The new South. [volume] (Port Royal, S.C.) 1862-1867, 1864-01-09
THE GREAT PRIZE FIGHT.
(from the London Times, December 11.)

unexpected but absolute defeat of the former.
This result the Americans second effort to claim
the chief distinctions and notorieties Of the prize
ring will probably put an end, for the present at
least, to his pugilstic pretensions. The cireum-
stances of his first encounter, in April, 1862 with
the champion of England, were such as to obtain
for him considerable reputation, which he natu-
rally forfeits by his complete incapacity to cope
with man of average standing in his bloody call
ing. It would be difficult to describe how thor
oughlypopular anticipation has been disappointed
by this result. The soundest judgments and the
coolest calculations had settled beforehand that
the American could not fail to win. Not only were
the advantages in betting wholly upon his side,
but even the friends OF his antagonist acknow-
lodged by their acts, if not in words, a sense Of
inferiority How prediction and expectation were
ultimately overturned plain narrative OF the
events of the day will show.
The manner of the men on their entrance to the
ring was thoroughly characteristic. King was the
first to appear. He lad serious and thoughtful
aspect, and gazed about the ground with careful
scrutiny that foreshadowed the anxiety which
throughout the fight he never ceased to exhibit
Keenan, on the other hand, entered with light
and jaunty step, brisky shook hands with his op-
ponent, and at once turned his attention to the
choice of the ground. This point having been
decided, and the choice won by Heenan, the men
were taken in charge by their respective seconds,
and disposed With allaccessible appliances of COM
fort, in their corneS to, wait the settlement Of
preliminaries.
At this early point of the affair the popular feel
ing il favor of Heenan was manifestly increased
not only by the superior heartiness and confidence
Of his bearing but also by the apparent advantages
of training which keen eyes detected in the few
glimpses of his person that were revealed.
The betting rose at once and vastly in his favor
Hcenan was first stripped. A single glance was
sufficient to show that, however massive and
brawny his present appearance, it contrasted i'll
with the recoections of his gigantic power in the
memorable fight sis Saycrs. There were, in
deed, the same broad frame and sinewy limbs, the
same muscles that throbbed with nervous force at
each movement of the active body, the same depth
of chest and reach Of arm, the same splendor Of
physical proportion His action, also, at the out
set was tie same, wildly recalling the triumphant
air with which he threw his outspread arms from
his sides, and heaved his enormous chest as if to
inhale fresh vigor from the morning breeze but
the perfection of symmetry which three years ago
struck all beholdeTs with admiration seemed now
impaired, and shade less of elasticity appeared
to animate his frame. Three years and upwards
in the life of prizefghter leave traces that even
in a man still young, like Heenan, cannot fail to
be distinguished. His advantages over King, as
the latter appeared halfnaked, were, however, too
evident to change in the slightest the flow OF OPT
Mon around the ring.
King rose from his corner with singular air OF
doubt and anxiety. Every movement, even before
the fight began, seemed cautiously taken bat
there was certainly nothing in his appearance to
warrant premature exultation from the opposite
party. More finely trained than Reenan, he
showed less bulk and weight ; but there was
scarcely less development of those qualities which
make up real fighting strength.
AS the men approached one another the feeling
again rose in Heenans favor.
King, although taller than the American, pre-
served at first stopping attitude, which caused
rridy erect, seeming to find a satisfaction in
looking down upon his antagonist. From their.
countenances it was easy to see that one looked
mon his victory as foregone conclusion, while
the other felt thoroughly conscious of the difficult
work that lay before him. Both faces, however