also got in a hard left swing on the head. Gans knocked Steve down With a right swing on the jaw. Crosby was clearly groggy. He got up looking dazed, but had his wits partly collected by the time Gans got to him, and succeeded in keeping him off until the gong sounded.

Round 5--Steve came up refreshed. Gans jabbed him with his left. He landed a stiff right on the body. Both blocked swings. Steve got in two rights, one on the body and one on the head. Gans landed a left on the body. They exchanged lefts. Gans put a right on the body. He continued at this work, and when Steve landed on the stomach Gans countered with his right. Gans got in a right swing on the head. This was a fast round.

Round 6--Gans started with the same tactics--jabbing on the stomach. Steve landed a left on the stomach and Gans countered on the jaw with his left. Gans knocked Crosby to his knees with a right swing on the ear. He tried for a knockout, landing right and left, but Steve was in every rally and fought back good and game. He was slightly unsteady on his pins when he went to his corner, but was far from being done for. His seconds threw up the sponge before the gong sounded for the seventh round to begin. All saw that Crosby had no earthly chance to win, and was simply acting as a chopping block for Gans.

The first bout was between Jim Janey, of Washington, and Jim Brewster, of Terre Haute, Ind. They were scheduled for ten rounds at catch weights. Janey weighed about 160 pounds, while Brewster tipped the beam at 158. In Janey's corner were Al Herford and Jack McCabe, both of Baltimore. Brewster's seconds were George Green and Tom Hahn, of Cincinnati. Brewster had the advantage in height and reach, but Janey was built like a brick house. They fiddled for a moment. Brewster led with his left, but Janey blocked it. Janey led with his right, and caught Brewster an awful swing with his left, flooring the Indiana boxer. He remained down seven seconds. Janey started in to finish his man, and the referee interfered, stopping the contest. He gave the fight to Janey, amid cheers.

Brewster was clearly outclassed, and had the contest gone on an accident might have resulted.

Herford issued a sweeping challenge to Watts or anybody else in the city at catch weights or 145 pounds, if they desired a weight limit.

Al Cook announced to the crowd that the physician had stated that Brewster was not in good physical condition, and that he had refused to give his sanction for the bout to proceed.

1897-11-29 Joe Gans W-TKO5 Stanton Abbott [Eureka Athletic Club, Academy of Music, Baltimore, MD, USA]

1897-11-30 Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) (page 3)

GANS DEFEATS STANTON ABBOT.
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FAST BOXING AT THE ACADEMY CONCERT HALL.
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In the Third Round the Colored Boy Dazed the Englishman by a Left Hook, Followed by a Right Swing, Both on the Jaw--Three Other Bouts Under the Auspices of the Eureka Athletic Club--"The Adonis of the Ring" Stopped Wrenn, and Sweigert Was Bested by Joe Elliott--Two Featherweights Made a Fast Pace.
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Joe Gans, colored, of this city, last night practically knocked out Stanton Abbot, the famous English lightweight boxer, who is now engaged in teaching the manly art to the swell residents of Newport. The contest took place before a crowded house at the Concert Hall of the Academy. Gans outpointed and outclassed his opponent. He broke at will over his defense, succeeding himself in escaping the unaggressive short-arm jabs aimed by Abbot. In the third round Gans reached over Abbot's guard for a left hook on the jaw, following it with a lightning stroke with the right on the opposite jaw, and Abbot went down dazed. He managed to get up just as the referee was counting the last of the ten. From then until the middle of the fifth round Abbot gave an illustration of the bulldog tenacity and pluck of his country, simply acting as a butt for the quick charges of his dusky opponent. The contest was thus going on in a way perfectly hopeless for Abbot when, in the middle of the fifth round, his seconds threw up the sponge. Abbot was dazed, while Gans was as fresh as when he had started. The colored boy practically was not punished at all. He was in great form, while Abbot was soft and totally unable to withstand the nerve pace. The men boxed in open, clean order, breaking always nicely, making the "go" on its merits, very much to the gratification of the audience.

Gans' victory was as complete as notable. Abbot has a great reputation over this country and England as a boxer. He has, locally, defeated such men as Gehring and Duke. Gans was always the aggressor. He started from the take-off to make the pace hot. Being able to get away from return punishment at will, he constantly made sorties on his antagonist, getting around his guard, and repeatedly landing lefts on face and right-swings on body.

The contest was given under the auspices of the Eureka Athletic Club. There were four set-tos in all, for which no decisions were given publicly by Referee Mantz, though privately he expressed opinions. Excellent order prevailed throughout, and, apparently, none of the men taking part were injured.

Johnnie Smith and "Kid" Byrnes, both of this city, rival aspirants for 110-pound honors, made up the first bout. Both boys were full of steam, and put up a contest quite to the liking of the crowd. At the start of the first round Byrnes started to make the going. He swung a hard right on Smith's neck, and was countered on the body. In the second round, Smith began to send fierce punches after Byrnes' short ribs, exploring for the famous solar plexus blow. Byrnes could only lead with his right, not being at all nimble with his left. Smith was out in a pair of baby blue trunks, kept in place by a pink sash. One of his first efforts was to give Byrnes a "brim lamp," which at the ringside means a damaged eye. Byrnes looked over his optical crapery in the best of humor, a fresh smile coming with each blow. Smith had previously gotten the wrong end of a padded mill argument with Byrnes, and he was dead in earnest to even up. The two labored away energetically for their six rounds. The crowd adjudged it a draw.

Frank Farley, the Adonis of the ring, then had a five-round affair with Joe Wrenn, of Hazelton, Pa. "The Adonis" is handsome, and he's handy with his pins as Jimmy Fadden would say. He polished off Wrenn's nose with a double coat of claret, and then literally ran him off his legs. Not having legs, Wrenn failed to stand gracefully in the ring by the end of the fifth round, and Manager Herford suggested that the thing be stopped. Herford's suggestions go at the Eureka Club, and the thing was stopped, Farley getting the blue ribbon.

Fred Sweigert, "The Trial Horse," reminiscent of Fred Stewart and the Monumental Amphitheater, came out for a four-round friendly "go" with Joe Elliott, who himself is something of a trial horse. The two men had a rough way of showing their friendship. Elliott worked his left on Sweigert's nose and mouth, varying it occasionally with a heave with his right. He tired Sweigert out, and won a decision in a way to the taste of those present.

Before the real business of the evening started there was a bag-punching contest, for which three medals were given. These were won by Frank Farley, Joe Gans and William Anty.


1897-11-30 Morning Herald (Baltimore, MD) (page 5)

GANS BESTS ABBOTT.

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Big Attendance at the Boxing Carnival in the Academy of Music Hall--Farley Gets the Medal.

The boxing contests at the Academy of Music Hall last night were well attended. The house was packed, in fact, and Manager Herford feels much encouraged as to the outlook for such events in the future. The first thing on the card was a punching-bag contest. The entries were William Auty, Charles Steinbach, James King, Herman Holstein, Jim Janey, Joe Gans and Frank Farley. All of the men showed up well, but the judges had no difficulty in placing Farley first, and he was awarded the gold medal. Joe Gans was second and William Auty third. Auty was probably the most scientific of all, but the bag was too high for him, and he could not do himself justice.

The first of the boxing contests was between Tommy Burns and Johnny Smith, and was scheduled for six rounds. The boys put up a pretty fight, and at the end of the six rounds it was a stand off. Burns is a new-comer to the ring and hardly understands as much about the game as Smith, but he is a likely strong lad with a dangerous right, and will make a clever boxer with more experience.

Frank Farley and Joe Wrenn, of Hazleton, Pa., were next put on. Wrenn is a stout, husky boy but lacks skill, and Farley outpointed him all the way. The "Adonis" was not in the best of shape himself, owing to recent illness, but he made the Hazleton boy look very cheap. In the fourth round Wrenn began to get weak on his legs and in the fifth he was so groggy that he was taken off.

Jim Janey had been advertised to box with Tobe Parker, of Washington. Parker had signed an agreement to be on hand and Manager Herford had sent him on his railroad ticket. Parker, however, did not show up, and the bout was declared off. To fill in, Joe Elliott and Fred Sweigert went on for four rounds. Joe had all the best of it and fought Sweigert to a standstill. This, however, was not much to Sweigert's discredit, for he was in no shape for a fight, and simply went on to oblige Manager Herford. He made a very game and creditable showing under the circumstances. The star bout of the evening between Stanton Abbott and Joe Gans was then in order. It was Gans' battle all the way through.

Abbott, with his wonderful guard, stood Joe off for a couple of rounds, but in the third the colored lad got into the Englishman, and, punching him right and left, finally sent him to the floor. The referee counted 10, and at the last second Abbott staggered to his feet. He was a beaten man ten, but he managed to hang on until the gong saved him. The next round he recuperated wonderfully and did some leading himself, but he was clearly weak and all but out of it. In the fifth Joe went at his man, and, hitting him at will, finally dropped him with a right-hand punch on the jaw. Abbott's seconds saw that it was all over and threw up the sponge. Abbott was not in the best of condition. He looked fat and soft, and after the second round he was slow as an ice-wagon. He clearly has no business with Gans, and, indeed, none but strictly first-class men can hope to make a showing with the colored lad. Abbott took his defeat very philosophically. He said: "I have been 16 years in the ring, and I must expect to find my superior among these youngsters."


1897-11-30 The Sun (Baltimore, MD) (page 6)

GANS WHIPS ABBOTT.

---

Takes Less Than Five Rounds To Do It--Other Bouts Of The Eureka And Bag Punching.

Joseph Gans, the colored lightweight of Baltimore, again proved his great ability as a pugilist by defeating easily Staunton Abbott, the Englishman, in less than five rounds last night.

The colored boy came within an ace of finishing Abbott in the third with a blow on the jaw that almost put him out. Staunton staggered to his feet, however, just as the referee counted "9" and the gong saved him. He recovered somewhat and gamely tried to continue the contest. But in the fifth round, after Gans had made a chopping block of him, Abbott's second threw up the sponge, after a knockdown by Gans. Abbott was not "out," but he was helpless, and his seconds gave up to save him from further punishment and the knockout that would have come shortly. Abbott made a very game fight, but Gans outpointed him from the start. It was evident that he was no match for the colored boy, who escaped everything like a serious blow.

The Gans-Abbott battle was the last and principal one at the boxing exhibition given in the concert hall of the Academy of Music, under the auspices of the Eureka Athletic Club, of which Al. Herford is manager. The exhibition was an excellent one and the crowd filled nearly every seat. There was a six-round set-to between Thomas (Kid) Byrnes and John Smith, both of Baltimore, at 110 pounds, which was a draw; another between Frank Farley and Joseph Wren, both of Philadelphia, five rounds at 124 pounds, which was all Farley's and a four-round "go" between Joseph Elliott and Fred. Sweigert at catch weights, in which Elliott pummelled his opponent almost at will. The last was arranged after the exhibition began, to take the place of a bout that had been arranged between Tobe Parker, of Washington, and James Janey, of Baltimore. Parker, although a railroad ticket had been sent him, failed to appear.

No decisions were given by the referee in any of the events, the spectators being left to decide for themselves. George Mantz was referee and Ernault Gebhart was timekeeper.

Besides the boxing contests, Manager Herford introduced a novelty to open the entertainment with in the shape of a bag-punching contest, for the championship of Maryland and prizes. A number of contestants entered and Frank Farley, the "Adonis," as he is called, because of his handsome face and figure, gave a wonderfully skillful exhibition of bag punching and was awarded the first prize, a large gold medal, and the championship. Joseph Gans, whose punching was only a little less fine, won the second prize, a punching bag. William Anty, a Baltimore boy, was adjudged entitled to third honor. Every contestant was given three minutes. Messrs. Walter Schlichter, sporting editor of a well-known Philadelphia paper, J. H. Anderson and William Walts, of Baltimore, were the judges.

The Gans-Abbott bout opened with both men sparring for an opening. After a few moments Gans landed the first blow of any consequence, a straight left jab in the face. Shortly afterward he got in another, following it with a right hook in the ribs. Abbott landed a light left on Gans' neck and the round closed, with neither man hurt, Gans having had the better of it, however. The colored boy began working in earnest in the second round and had all the better of it, landing half a dozen or more stiff punches on the face and ribs of his opponent. Abbott's face was scarlet and his body blood red from the blows as he went to his corner.

Gans was still more savage in the third round. He continued his hard jabs in Abbott's face and ribs and near the close had Abbott all but out. With a terrible straight left jab in the face Gans jolted his opponent's head back and then sent in a right hook on the jaw. Abbott went down and it looked as if it was all over. But after lying perfectly still on his back until the referee had counted up to six, the plucky little Englishman arose to his feet as "nine" was called and managed to defend himself until the song sounded.

The last two rounds simply tested the endurance and dogged bravery of Abbott. Gans hammered him almost at will, but Abbott managed to evade a knockout. When, however, Gans floored him after 2 minutes and 15 seconds of the fifth round, his seconds threw up the sponge. Abbott tried hard to land his famous right, but Gans was far too clever.

The other bouts were no less animated than the star affair. Byrnes and Smith had a savage time of it for a while and "mixed it up" in lively fashion. Byrnes did nearly all the fighting, forcing matters from the start. He had the better of it, but Smith recovered, and toward the close evened up matters considerably.

The Farley-Wren contest was all one-sided. Wren was the heavier and stronger, but was not in good condition, and Farley was the cleverer. At the end of the fifth Wren was tired out, and the bout was stopped. Wren was not hurt.

In the other preliminary, Joe Elliott, as usual, proved himself a very clever boxer, and Fred. Sweigert proved, as usual, that he could take any amount of punishment smilingly. At the end Sweigert, breathlessly, apologized to the crowd for not doing better work, saying he was not in condition.

1897-11-06 Joe Gans ND6 Wilmington Jack Daly [Arena, Philadelphia, PA, USA]

1897-11-07 The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) (page 9)

DALY A DISAPPOINTMENT.
---
Instead of Punching Gans, He Makes an Exhibition of Himself.

The wind-up at the Arena last night was a disappointment to the majority of the spectators, who thought that Daly would punch Joe Gans full of holes. Instead of punching the Baltimore colored lad full of air vents Daly made an exhibition of himself. It is true that Gans did not hurt Daly to any extent, but if a decision had been given on points an impartial referee would have been compelled to accord the verdict to Gans, who outpointed and outboxed Daly from start to finish.

After the bout Daly was vigorously hissed, and to some of his tormentors in the upper galleries he responded in language more forcible than polite. There was never a stage in the six rounds when he had Gans in trouble. Some of his leads were ludicrous, the majority of them falling short, and the others falling harmlessly on the back of the colored lad. Gans, on the other hand, showed surprising cleverness by the evasive tactics, and every now and then landed in good style on Daly's wind.

In only one round--the fourth--did Daly land with any telling effect, and then he got in a right-handed swing that counted for keeps, but the round was too far gone for him to take advantage of it.

In the preliminaries Dan Dougherty and Harry Crawford made a rattling good go. Tom Sweeny, of New York, quit in the second round of his bout with Joe Dougherty, of this city, and "De Kentucky Rosebud" and John Henry Johnson made an even break of it. Pepper Griffin, of this city, managed to stay the six rounds with Jim Janey, of Baltimore, but the latter had all the better of it.


1897-11-07 The Philadelphia Record (Philadelphia, PA) (page 8)

VERY TAME BOXING BOUT
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Jack Daly and Joe Gans Give a Poor Display.
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PEPPER GRIFFIN KNOCKED OUT
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Jim Janey Puts Him to Sleep With a Punch on the Jaw--Jack Bennett Defeats Tommy Ryan.
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The opening programme of the weekly boxing contests usually given on Monday evenings at the Arena, Broad and Cherry streets, but which will hereafter be given Saturdays, took place last night. The house was well filled when the first bout was put on. The principal go of the evening, the wind-up, was between Jack Daly, of Wilmington, and Joe Gans, colored, of Baltimore.

On the whole, the contest was disappointing, and did not satisfy the sanguinary expectations of those in attendance. Throughout the entire bout both men put up a scientific set-to and at its conclusion neither had much the better of it. Most of the leading was done by Daly, but his leads were generally evaded by Gans, who delivered a good stiff punch in return. At no stage of the bout did either man show a disposition to mix it up, and their merits were undecided when the six rounds were finished.

Pepper Griffin in his bout with Jim Janey, also colored, of Baltimore, gave one of the worst exhibitions ever witnessed at the Arena. From the start of the "go" he ran around the ring, followed by Janey, whose attempts to make him stand and fight were amusing. Griffin, when he saw he couldn't get out of the road of a punch, dropped to the floor and remained there until time was almost up. The shouts of the spectators of "Fake!" "Take him out," etc., were unheeded by Referee Crowdhurst. Griffin kept up these tactics, and some moments, when cornered by Janey, would make a fierce return. The hope that he would continue to box in his old-time form entertained by some of the audience was not realized. Finally Janey, by a couple of well-directed punches on the jaw in the sixth round, compelled him to drop to the stage. Then the audience saw, that it was not Griffin's usual "bluff," but that he was really out.

Walter Edgerton (the "Kentucky Rosebud") and John Henry Johnson put up six red-hot rounds. They were always willing to go at each other, and received rounds of applause for the "go." Johnson found Edgerton a slippery customer to deal with, his hardest efforts being easily dodged by the Rosebud. Toward the end of the final round Edgerton got in several hard blows that had a telling effect on Johnson.

Joe Dougherty found Tom Sweeney very easy. They were to box six rounds, but after Dougherty had made two terrific rushes at Sweeney, which he dodged very cleverly, Dougherty landed a hard one in the stomach that made Sweeney go to the floor. He did not arise and showed no inclination to continue, so the contest was stopped. Sweeney has not been having the best of care lately and was in no condition to fight.

Dan Dougherty and Harry Crawford put up a pretty bout, with honors about even. It was announced that the wind-up on Saturday night next would probably be between Jack Bonner and Joe Butler. The former has already signed a contract, and the latter is expected to agree, as he is known to be anxious for another trial to show his mettle.


1897-11-07 The Times (Philadelphia, PA) (page 11)

DALY AND GANS BOX A DRAW
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The Going Throughout the Six Rounds Was Very Light Work.

There was a fair crowd at the Arena last night and the show was quite up to expectations. The principal feature was the bout between Jack Daly, of Wilmington, and Joe Gans, the clever colored boy, of Baltimore. The men shaped up nearly one size, Daly having a slight advantage in height and reach.

Both men were cautious in the first round. Daly landed two of his famous chop blows without much damage. The round was clever and scientific, but very light and neither men showed any marks.

Very little work was done in the second. Gans worked for the stomach and landed twice lightly. Daly landed a chop and two swings on the head near the end of the round. In the third, Gans again landed two light ones on the body, and Daly evened matters up with two good ones on the head and one in the wind. There were few blows landed in the fourth round, both doing light work on the body. Daly landed a left on the head as the round closed. In the fifth Gans landed three very light taps on the body, and Jack landed a hard left on the head. Both exchanged swings on the head without any damage as the bell rang. There was no material advantage when the men shook hands for the last round. Both men exchanged light swings, and although Gans did a little forcing neither seemed over-anxious to mix it up, and the bout closed with honors even.

The first preliminary brought out two clever bantams in Danny Dougherty and Harry Crawford. The latter had all the best of the weight, but Danny kept away from him and jabbed his opponent with straight lefts. Crawford made a rally in the sixth, but it was all Dougherty's bout.

A party who was introduced as Tom Sweeny, of Brooklyn, next came on for a "go" with Joe Dougherty, the hard hitting local. The bout just lasted about one half minute. Dougherty missed two right swings and then landed a right over the heart and the New Yorker went down on one knee. Dougherty attempted to help him up, but Sweeny refused to come and after sitting there for about ten seconds Referee Crowhurst waved his arms and then helped the Brooklyn boy to his seat. It looked about as near to a rank quit as anything ever seen here.

For a cycloramic display of wall-eyed swings and a conglomeration of all sorts of punches and odd capers, the bout between Walter Edgerton and John Henry Johnson was all right. There were not many blows struck, but there were enough tried to knock out a half-dozen men. Johnson had a slight lead in the first part, but his exertions and four or five hard lefts in the last two rounds had him very tired, and the honors were slightly with the Bud.

Pepper Griffin put up one of the worst exhibitions of boxing, if it could be called such, that has ever been seen at this club. He had Jim Janey for an opponent, and from the first punch looked as if he was scared to death. Janey knocked him down in the first round, and he was long enough down to have been counted out. Griffen was a regular punching bag for Janey, and he was knocked down at least a dozen times. After Janey had hit Pepper so often that it became tiresome to look at, Griffen was finally knocked out by a right-hand punch on the jaw. Janey made himself popular and was nearly as much disgusted at Griffen as were the spectators. One feature about Griffen was that he took all the punishment, but he lost this credit by his awful exhibition of running, back-turning and dropping to avoid blows.

1897-09-27 Joe Gans L-PTS20 Bobby Dobbs [Greenpoint Sporting Club, Brooklyn, NY, USA]

1897-09-28 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) (page 4)

DOBBS DEFEATS GANS

---

He Is Now the Colored Lightweight Champion.

Bobby Dobbs of Minneapolis won the decision over Joe Gans of Baltimore, after twenty rounds of fighting and with it the right to the title of colored light weight champion. Dobbs had the better of the fighting all through, Gans being unable to reach him. In the first four rounds not a blow was struck, but in the fifth Dobbs cornered his man and severely punished him on the body with both hands. In the seventh Gans sent his right to the mouth and drew first blood, but did little during the rest of the fight. Dobbs repeatedly cornered his man throughout and had him weak with body blows. The last round was fast, but the referee had no trouble in picking the winner.

In the opening bout George Munroe and Bob Reily met for ten rounds at 112 pounds. Reily was a novice, while Munroe had had some experience, and in the first landed his left on the face repeatedly. Reily improved in the second and sent his left to the face and right to body in good style. The fighting during the rest of the bout was all Munroe's, Reily taking enough punishment to stop much better men. Munroe tried hard to finish his man in the seventh, but did not succeed. The bout went the limit and Munroe received the decision.

The second preliminary was between Eddy Hayes of New York and Hugh Fitzsimmons of Greenpoint, ten rounds at 126 pounds. Both were cautious in the opening round. As the bout progressed the men warmed up and the fighting became faster, the last being in the hammer and tongs order. Neither seemed to have the advantage at the finish and the bout was declared a draw.


1897-09-28 The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY) (page 8)

DOBBS DEFEATED GANS.

--------

GOOD BOXING AT THE GREENPOINT A. C. LAST NIGHT.

The bouts of the Greenpoint Sporting Club, which were contested last night at the clubhouse in Greenpoint, were of the sort that pleased the large crowd of spectators present. The work of "Joe" Ward, the referee, in the second bout did much to cause an unpleasantness, which must have made his ears tingle. It was the consensus of opinion among the followers of the fistic art present that Eddie Hayes had won in a walk from Hugh Fitzsimmons, but a draw was the best he could get.

The main attraction of the night was a twenty-round argument at 135 pounds with Joe Gans, of Baltimore, and Bobby Dobbs, of Minneapolis, as principals. Both of these chocolate colored gentlemen showed in fine fettle, and consumed the first round in looking each other over. At all times Dobbs appeared like a pair of distended scissors, and proved a difficult man for Gans to reach. There was little to choose between them up to the tenth round. The ninth proved decidedly warm, both men doing effective work. After the tenth Gans let out several links and jabbed and uppercut Dobbs in a manner he didn't like. From the twelfth round on, however, Dobbs did the best work of the night, and received a well-earned decision.

The first bout showed George Munroe, of New York, and Tommy Riley, of Brooklyn. They boxed the required ten rounds, each weighing 112 pounds. Neither man knew much about boxing. Munroe obtained the decision.


1897-09-28 The Sun (New York, NY) (page 3)

BOXING AT THE GREENPOINT A. C.

--------

Bobby Dobbs Whips Joe Gans in a Twenty-Round Bout.

Joe Gans, colored, of Baltimore, was squarely defeated in a twenty-round bout by Bobby Dobbs, of Minneapolis, also colored, at the Greenpoint A. C. last night. Dobbs did all the work, and his victory was a decisive one. Joe Ward was referee.

Tommy Reilly of Brooklyn and George Monroe of New York battled in the first bout of ten rounds at 112 pounds. Reilly was a white-haired youth, who evidently had not been very long at the game. All he knew how to do was to stop a lead and drive his right home in the ribs. Monroe was more scientific and countered continually. He received the decision.

Eddie Hayes of New York, and Hugh Fitzsimmons of Greenpoint clashed in the next bout. The weight announced was 126 pounds, but Fitzsimmons appeared to be at least ten pounds heavier. The referee astonished the crowd by declaring it a draw.

Dobbs and Gans were in the ring at 10:45 o'clock. Al Herford, Eddie Bean of Newark, and Danny McBride were Gans's seconds, while Jim Johnson, Edward Bowman, and Jack Crealey attended to Dobbs's wants.

Twenty rounds at 135 pounds were the conditions. The boxers were in superb shape. Not a blow was struck in the first round. The second was lively. Dobbs forced the work, but only landed a short swing on Gans's ribs.

The Baltimorean was cautious and only staved Dobbs off. Gans was not so timid in the third. After being enticed in a corner and receiving a slight smash on the nose, Joe forced his way and staggered Dobbs with a heavy swing alongside the head. He would have scored a knockout had it been a trifle lower.

Dobbs distressed Gans with two terrific punches in the wind in the fourth. Gans would not take any chances after this, and confined himself to blocking Dobbs's speedy rushes.

In the fifth Dobbs kept Gans in his (Dobbs's) corner and puzzled him with feints. He was quick to take advantage, too, and landed one in the short ribs, which made Joe wince.

Dobbs visited Joe's stomach again in the sixth. Gans partly let himself out in the seventh, and made Dobbs's nose bleed.

The ninth was a corker. Dobbs piled blow after blow into Gans's wind and chest. Joe did not seem to relish it. He crossed Dobbs near the close and nearly put him down.

The tenth was fast, with honors easy. Gans missed two vicious rights in the next round. Dobbs did the better work, however. Dobbs was very weak on his legs in the twelfth.

Bobby tried for Gans's body again in the thirteenth, but was unsuccessful. Gans used his left with good effect and kept Dobbs in check. Gans hugged a corner again in the fourteenth and allowed Dobbs to do all the work.

Gans received most of the blows in the wind and under the heart. Dobbs did all the leading in the fifteenth, and his admirers were confident. Dobbs fell down in the sixteenth from weakness, but did all the leading.

In the final rounds Bobby trounced Gans for keeps, and received the verdict.


1897-09-29 Morning Herald (Baltimore, MD) (page 5)

PUGILISTIC GOSSIP.

--------

Manager Al Herford, of the Eureka Athletic Club, of Baltimore, is highly incensed at the treatment he received at the hands of the Greenpoint Sporting Club, of Greenpoint, Long Island, on Monday night, when his lightweight boxer, Joe Gans, met Bobby Dobbs, of Minneapolis. Dobbs was given the decision over the Baltimorean, when, in the eyes of every sporting man present, it seemed unjust. Gans during the battle had made things so lively for his opponent that he, throughout the match, resorted to clinching, and, though repeated calls were made to have it suppressed, the club management refused to stop it. Gans is confident that he is a better man than his opponent, and is ready to meet him at the earliest opportunity. He claims that the deal he received could only come from men who had a set purpose in view, and that he stands ready to make a second match with the provision that the winner is to take all, and that the bout be pulled off before a club other than the Greenpoint. He will also wager a side bet on the outcome.

A glance at the support Dobbs had is given by Gans' manager, who claims that nothing else could have been expected. Matt Kennedy, the president of the club, acted as announcer, while Jack Skelley, manager of the club, is manager for Dobbs, and Joe Ward, who refereed the bout, is a stockholder in the organization.


1897-09-29 The Sun (Baltimore, MD) (page 6)

Herford and Gans Angry.

Manager Al. Herford, of the Eureka Athletic Club, of Baltimore, and Pugilist Joseph Gans are incensed at treatment they received at the hands of the Greenpoint Sporting Club, of Long Island, on Monday night, when Gans met "Bobby" Dobbs, of Minneapolis.

Dobbs was given the decision over the Baltimorean, when in the eyes of every sporting man present, says Mr. Herford, it seemed unjust. Gans made things so lively for his opponent that Dobbs throughout the match resorted to clinching, and though repeated calls were made to have it suppressed, the club management refused to stop it. Gans is confident that he is a better man than his opponent and is ready to meet him at the earliest opportunity, with the provision that the winner take all and that the bout be held before some other club. He will also wager a side bet on the outcome.

Gans says that the bout was once declared a draw, and that the referee upon being intimidated changed his decision and gave the bout to Dobbs.

1897-04-03 Joe Gans W-KO9 Howard Wilson [Polo Athletic Club, New York, NY, USA]

1897-04-04 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) (page 8)

JOE GANS KNOCKS OUT WILSON.

Joe Gans, the colored lightweight champion of Baltimore, knocked out Howard Wilson in the ninth round before the Polo A. C., in New York, last night. A large crowd witnessed the contests, which were spirited.

In the first contest, James Dever and Bobby Wilson fought a lively ten round draw. The second bout, between Tom Carey and Tom O'Brien, was one sided, the latter being out of training. In the second round Carey floored his man four times, and with a couple of swings, ended the battle.

The bout between Gans and Wilson was of the give and take order for eight rounds, Wilson appearing aggressive throughout. In the ninth Wilson opened with a rush, but Gans met him with a left upper cut, continuing with right jabs on face and a right swing on the jaw, Wilson going down and out. The announcer gave the time as 2 minutes, 11 seconds.

Spike Sullivan immediately entered the ring and challenged the winner. Gans accepted, stipulating only that the winner take all of the purse.


1897-04-04 The New York Press (New York, NY) (page 5)

HOWARD WILSON QUIT.

------

Lay Down in the Ninth Round of His Bout with Gans.

Howard Wilson of Washington chose the easiest way of escaping a knockout at the hands of Joe Gans of Baltimore in the Polo A. C. last night. He lay down two minutes and eleven seconds after the opening of the ninth round, but not before Gans had punished him severely. The latter held his man safe from the start.

As usual, the clubhouse was crowded and outside of Wilson's exhibition of faint-heartedness, the spectators were pleased with the sport. In the first bout Jimmie Dever and Bob Wilson, two 125 pounders, put up a rattling bout. At the end of the tenth round there was so little to choose from between them that the referee decided the contest a draw.

Tom Carey and Con O'Brien, a pair of East Side heavyweights who had a grievance to settle, appeared in the second bout. O'Brien was knocked out in 33 seconds, before the close of the second round.


1897-04-04 The Sun (New York, NY) (page 9)

GANS WHIPS WILSON.

--------

The Washington Fighter Is Counted Out at the Polo A. C.

Joe Gans, colored, of Baltimore, scored an easy victory over Howard Wilson, also colored, of Washington, at the Polo A. C. last night, the latter being counted out in the ninth round. The bout was a rather one-sided one. Gans put up a clever fight, while Wilson simply defended himself. A large crowd was present. Frank Abrahall was referee, while Luke R. Ford kept tally on the time.

Bob Wilson of Jersey City and Jimmy Dever of this city figured in the opening bout of ten rounds at 118 pounds. Wilson had the advantage of a long reach and height, while Dever was built on stalky lines. Wilson poked his left provokingly into Dever's face in the first and second rounds and held him off. The latter came back with some hard smashes in the stomach which made Wilson retreat a few paces. In the third and fourth rounds Dever began to swing, but no damage was done, as Wilson would invariably duck, and the blows went around his neck. In the fifth round the fighting was rather fierce, each punching with considerable force. Dever received unlimited punishment, but did not seem in the least unnerved, for he always came back for more. Wilson tried his best to finish his man in the next two rounds, but outside of shaking Dever up no damage was done. The eighth and ninth rounds were very rapid, both fighters keeping together most of the time. Dever's face was the resting place for many vicious blows, but he never flinched. Wilson was clearly tired in the tenth round. He scored an occasional jab and stopped several swings. Dever, on the other hand, was fresh, and nearly knocked Wilson down with a right hand hook on the chin. The decision was a draw.

The next contest between two heavy weights, Con O'Brien and Tom Carey, was rather short. O'Brien, who had earned some reputation on the west side of the city, was out of condition and moved about as slow as a cart horse. He made the first attempt to lead, but was so awkward that he ran into Carey's left, which landed plump in the stomach. The blow did not seem to hurt O'Brien, for he gave a sudden start and swung for Carey's jaw, but only hit him on the back of the head. Then the two indulged in sharp fighting at close quarters. O'Brien was winded when the gong sounded for the second round.

Carey sailed in and punched him with both hands, finally sending him down with an easy blow on the right cheek. When O'Brien arose Carey thumped him hard. O'Brien was floored three times more, and Carey eventually put his man to sleep with a left-hand clip on the jaw.

The principals in the stellar attraction of the night were ready for hostilities after a wait of ten minutes. They were Joe Gans and Howard Wilson. Both men were well trained. The limit of their performance was twenty rounds at 133 pounds.

Wilson was the first to lead, but Gans jumped nimbly away. The next moment Wilson tried to reach for the stomach, but Joe side-stepped, thus compelling Wilson to fall against the ropes. When they reached the centre of the ring Gans jabbed with the right and caught Wilson plump on the nose.

He scored again in the same spot, and Wilson was forced to clinch. Wilson then tried to mix it up, but Gans landed a short arm blow on Wilson's left eye with the right glove, and the Washington boxer went down.

Gans kept Wilson on the defensive in the second round, and endeavored to use a left hook for the vital spot, but Wilson cleverly blocked him. Gans then lashed his right twice into the ribs and face, but Wilson clinched in time to save himself from further harm. The latter rushed in the third round, but Gans stopped him adroitly.

Joe led for Wilson's stomach again, but failed to land. Near the close Wilson drove his right very hard over Gans's heart, which made the latter blink for a moment. In the fourth round Gans delivered a left in the stomach which staggered Wilson. The latter claimed it was too low, and looked appealingly at the referee. The next moment he stepped in and hit Gans on the mouth.

Wilson was erratic in the fifth round, and fell all over himself in an effort to reach Gans's jaw. The Baltimore boxer just stood his ground, and met Wilson with a series of straight lefts and right counters. He put Wilson down with a right cross just as the latter tried to swing. The latter kept rushing throughout the sixth round, but did not do any damage except to land a few glancing blows with his left over Joe's right eye. Gans showed good hitting qualities, and sent Wilson half way across the stage. Gans was as cool as an iceberg in the seventh round, and pummeled his opponent at will.

Wilson assumed a crouching attitude in the eighth round, and Gans found it quite difficult to find his man. However, when he got an opening he gave it to Wilson good and hard. The latter was aggressive in the ninth round and worried Joe with two hummers on the mouth. Gans ripped a fierce uppercut which grazed Wilson's nose, and followed it up with a stiff right on the ear.

Wilson reeled back and Gans smashed him again. Wilson fell on his stomach and the referee counted him out. It was generally claimed to be a deliberate quit and so ungracefully done that the crowd yelled "Fake." Wilson was carried to his corner and revived very quickly.

At this time "Spike" Sullivan, who was in Wilson's corner, challenged Gans. There was a tilt between Gans and Sullivan, and it looked as they would come to blows. However, Al Herford, Gans's manager, interfered and took his man aside. Finally Gans accepted Sullivan's defy and agreed to fight in four weeks' time, the winner take all. After things had quieted down the referee gave the decision to Gans.


1897-04-05 The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY) (page 8)
Joe Gans defeated Howard Wilson in the ninth round of a twenty-round contest at the Polo Athletic Club on Saturday night. Gans is taller, and his reach longer. He struck his opponent at will, and escaped with hardly a mark. The best bout of the evening was between Bobby Wilson and James Dever for ten rounds at catchweights. The fight was declared a draw. In the second preliminary bout Tom Carey gained the decision over Con O'Brien. In the second round the referee stopped the bout. The boys were to have fought eight rounds. Frank Aberhall, of the Bohemian Sporting Club, officiated as referee.

1897-09-21 Joe Gans D-PTS15 Young Griffo [Olympic Athletic Club, Athens, PA, USA]

1897-09-22 The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) (page 4)

GRIFFO AND GANS.
The Feather Smothers the Clever Colored Baltimore Lad.

The fifteen round bout between Young Griffo and Joe Gans, the clever colored boy from Baltimore, before the Olympic Athletic Club at Athens last night, was declared a draw in accordance with the agreement made between the club and Gans' manager. Before the bout began, however, Griffo announced that he was willing that a decision should be rendered. So far as the bout went, it was like all in which Griffo appears as one of the principals. He simply smothered Gans by his cleverness, and in two of the rounds had the colored boy on the edge of Queer street, but on both those interesting occasions his own manifestly lack of condition made it impossible for him to follow up his advantage. Gans is a far better lad than his work last night would suggest. He was visibly rattled at Griffo's tactics, and in the first five rounds there was a constant look of almost amused embarrassment on his face. If he had put up the fight of which he is really capable--gone in hammer and tongs particularly after the tenth round, he would have made a far better showing. As it was the only time he showed the stuff of which he is really made, were when Griffo, departing from his usual custom, would start rushing as though he meant to finish the business in jig time. Then Gans would mix it up in a way that aroused the enthusiasm of the spectators.

In the preliminaries Dan Dougherty got a deserved verdict over Kid Madden, and Young Mahony bested Danny McMahon. The latter bouts were of ten rounds each.


1897-09-22 The Philadelphia Record (Philadelphia, PA) (page 11)

GRIFFO AND GANS DRAW.

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Mahoney Defeats McMahon and Dougherty Wins From Madden.

The lovers of boxing were given a rare treat at the Olympic Athletic Association, Athens, Delaware County, last night. There were two ten-round and one fifteen-round bouts scheduled. The last was between Young Griffo and Joe Gans, the colored boxer, of Baltimore. The club was placed at a disadvantage because Griffo would not box unless the bout was at catch weights, and Gans would not consent to anything but a draw if both men were on their feet at the end of the fifteen rounds. Gans took his time and made Griffo do most of the work for the first seven rounds. Occasionally the Baltimore lad would send in his left in a hooked fashion, but he did not seem to distress Griffo in the least. Gans settled down to work in the seventh, and from that to the twelfth the boxing was as fast as has ever been seen in this vicinity. The twelfth was especially hot, and the crowd cheered the boxers to the echo. In this round Griffo did some very clever punching over the colored boy's heart. Gans' work tired him, and for the next few rounds Griffo found him pretty easy.

In the fifteenth round Gans was sent in to make a grand stand finish, but the Australian was there every time and gave as good as he got. No decision was given, but a draw would have been fair to both boxers.

Young Mahoney got a well-earned decision over Danny McMahon. The latter was the cleverer of the two, but Mahoney had the advantage in height and reach. McMahon tried all his famous rushes and right-hand swings, but Mahoney met him with stiff left handers in return, and several times rushed him around the ring, having Danny in tight places which it took all his skill to get out of.

Danny Dougherty defeated Kid Madden in the opening bout. It was a very good contest and both lads did some clever and hard punching.


1897-09-22 The Sun (Baltimore, MD) (page 6)

Gans and Griffo Draw.

Philadelphia, Sept. 21.--Young Griffo, of Australia, and "Joe" Gans, the colored boy from Baltimore, met at the Olympic Club at Athens tonight in a 15-round fight.

Up to the seventh round the bout was tame, Griffo only fighting when pushed by Gans. The seventh was a hot one, during which both landed viciously upon each other. Matters became uninteresting again until the twelfth round. This was also full of ginger, and there was one mix up after another. The next three rounds were tame, and when time was called at the finish both men were standing on their feet.


1897-09-22 The Times (Philadelphia, PA) (page 3)

GANS AND GRIFFO DRAW

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In Their Fifteen Round Go at Athens Last Night.

It is seldom the good game sport's good fortune to witness the equal of the boxing show given at Athens last night. Only a fair crowd was present, but they were well repaid for the journey down the country. The fifteen round wind-up between Young Griffo, of Australia, and Joe Gans, of Baltimore, was about as good as could have been ordered. By a prearrangement between the two fighters, the bout was to have been declared a draw if both men were on their feet at the end of the go. As it turned out, the prearranged decision was unnecessary, as no fair-minded referee could have declared anything else but a draw judging on the bare merits of the go. Gans showed the least bad effects of the engagement, though his eye was swollen somewhat. Griffo showed nothing but a trifling swelling of the nose and a few abrasions of the skin on the cheek and neck. Griffo had the best of the weight and Gans had the other physical advantages. All the bouts went the limit and the decisions met with universal approval.


1897-09-23 Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) (page 3)

Gans Home Again.

"Joe" Gans, the clever light-weight colored pugilist, who has been up against some of the best men in his class, arrived home last night from Philadelphia, in company with his manager, Al Hereford. Gans fought a fifteen-round draw with Griffo, the Australian, at Athens, near Philadelphia, on Tuesday night. The accounts published in the Philadelphia papers yesterday stated that Gans had all the best of the contest.


1897-09-23 Morning Herald (Baltimore, MD) (page 5)

Gans Vs. Griffo.

Manager Al Herford is very much pleased with the showing that Gans made against Griffo at Athens. According to those who saw the fight and the Philadelphia newspaper men, Gans had all the best of it, and Griffo was playing in dead good luck to get a draw.


1897-09-23 The Sun (Baltimore, MD) (page 6)

Gans and Griffo Fought Hard.

Reports from Philadelphia say that the Gans-Griffo fight, which took place at Athens, Pa., near that city, Tuesday evening, was a hurricane affair all through. The fighters agreed that if both were on their feet at the end of the fifteen rounds it should be declared a draw.

Little was done in the first round. Gans staggered Griffo with a left in the second. In rounds 3 to 9 both fought fast and hard and were both tiring.

Gans opened the ninth round fast and hard and had the better of it. In the eleventh Gans looked like a winner. Twice during the round he staggered Griffo. Slugging with equal honors marked the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth rounds.

William Rocap, the ex-amateur champion boxer, is reported to have said after the fight that Griffo was lucky in even getting the decision of "draw."