THE TOLEDO COMMERCIAL THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 18, 1897 JAMES CORBETT vs ROBERT FITZSIMMONS

FITZSIMMONS NOW WORLD'S CHAMPION He Succeeds in Defeating James J. Corbett After Fourteen Rounds of the Hardest Kind of Fighting The Contest Was One of the Hardest Fought Seen by Modern Disciples of Pugilism Ungovernable Rage of the Defeated Man as Soon as He Learned He Had Become a "Has Been" and an "Ex."

_ Carson, March 17. - Under a clear sky and in a valley far above the sea, encircled by snow-capped mountains which glistened in the bright sun- light, making a picture such as was never seen before on an occasion of the kind. James J. Corbett went down to defeat today before Robert Fitz- simmons, who became the champion heavyweight pugilist of the world. _ The victory was not gained without a struggle, in fact victory did not seem possible for Fitzsimmons, who until the last moment of the battle was giv- ing every indications of slowly going to pieces. He delivered a blow in a vital part and followed it with two others which sent the Californian to the floor with the agony of pain and despair depleted on his face, and was unable to rise within the limit which would save him. _ When the defeated champion finally arose with the assistance of his at- tendants and recovered sufficiently from his dazed condition to realize the calamity that had befallen him, he broke out with all the fury of an en- raged animal, and discarding all the rules which govern the art of which he is a disciple, rushed at his victorious opponent and made a vain struggle to beat him over the ropes, only desist- ing when his own seconds and friends forced him away. _ And then the new champion was borne to his dressing room amid the cheers of the 5,000 people who were in the arena, accompanied by his seconds and trainers, and also by his wife, who had watched him from a position with- in a few feet of the ringside, and who had taken in every detail, even at the time when it looked as if her husband would be knocked insensible. A GREAT CONTEST _ It was a great contest, but notwith- standing the cheers for the victor, the majority of those who witnessed the fight could not feel a sense of dis- appointment at the result, believing as they did that victory was taken from Corbett at a moment when he seemed sure of gaining it himself. _ The contest was accompanied by the usual delays which attended such af- fairs, due largely to the wait for the hour when the sunlight would be the brightest so that the new electrical de- vice, the verascope - which was located at the ringside, would be able in taking an actual living picture of the fight. _ For two hours before the men en- tered the ring the crowds gathered at the arena, the temporary structure of vast dimensions having a canvas cov- ered ring in the center with row after row of plain boards, each rising from each side and with no covering but the clear blue sky above. THE MEN APPEAR _ It was a moment after the noon hour when the principals and their seconds appeared, and both were greeted with great cheers. George Siler, the referee, arranged the few preliminary matters in a short time. and at 12:30 o'clock the battle commenced. Little was accom- plished by either of the men in the first round, but in the next few rounds Cor- bett had every advantage. In the fifth round he punished Fitz severely, bat- tering him on the face and body until the blood streamed from his face, and he finally sank to his knees, to avoid further punishment, remaining there until nearly all the allotted time had expired, when he arose and succeeded in continueing the contest for the few remaining seconds of the round. Nearly all the spectators thought the end was at hand, but the Australian rallied and fought a game battle for nearly eight rounds more, though there were several occasions during that time when Corbett seemed to have had him going. Fitz landed a number of blows on Corbett, and they were hard, too, but they seemed to have very little ef- fect on him. LOOKED THE WINNER. _ At the opening of the fourteenth round Corbett looked the winner. though somewhat tired he was still strong and was displaying more science and continued to pound the Australian and keep up the stream of blows. And then came the final blow. The blow which ended the fight was a left hand punch delivered just below the heart. This was more effective as Corbett was leaning backward when it came. It caught him on the tensely drawn mus- cles just over the spleen, and must have caused the most intense agony. _ Corbett was more unconscious from pain than from the force of the blow. As he lay writhing and groveling on the floor his face presented the most ghastly appearance imaginable. No man in a last death struggle round have horrified the spectators more, and his agonizing cries of pain could be heard above the cheers for the victor. A WILD SCENE. _ Then followed the wildest scene of the day, when he arose to his feet and with all the strength he had left, rushed at his opponent and tried to finish the contest. Those nearest the ring jumped over the ropes, in spite of all efforts of the police to prevent them, and in a moment the entire en- closure was filled with a howling, shout- ing mob and the noise and confusion were so great that the referee was hardly able to announce his decision, awarding the fight to Fitz. _ In the midst of it all, Corbett, who had been forced to his corner by his friends, broke away from them and rushed at Fitzsimmons a second time, but this time instead of attempting to renew the fight, he implored his victor to give him another chance to accept a challenge from him. This was re- fused and warm words followed. Fitz was borne away with all the glory of his new-won victory and Corbett left to return to his home in San Fran- cisco, carrying with him the despair of defeat.

CORBETT'S RIDE TO THE ARENA The Ex-champion Seemed Confident of a Decided Victory.

_ Although many members of the camp at Shaw's Springs were up at daylight, not a sound was allowed to disturb the morning silence until about 7 o'clock, when Corbett awoke. The big fighter hurried through his bath and dressing and soon entered the parlor of the hotel where his trainers and relatives anxi- ously awaited him. A cheery "Morning, everybody," showed his temper to be in satisfactory condition. _ "How do you feel, Jim?" White anxi- ously inquired. _ "Fine as silk, Charley, old boy; never better," and the champion slapped his groom on the back with a friendly energy that almost upset the stout New Yorker. White led Corbett to a window, where he carefully looked him over, paying particular attention to the apperance of his eyes, and questioning him as to how his lungs and throat felt. _ "You could not be in better shape," was the trainer's verdict, when the examination was over. "Your wind is perfect, and your eyes clear and you are fit in every way for the fight of your life." _ Corbett declared he had a splen- did sleep and was greatly rested and re- freshed. He took a turn or two on the hotel veranda, and then had break- fast. LAST CONFERENCE _ Before 8 o'clock Brady, White, Dela- ney and Corbett retired to the latter's bedroom for a final conference. White did most of the talking, prefacing his instructions with a little ortation in which he pointed that the "eyes of the world are on Jim," and the "supremacy

James J. Corbett

of America in the prize ring depended on today's battle between an English- man born and an America born." _ White's final instructions consisted al- most entirely of admonitions to keep cool. He time and time again warned his man that angry rushes would en- sure the victory of Fitz. _ "You must keep your temper, Jim," he said, "and not be in too big a hurry to put that fellow out. Just be cool and careful every minute you are in front of him. He is expecting you to go at him like a bull at a red blanket and you must fool him." HE PROMISED _ Delaney and Brady followed with talk on similar lines and to all Corbett promised faithfully to fight carefully and coolly. He was warned particu- larly to look out for the work at close quarters. _ The conference closed with mutual expressions of confidence in the result, and a rather solemn handshaking all around. By this time it was well on to- wards 9 o'clock, and Corbett began his dressing for the ring. His ring cos- tume consisted of his usual white trunks and tight-fitting shoes, he hav- ing decided to fight without shoes de- spite the cold climate. NO MORE TALK. _ For his trip to the arena he added a grey checked sack suit in which he had done his training, and a blue sweater, white and black checked outing cap and gray mixed bath robe being thrown around his shoulders. _ "It is too late to talk now," Corbett said as he stopped for a moment before leaving his room. "The time has now come when Fitzsimmons and I can fin- ish our argument without talking. I don't know how he feels about it, but I am very good just now. I am going to win the fight, and I am going to win it fairly. I have trained faithfully and have been well handled by my trainers. My condition is entirely satisfactory to myself and my friends. Fitz is in good shape, too, I am told, and I am glad he is, for I wish to win this fight strictly on its merits. I don't want to do any boasting now. I will do my talking after the fight." _ "Everybody knows whether the man is in condition or not," said Charley White, the head trainer, "and you can judge from that whether I am satis- fied with my work. When I took hold of Jim I said I would put him down at the ringside in as good shape as any man ever fought in and I have kept my promise. As to his winning, of course, I believe he will win. Fitzsim- mons is a great fighter, but Corbett is a greater one, and today will prove that we have not over-estimated his abil- ity." PROUD OF JIM _ "White expressed my sentiments ex- actly," said Billy Delaney. "We are proud of his condition in which we have put our man, and we expect a few hours hence to be proud of the condition in which he has put out Fitzsimmons, for Jim is going to win." _ The limbering three-seated coach, which for months has done duty in bringing visitors to the camp, had been drawn up before the hotel veran- da, the four horses eager for the start. "All ready," said White, and Corbett ran nimbly down the stairs and took his place on the back seat. White, with the collar of his red sweater turned up to his ears, followed, and Brady, Mc- Vey, Delaney and Joe Corbett took the other seats. _ It was but a little after 9 o'clock when the long-bearded native, who sat in the box yelled out to his horses, and the drive to the arena began. A carriage containing Jeffries, Wood and other attaches of the camp had al- ready started, and a procession of car- riages, carts and mounted men follow- ed the coach on the two-mile drive through the little city and out to the arena. The Corbett party was rather quiet during the ride. Jim leaned com- fortably back on the corner of his seat, no trace of excitement or uneasiness appearing on his face. _ "I am glad it will soon be all over," he remarked once or twice as he no- ticed a familiar landmark, he added with a confident smile, "when we came back we will have the undisputed championship with us." CHEERED HIM _ Joe Corbett and McVey were the live- liest members of the party, but even they were more quiet than usual. As Corbett was recognized when the coach entered the town he was encouraged by shouts from his admirers, and when the arena was reached the crowds about it cheered justily as the party left the vehicle for the dressing room. No time was lost in stripping the fighter and giving him a vigorous rub down. After a short rest he again donned his fight- ing costume, this time adding the belt which his wife had made for the oc- casion. It was of red, white and blue silk, with a green buckle. At one side hung a green silk rossie and streamer. _ "Do I look ready?" Corbett asked, as he drew himself up to his full height. _ "I should say you do," said Delaney. _ "I am glad its Fitzsimmons you are after instead of me." _ Corbett drew his bath robe closely around him and sat down to await the call to the ring, exhibiting not the least nervousness. _ "You can see how he feels," said Brady. "He is sure of winning this fight and that is half of the battle. He is the better man and he is bound to win."

FITZSIMMONS' RIDE The Present Champion Wanted Only One Good Punch

_ Fitzsimmons and his trainers were up at 7 o'clock this morning and Bob took a short walk before breakfast "to start the blood going." He did no work after eating, remained in the open air bare headed, moving around quietly, talking with Julian and his as- sistants and playing gently with Yar- rum. The conference with his trainers and helpers was not long, as all the needed advice as to fighting Corbett and meeting his known or possible methods of attack had been given dur- ing the progress of Fitzsimmons work. _ "I would not take $14,900 for the purse this morning," said Fitzsimmons. "I will have it all before night. I do not believe the fight will be a long one. Five rounds is my limit. I think I can land at that time and if I do that will be the end of the gentleman who has no manners, and only pretentions. He may hit me as many times as he can. I believe I can stand off the pun- ishment he is able to give me and be able to put him out when I get a chance. Come around when it is over and you will see what shape I am in." JULIAN'S PROPHECY _ "Corbett won't be in it," said Julian. "We don't like Siler's ruling about the clinches and breakaways, but we al- ways get the worst of it and we will have to stand it this time as before, Fitz is fit in every way. He could not be in better condition. He is not as heavy as Corbett and his story will be all the more creditable. He will be the greatest fighter in the world - a wonder - before nightfall and every- body will acknowledge it. _ "His muscles are in the shape we want them. He is not too finely trained, just right, and he can just stand any

Robert Fitzsimmons

amount of punishment without distress. He can strike a fifty per cent heavier blow than Corbett down and out. Fitz is a fair, square fighter, one of the fairest and squarest in the ring today, and though we got the worst of it by consenting to tricks with which he is not familiar and has not practiced we will stand by our agreement to abide by Siler's directions as we are confident Fitz will win this fight no matter what Corbett may be able to do in the clinches or when he has one arm free." _ "If you know anything about fight- ers," said Stelnzer, "look at Fitz and tell me if a man could be in better con- dition. He is as strong as an ox and can tire out a horse on the road. If you have seen him punch the bag and break the rope holding it you can judge of his cleverness and quickness of eye and what a blow he can strike. He may be a little awkward and ungainly, as his enemies say, but he has the endurance to stand punishment and strength to fight whenever he gets a chance to end it. FITZ'S WEIGHT _ "You will see some good work on his part in the ring. He is a few pounds lighter than Corbett, but that won't make any diference on account of his condition, and the power of his arms. He is heavy enough to win. He has the greatest confidence in himself; he is a sure winner. I have heard Corbett is in fine shape, but he cannot be in any better condition than Fitzsim- mons. You will see a great fight - the greatest in the world, and Fitz will be standing up at the end." _ "Fitz will win," said Hickey. "I don't see how he can lose. No man was ever in better condition. Every muscle in his body is right and his wind could not be better. He has purposely let me hit him in our bouts, and I have put in some good ones, but he did not mind then at all. Corbett may punch him a dozen times, but I don't think he can hit hard enough to make much of an impression, as Fitz can be so per- fect that he will be able to recover quickly. Corbett cannot wear him out. All Fitz has to do is land one stiff jab, long and short, and Corbett will not get on his feet. The blows of the two men are as a feather to a ton." ROEBER'S OPINION. _ "My money is on Fitz," said Roeber. "That shows what I think about him. He is all right. He worked hard and faithfully, and could not be in better shape. He strikes like a mule kicks. No punishment Corbett can give him can knock him out. If Fitz hits Cor- bett once, and he is clever enough to do it before many rounds have been fought, you will see Corbett drop and carried to his quarters." _ The party began preparing a little after 9 o'clock for the start for the arena, being due there under the order issued by Stuart at 10 o'clock. Not much preparation was necessary. Fitz put on his cap and was ready. He wore over his fighting costume of green tights and colors a suit of light check- ed material, a blue sweater and ordin- ary shoes. His trainers did not add to their personal adornment, wearing their customary clothes - a red sweat- er, a pair of old trousers and shoes to match. _ The little party left the ranch in ample time to make the journey of three miles, driving leisurely. The helpers went ahead to get things in readiness at the dressing room. Fitzsimmons and Julian rode in one buggy and Roeber, Stelzner and Hick- ey in another close behind, and with- in talking distance. IN GOOD SPIRITS. _ The road from the ranch to Carson is not lined with objects of interest. It winds through a maze of sage brush for half a mile or more before the mono- tony is broken by anything worthy of attention. _ Fitz was in excellent spirits, and really in good humor, talking as much as usual to his associates and, of course, abused Corbett, speaking of the fight as his own. His confidence seemed to be so great that there was no need for encouragement from his companions. "We will have the purse coming back," said Fitz. "Sure," said Stelzner. _ "How will Corbett get out of town?" asked Hickey. _ "In a box car," growled Julian, "with Jim in the middle." _ All laughed at this allusion to a pos- sible funeral. _ About half way between the ranch and town the road runs over a little hill, from which can be seen part of the rough frame building, three miles away, in which Corbett did his indoor work. It stands out prominently, ow ing to the clearness of the atmoshere and the more so because the construc- tion boards are not yet weather-stained. A turn in the road brought the building squarely in the faces of the party, and they could not avoid see- ing it unless they held their heads down, and they could not do so, as they were going to the fight, not turn- ing away. All saw the structure at the same time and it naturally pro- voked talk. ONE PUNCH NEEDED. _ "I'll soon have my chance to do him up." said Fitz. _ "And stop his wind," put in Stelzner. _ "Yes," said Fitz, "that is all there is to him. I only want to land once on him." _ It was pretty generally known about town what time the fighters were due and the sidewalks were crowded with people when the Fitzsimmons party drove by. There was no particular en- thusiasm, merely "How are you, Fitz," and "wish you luck," or a limited cheer or two from an acqaintance or an admirer. _ No time was lost inside the city limits the horses going at a good jog through the streets, the arena be- ing reached without mishap. _ As Fitzsimmons reaching his dressing room he was rubbed down and in a short time was prepared to answer a summons to face his antagonist in the ring.

CORBETT AND FITZSIMMONS AS THEY APPEARED  IN THE RING

THE STORY IN DETAIL A Technical Description of the Fight by Rounds.

_ Carson, March 17. - The gates were opened at 9:30 and there was a rush for the gate keepers to take the tick- ets. Holders of pasteboards were re- quested to hold them up above their heads and in that fashion 500 people rushed into the enclosure. There were three women in the first bunch and they were eager to get in as the rest. There were plenty of ushers on hand and there was no confusion in seating the people. _ The floor of the ring was of inch pine boards, closely drawn together and sprinkled liberally with rosin.. The boards were unpadded and comments on the probability of the fighters knock- ing their heads against the hard sur- face in case of a knockout were fre- quent. _ Billy Brady, Corbett's adviser, was on hand early and tested the ropes, ect. He did not find things to suit him and under his direction the ropes were tightened. Tom Sharkey, ready to chal- lenge the winner, ambled in early and regarded the ring with the air of a connoisseur. Sharkey was resplendent in a boiled shirt, square topped Derby hat, a gorgeous diamond, a green tie and a enormous green badge in honor of the day. SULLIVAN'S CHALLENGE. _ At 10 o'clock John L. Sullivan entered the arena and took a seat in a box close to the ring. His appearance was the signal for an outburst of cheers. But beyond a broad smile the ex-cham- pion paid no attention to the demonstra- tion. As the day wore on the warmth of the sun increased. There was no wind and the weather conditions were perfect for the fight. At 10:30 Billy Jor- dan of San Francisco entered the ring and made the following announcement: "Frank V. Dunn, of Boston, in behalf of John L. Sullivan, will challenge the winner of this contest for $5,000 and he will put up $1,000 as a deposit." _ Jordan said the money was up in the hands of the New York World. This was greeted with cheers and Sullivan was called for. When he reached the ring he said: "Gentlemen: There is no necessity of me saying anything more. I mean what I say. I am going to try one more battle. There is one fight in me yet." _ This speech was greeted with shouts and "Good boy, John." _ Billy Madden then entered the ring and said: "I have deposited $2,500 with Warren Lewis of New York for Joe Goddard to fight the winner of this fight at his own time inside one year. I also have a check for $2,500 for Shar- key to fight the winner, which will be deposited at once." SHARKEY TALKS. _ In response to calls Sharkey climbed into the ring and said: "Gentlemen, I have met both of these men and I would like to have the first chance. I don't think either of them has anything on me." The crowd cheered and Sharkey climbed off the platform. _ Shortly after 10 o'clock Fitzsimmons arrived and went at once to his dressing room. He stood near the stove so as not to get cold and cheerfully chatted with his attendants. At 11 o'clock there were about 3,000 people present and the crowd seemed to have stopped coming. About a dozen good looking, well dress- ed women were in the crowd. A few wore veils, but the majority braved the gaze of the men. _ Corbett did not start from his camp as soon as expected and did not reach his dressing room until after Fitzsim- mons. FIGHTERS ENTERED. _ Fitzsimmons soon entered and the crowd cheered him lustily. He was bareheaded and attired in a Japanese bath robe. Corbett entered a moment later. The vast multitude greeted him with applause. _ Behind Corbett were Charley White, Delaney and Jeffries, McVey, Joe Cor- bett, Billy Woods and Al Hampton. _ In Fitzsimmon's corner were Martin Julian, Ernest Roeber, Stelzner and Hickey. While Billy Madden announced the timekeepers, Fitzsimmons walked leisuely around the ring, chatting pleasantly with all the people therein and in close proximity to the ropes. Corbett did a little jig step in his cor- ner. Both men looked in finest kind of shape. _ Billy Muldoon greeted Fitzsimmons, asking, "Hello Fitz, how are you?" Fitzsimmons replied: "Oh, bloody fine." _ Madden then introduced the referee and the men proceeded to strip. _ Fitzsimmons refused to shake hands. Time was called at 12:07 p.m. and the fight commenced. THE FIGHT BY ROUNDS. _ Round 1 - Both men sparred cautious- ly for an opening, Fitz being on the ag- gressive, Corbett keeping away. Fitz seeing that he must force matters, went after his man and crowded Corbett back into the latter's corner. Both made vicious swings with the left and both missed, both men staggering against the ropes. Fitz still kept crowd- ing Corbett and Corbett landed a right in the face, getting away without a return. A second later he repeated the dose and again missed the counter which Fitz sent in. _ Both men clinched and in the breaka- way Fitz got in a hard left on Corbett's chin, staggering him. He followed this up with a left on the upper part of the neck, staggering him a second time. Corbett sent in a left counter in return and then ducked and ran away from a vicious right hook. Cor- bett sailed in, landing a light left hook, getting the same for his share and immediately he sent in a hard left on the neck. Corbett sent in his right for the body, but Fitzsimmons avoided it by a clever side step. Corbett sent his left and right to the head and the men clinched, Fitz landing a hard left with one arm free. A clinch followed in the center of the ring when the gong sounded. SECOND ROUND _ Both men came quickly to the center of the ring; Corbett this time assumed the aggressive and prodded Fitz. The latter landed his left on the head and the men clinched. Both were fearful of hits in the breakaway and wrestled cautiously, shoving each other back and forth. On the breakaway, Fitz followed up quickly and got in his left on the chest. Corbett came back with a hard right on the body and then another clinch during which Fitz was laughing over Corbett's shoulder as they struggled. Another clinch follow- ed, a hard left on the nose by Corbett. Jim got in a left on Fitz's nose, getting a light counter. _ Fitz clinched and immediately on the break sent in right and left swings on the head. Corbett laughed and come up for more. Fitz ducked a straight left and then came another clinch, Corbett getting in a right on the breakaway. Fitz sent a straight right for the head, but missed, Corbett coming back with a hard left on the head. Both landed and Corbett stopped the smiling by getting a right hook on Fitz's head, following it with one of the same sort from his left. _ Corbett swung three times in quick succession, but failed to land with any of the three. At the third swing Fitz ran in and clinched and on the break- away Corbett struck Fitz below the belt with his left, commiting an unin- tentional foul. A second after he slip- ped Fitz a left in the stomach, doubling up the red-haired man. _ This was a fierce blow and the best of the fight up to this time. _ Corbett led with his left for the head but slipped and nearly fell. Fitz fol- lowed him hotly, but Jim was too clever and Bob could not reach him. Corbett sent in a straight left on the body, following it with a right in the same direction and then sent in another left. Fitz could not stop the rain of blows, and running in on Corbett clinched him. Immediately after the men parted Corbett sent in a right for the body and Fitz clinched again. _ Jim had much the better of this round and points, though none of the blows were hard enough to do much damage. During the minute rest Bob drank cagerly from a bottle but Corbett took no refreshments. THIRD ROUND _ At the opening Corbett sent in a hard left on the body, making Fitz wince and clinch. He followed with a hard left on the jaw, staggering Fitz. He fol- lowed this with a rain of blows, send- ing his left to the body twice and a right on the head. Jim led for the head again, but Fitz stopped him cleverly, both men clinching. Fitz made right and left swings on the jaw, but Corbett ducked and both men laughed. Jim feinted with his left and then sent his right on the body, landing lightly. Fitz swung with his left, but landed only lightly and the men clinched. Cor- bett got in a right and left on the body and the men clinched. _ Corbett laughing and nodding in the evident good humor to his friens at the ringside. Fitz sent a savage poke at the jaw, but missed; Corbett stepped in quickly, getting a right to the body and a mutual clinch followed. Fitz turned loose with a left hook on the jaw stag- gering Corbett. He followed this with a hard right on the jaw and in the breakaway from the clinch Fitz landed two light left hooks on the top of the head. They were apart for a few sec- onds only and Corbett ran in and clinched after landing a hard right on the body. _ Both were fearful of being hit in the breakaway and wrestled for several seconds. Fitz sent in a good right, reaching the jaw, but Corbett only laughed. Both missed and clinched, Fitz getting a hard left on the body in the breakawy. Fitz sent his right to the body and a left on the nose. He assumed the aggressive, crowded Cor- bett and was about to lead with his left as the gong sounded. Corbett held up his hands, saying good naturedly: "Nay, nay." Bob grinned and turned away to his corner. FOURTH ROUND _ Corbett landed a left on the jaw and the men clinched, both laughing. Both landed hard lefts on the body and in a clinch which followed Corbett nodded to his friends over Fitz's shoulder. Jim landed a hard and a light one on the head. Fitz countering. The men clinched again, Corbett landing a right on Fitz's ear an the breakaway. Cor- bett landed a hard left on the chin. Jim ducked a vicious right hand swing and landed a right on the body, follow- ing it with a left on the body and an- other on the nose. Corbett led for the face, but touched lightly. _ Fitz followed Corbett up and landed a hard left on Corbett's jaw, getting a left on the jaw in return, but it only made him laugh. The men then clinch- ed. Fitz missed a left for the body and they clinched again. Fitz rushed Corbett, landing a left on the body and in the clinch punched Corbett on the body with his right. He also hit Cor- bett on the head with his right. Cor- bett missed a right swing for the head in the breakaway and Fitz clinched. Jim landed a hard right on the body, but missed a left for the head and left on the body, following with a left on the jaw. A clinch followed. Corbett landed a hard right on the body and a hard left on the jaw. _ When the round closed the men were clinching, both continuing hitting. Fitz's body was red from the effects of Corbett's right handers. Referee Siler announced to the newspaper men that he did not get in between the men during a clinch for fear that he might spoil a chance for a knock-out with one arm free. FIFTH ROUND. _ Corbett immediately landed a hard left on the jaw; Fitz ran Corbett to the ropes, and the men clinched, no blows being struck. Corbett landed right on Fitz's jaw and left on the neck and on the body and they clinched. Both landed hard rights on the body. Fitz following up with a left on the jaw and ducked a vicous left hand swing. Corbett missed right on the body and the men clinched. Jim missed a left swing and another clinch followed. Corbett landed left on the jaw, a light left on the head and they clinched. Jim landed hard left on the jaw and right on the head. He landed the left on the jaw again. _ Fitz hit Corbett hard on the head, staggering him. Corbett gave Fitz a hard left on the jaw, then led again and missed. Corbett landed right on body and left on the head and a light right on the jaw and the men clinched. Corbett landed his left on the jaw again, the men clinching. Corbett land- ed a hard left on the jaw and Fitz clinching, being a trifle dazed by the succession of blows he had received. Jim landed a right on the body, a left on the head and then a left on the jaw. Fitz landed on the head with left and got in a right hand jab on body as the round closed. Corbett seemed the fresher of the two. He got Fitz's blood, which was coming from Fitz's mouth as the gong sounded. Jim refused re- freshments, but Fitz drank from a bottle. SIXTH ROUND. _ Fitz opened with a left on the face and Corbett was crowded on the ropes. Fitz made a wild left swing for the body and a second clinch followed. Cor- bett ducked from a vicious left in- tended for the jaw. Jim landed with his left for the jaw, and then put a hard right hand upper-cut on Fit'z chin, causing a stream of blood to pour from his mouth. Corbett came in again with a left on the jaw and again the blood came in a stream from Bob's mouth. The man clinched, Corbett then put it all over Fitz, putting his right on the head, his left on the jaw, and then left and right on the jaw, crowding Fitz to the ropes. _ Fitz seemed unable to stop the blows that came in and Corbett hit him on the jaw with a left and up- per-cut him with his right, making the blood flow. _ Bob's face was practically a puddle of blood and he was evidently be- ginning to weaken. Fitz attempted to reach Corbett's jaw but failed, and the next second missed a hard right swing. _ Fitz was evidently tiring, and when he received a savage right behind the ear, he reeled and went down on one knee. Corbett was wild to finish him, and although the rules of the fight that when one man was down, the other side retire ten feet until the fallen man was on his feet, Corbett, in his eager- ness, ignored the rule and kept trying to get at Fitz. Siler warned him to stand back, and Martin Julian sprang upon the platform from outside the rope, yelling excitedly to Corbett: "Stand back and obey the rules. Why don't you stand back?" _ Fitz was down seven seconds, but he was only taking a rest. The instant he rose Corbett was at him like a fiend. He landed his right on Fitz's jaw, sent a hard left to the jaw, put his left in- to Fitz's face with the force of a bul- let, and put his right on the jaw again. _ He followed these blows up with a right and left on the jaw and then caught Fitz with a hard left on the head and put his right and left on the jaw again. Fitz was evidently going when the gong sounded, and a little more and it would of settled him. His face was literally a mass of blood, and ................................ as he went to his corner. Corbett's chest and shoul- ders were covered with red splatter that came from the mouth ond nose of Fitz. SEVENTH ROUND _ Fitz came up to the mark promptly and seemed refreshed. Corbett made no play and began with a left hook on the jaw and then put in a right upper- cut. He tapped Fitz's nose again. Fitz made a right and left swing on the jaw and Jim planted a straight left jab on the nose again. Fitz made a right swing for the jaw and Jim planted a straight left jab on the nose. Fitz led for the body and Corbett clinched. Fitz getting in a good right on the jaw in the breakaway. _ Corbett got in a light left on the body and then clinched. Fitz put in a stiff left on the body but received a hard jab in return and the clinched to avoid a savage blow which would have done the business for him had it landed. Corbett's thigh was daubed with blood from his own glove, which was colored by contact with the nose and mouth of Fitz. Corbett came in again with two hard lefts on the jaw, Fitz apparently unable to stop the blows. he seemed to be waiting for his chance and willing to take blows if only he had a chance for a return. Fitz swung right and left for the jaw but Corbett ducked and gave Fitz a straight left on the jaw that smeared the blood all over Fitz's face. Fitz put in a left on the body and ducked a vicious left swing and clinched. _ After the breakaway Fitz assumed the aggressive and put a stiff right on the body, Corbett clinching. Corbett struck for the body and landed be- low the belt, the blow, however, being very light and Fitz paid no attention to it. Corbett put his left on the jaw and got away very cleverly from right and left hooks which Fitz sent at his man and he clinched. Corbett put his left to the face and upper-cut savagely with his right, but Fitz slip- ped to one side and stopped the blow with his left elbow. At the close of the round both men were splattered with blood and Fitz was a sight, his face being covered with blood from hair to chin. EIGHTH ROUND _ Fitz was evidently getting stronger and came up in fine shape. He went at Corbett and crowded him back into his (Corbett's) corner. Both men swung for the head with the left and both missed. Corbett put in a stiff left on the head and nearly sent Fitz to the floor. Fitz swung with his left for the jaw, but Corbett jumped aside laughing. _ Fitz was evidently determined to have his inning and he went after Cor- bett fast and furious. He sent a hard left on the body, and a hard left on the jaw crowding Corbett to the ropes, receiving only a light blow on the body in return. He then landed on Corbett's chest. Both men then sparred for wind and walked slowly around. Both missed lefts for the body and then came Cor- bett's turn. He put his left hard on the body, Fitz countering on the chest. Corbett landed a hard left on the jaw, a right on the body and his left on the jaw, a straight left on the nose, fol- lowing it up with a left on the jaw. Fitz stood the rain of blows very well and came out of it laughing. Corbett reached the jaw again with his left and put his left in again on the heart. _ Fitz made a vicious right hook, fol- lowing it up with his left and missed. Then he put his right strongly on Cor- betts jaw, staggering him. Corbett led with his right for the body, but Fitz got away. Fitz then took the aggres- sive and followed Corbett around the ring, but could not more than put his left and right lightly on the body, but could not stop a left on the nose that caught him just as the gong sounded. Corbett began to look tired and in the minute's rest he took refreshments, washing out his mouth with water. Fitz, although covered with blood, was evidently gaining strength and he was quite fresh at the close. NINTH ROUND. _ Both men sparred for an opening. Corbett opened and missed a left for body. Fitz landed a light left on the body, Corbett coming back with a hard left at the body, making Fitz jump in- to the air. Fitz followed Corbett, who kept away from him and kept up a succession of lefts in the face, driving only a light left on the body, staggering Corbett. Jim landed his left on the nose, and hard left on the same place, his right on the jaw and a second hard straight on the jaw, a left on the jaw again and a right on the body. _ Fitz landed a hard left on the jaw, following with a left on the head. He landed on the jaw with his right, stag- gering Corbett badly and sending him back. Both men appeared tired, but Fitz smiling through the blood on his face. _ Corbett led a hard left for the face, but missed Fitz ducking. Bob led with his left and Jim got away. Both landed with right on the jaw and Corbett clinched. Fitz landed a right and left on the body and the men clinched again. Fitz put his left on the face and got a left on the jaw in return, which ended the round. Corbett seemed tired, but Fitz was evidently fresher than at the close of the previous round. He, however, was bleeding badly. TENTH ROUND _ Fitz assumed the aggressive at the start. He missed a hard right for Cor- bett's face, but followed it up with a hard right on the jaw. The men clinch- ed, Fitz landed hard on Corbett's chin, but got a hard left on the jaw in the break. Fitz landed hard on the body with left and put a right hard on the jaw, following it up with a stiff right on the jaw, pushing Corbett back two feet. Corbett missed a left swing for the jaw. Fitz getting away. Corbett also missed a left for the body and Corbett countered with a hard right in the same place. Corbett landed a left on the body; Fitz countering with a light left on the nose. Both men clinched. _ Fitz missed a right for the head, but landed left twice in succession and got away without a return. Fitz landed a hard right on the head. He made a terrible swing with his left for the jaw, but Jim got away. Jim landed his left an the jaw and a hard right on the body. _ The men clinched, Corbett rushing Fitz after receiving a hard left on the jaw and got in on the body with his right, also landing his left on the chin. Corbett smiled, though he looked some- what tired. He ducked a left hand swing and got a left on the body, rush- ing Fitz to the ropes (the crowd hissed him). He landed with his left a ter- rible blow on Fitz's jaw, staggering him. The men were in a clinch as the round closed. Fitz's condition appeared to be improving, but Corbett was, to all appearances, losing strength. ELEVENTH ROUND _ Both men punched to the body and clinched. Corbett put his left on the jaw and his right on body. Fitz got in a left on the jaw, followed by two others and a right on the head. Corbett land- ed his left on the head and a clinch fol- lowed. Corbett landed a hard right on the face and a hard left on the ear and poked Fitz generally with his left in his face again. Fitz missed a right hand swing for the jaw. Corbett missed a left for the jaw and a second in- tended for the same locality. Fitz land- ed a hard right on the jaw, the men clinching. Corbett led right for the body, Fitz getting away. _ Corbett led with a left for the head, but Fitz ducked. Fitz landed a straight left on the jaw and upper-cut Corbett in the clinch with his right. He also land- ed his right on the jaw and put a hard right on Corbett's ear. Corbett made a left hand swing but it was stopped. Fitz landed a hard one on Corbett's face, staggering him, and in the clinch he upper-cut Corbett with his right on the jaw. He also landed hard on Cor- betts ear, after receiving a light left on chin. Corbett landed a hard left on Fitz's nose and received one in re- turn on the jaw. Fitz followed Cor- bett, landing right and left on the body. Corbett ducked a vicious roght hand swing and the men clinched. The round closed with Fitz's condition im- proving, and he was fighting strong. TWELFTH ROUND _ Fitz came up quickly, starting after Corbett with a vicious left for the head. Corbett ducked and Fitz's arm passed fully a foot above his back. The energy of his blow swung Fitz clear around and he staggered, almost falling down in Corbett's corner. He rallied quickly, however, and put his right on the body before Corbett could catch him. _ Corbett missed a left jab pointed at the jaw, and Fitz went through a similar performance, but swung back with his right, catching Corbett on the head and then followed it up with a straight poke on the nose. Fitz repeat- ed this performance and with a left hook. Corbett put a left on the body very lightly, and then put his right hand on the jaw, receiving a severe counter on the same place, Jim then landed right hard on head and rushed Fitz to the ropes, where a clinch fol- lowed. The men were apart just long enough to allow Corbett to put a light left on the jaw and a hard left on the nose and they clinched again. _ During the clinch, Fitz cleared his throat of blood which he spat out over Corbett's shoulder in the coolest manner possible and then wiped the blood from his nose with the thumb of his glove. His .... being completed, Fitz broke away catching a hard left on the nose as he did. He missed one of the same sort and clinched again. Corbett landed a rain of blows on Fitz's head, hitting him repeatedly on jaw and body. He landed on the body just about as he pleased, although Fitz was lighting strong. THIRTEENTH ROUND _ Fitz landed a left on the body and a hard right on the jaw. Jim missed a left hand swing but landed on the jaw and the men clinched. Fitz missed a hard right for the head, following Cor- bett around the ring and receiving a straight for the face, after which he clinched. They fiddled around the ring, Corbett with his guard down in a care- less fashion. Fitz pushing him to the ropes. No harm was done, both men taking it easy. Corbett landed a light left on the face and another on the body, but missed a right upper-cut. He then landed a hard swing on Fitz's nose and missed a left swing, receiv- ing only a light tap on the ear in re- turn and the men clinched. _ Fitz's bleeding nose seemed to be troubling him, but he assumed the ag- gressive and made Corbet dance around the ring to avoid him, receiving a hard left on the body before he de- sisted. Fitz landed a hard left on the body, staggering Corbett, and then landed on the body. Jim put in a straight left on the nose and a right upper-cut on the jaw in the clinch that followed. Corbett landed his left on the face twice and missed a lead for the head. While following Jim, Fitz got a light left on the face. Both men were in the center of the ring as the gong sounded. Fitz's face being again covered with blood from his nose. LAST ROUND _ Up to this Corbett had the better of the fighting. He hit Fitz whenever he pleased and pretty much where he pleased. His generalship was far su- perior to that of Fitz and he got away and came in again with marvelous speed. He was tiring rapidly, however, and was far from having the stamina that Fitz showed. The latter had been punished fearfully throughout the pre- ceding rounds, but he was still strong and game to the core. _ The round opened up with a left swing for the jaw by Corbett. It missed the mark, but he tried again with bet- ter sucess, reaching the jaw good and hard. Fitz was all there, however, and he sent his left to the body with ter- rific force. The blow sent Corbett stag- gering backwards, and evidently hurt him .... Fitz lost no time and fol- lowed .... and sent his right to Cor- betts .... causing him to totter again. He then sent his left hard on the body and was ..... his man, but Corbett gave .... to get away. _ Corbett came up strong, however, and put his left on Fitz's body. The lat- ter put in a hard right on the head. Jim was looking tired, his strength was going and he clinched. After the breakaway Fitz put in a hard right hand and left on the jaw and the men clinched again. Corbett fighting Fitz into the southwest corner of the ring. _ Jim put his left on the jaw and Fitz sent his right to the chin with fear- ful force. The blow made Corbett lean backward and turned him partly around. He raised his guard a trifle and quick as lightning Fitz shot his left glove on Corbett's bone just below the heart. The blow was one that would have shivered a plank and Cor- bett's face paled instantly. His arms fell to his sides, his eyes closed and he fell forward to the ropes, catching them with his right hand. His face bore a look of intense agony and he was evidently suffering the most ex- cruciating pain. He tried to rise but Fitz, with his right, caught him with a jab on the chin. _ Corbett was not knocked out in the common acceptance of the word. He was not unconscious, but the pain from the blow was so great as to make him careless of anything else. He tried sev- eral times to rise, but was unable to do so and was counted out by the referee.

MARTIN JULIAN

REFEREE SILER.

THE TOLEDO COMMERCIAL MARCH 18, 1897

This newspaper was damaged and like a puzzle trying to decipher a couple passages, like this one from the sixth round description.

BETTER HALF OF THE CONQUERING HERO MARTIN FLAHERTY vs HAWKINS BILLY SMITH vs GEORGE GREEN

Historic boxing newspapers and articles.