Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-01-07
THE GREAT PRIZE FIGHT.
Graphic Account from London Times
From tia London Times, Dec. IL

former. The result of the Americans second
effort to claim the chief distinctions and no.
torieties of the prize ring, will probably put
an end, for the present at least, to his pugil-
lstic pretensions. The circumstances of his
first encounter, in April, 1850, with the cham
pion of England were such as to obtain for
him considerable reputation, which he nat
urally forfeits by his complete incapacitv to
cope with man of average standing in his
bloody calling. . 1t would be difficult to des-
crlbe how thoroughly popular anticipation
has been disappointed by the result. The
soundest judgments and the coolest caleula-
tiOns had settled beforehand that the Ameri-
can could not fail to win. Not only were the
advantages in betting wholly upon his side
but even the friends of his antagonist ac-
knowIedged by their acts, if not in words,
sense OF inferiority. How prediction and ex-
pectation were ultimately overturned plain
narrative of the events of the day will show.
Heenan was first stripped a single glance
was sufficient to show that, however massive
and brawny his present appearance, it con-
trasted i'll with the recollections of his gigan-
tic power in the memorable fight with Sayers.
There were, indeed the same broad frame
and sinewy limbs, the same muscles that
throbbed with nervous force at each move
ment of the active body, the same depth of
chest and reach Of arm, the same splendor of
physical proportion. His action, also at the
outset was the same, vividly recalling the
triumphant air with which he threw his out
spread arms from his sides, and heaYed his
enormous chest as if to inhale fresh vgor
from the morning breeze; but the perfection
Of symmetry which three years ago struck all
beholders with admiration seemed now i'm
paired, and shade less Of elasticity appeared
to animate his frame. Three years and up
wards in the life of prize fighter leave
traces that even in a man still young, like
Heenan, cannot fail to be distinguished. His
advantages over King, as the latter appeared
half naked, were, however, too evident to
change in the slightest, the flow of opinion
around the ring.
King rose from his corner with a singular
air of doubt and anxiety. Every movement,
even before the fight began, seemed cautious.
ly taken; but there was certainly nothing in
his appearance to warrant premature eXulta-
ton from the opposite party. More finely
trained than Heenan, he showed less bulk
and weight; but there was scarcely less de-
velopment Of those qualities which make up
real fighting stength.
There was great uprOar round the ring,
and men with forchead5 villainously low
came tramping past with bundles of notes
in their hands, shouting again that they were
ready with ego to Ct on Keenan, but they
found but few takers, for the American was
already considered the winner beyond all
chance of accident.
Amid these cries of betters, the efforts of
outsiders trying to get place in front, some
calling out that the police were coming,
some that the fight was sold and would not
come off at all, Heenan and King, each with
his two seconds, crossed the ring and shook
hands. With the seconds it was mere for
mality, but not so with the principals. They,
at least seemed to shake hands cordially, and
spoke or seemed to speak for an instant,
then each drew back.
The fight then began, not as most people
see fght-a mere rough and tumble street
scramble, in which there is more noise than
hurt, more danger from the pavement than
the worst the combatants can debut
quiet, good humOred, deadly scientific fight,
where the men looked at each other, and
then advanced slowly nearer, with the right
arm held close across the body, the left Just
raised now and then as if to feel the way.
Both stood easily, shifting their ground and
warily watching the other, lightly poised
upon their toes, ready to spring in upon the
least opening Or draw back from danger Now
and then there was a rapid feint, a quick
glancing of the arms as the body was threat
ened, and the stop was there, and then both
smiled broadly, as if they understood each
other better, and again changed ground, keep
ing still near enough to hit ii a chance should
offer; but by 70 means so near as to throw a
chance away. 1t was really wonderful
sight, this fencing match with hands, both
men so cool and so good tempered, while all
around the ring echoed with advice, taunts
or invective.
In spite of all his seconds could do-in
spite of all the loud entreaties of his friends,
King suffered himself to be outmaneuvered
by the American, and left his corner, facing
round on Heenan, with the glare of the level
morning sun full in his eyes 1t was dread
full disadvantage, Of which Heenan seemed in
clned to make the most; but there was
danger in the quick eye and long, formidable
arm Of King, who strobe out now and then as
his antagonist came near, and warned him
back in a way that Heenan, all-powerful and
clever as he was, did not dare to disregard
'Go in he'll stand it" ''Finish it with a
blow !" was cried from Heenan's corner, and
in another second like flash, blows were
offered; there was slight close, and Hee-
nan stood upright in the ring with his antag-
onist's head held in a grasp like that of vice
beneath his arm.
From every side came cries to King to
"Get him down !" to Heenan to "Hold fast
and fall on him !" Yet still, as if in ignor-
ance Of the tremendous advantages he now
possessed over his opponent the American
stood upright, never attempting to return the
fearful blows with which King was visiting
his chest and back. just in the same way
did Heenan catch Savers at Marlborough,
and, to use a very homely but expressive
phrase, he, after having caught his fish, seem
ed at a loss to know what to do with him.
Had the American thrown himself down,
with his antagonists head under him, he
could certainly have stunned King most pro-
badly have broken his neck; but, as it was,
he suffered his advantage to escape, and
merely stood up, grim and stark, hugging
King with choking grasp, while his whole
chest and back seemed to spot with red boils
under the sharp, quick, close blows of the
Englishman. Another minute and they were
struggling upright for the fall, with their
powerful forms interlocked, and swaying to
and fro like huge, uncouth machine, stamp
ing heavily from side to side. great shout,
and they came with a smash to the ground,
King under, heavily. In an instant the Sc
cOnds are by their sides, and they are borne
Iapluly 10 CAef ColHeIo, o"dIHCu Ill Hed'y
cloths, their faces dabbed with spongeS, and
their quivering lips mostened from TASKS OF
, water. Mcdonald is fortunately one of Hee-
mans seconds, and Savers is unfortunately the
other, for the champion pugilist is at sea in
this mild Office, and is about the worst second
that ever crossed the ropes, lifting his man
by the hair, or ear, or nose, or wherever he
catches hold Of him. Nor are Kings seconds
Zone at least) much better, for heavy man,
named Tyler, by his injudicious meddling,
7exes and harnesses his principal in every
way.
Both are quick up to the call of "Time, "
which is not punctuallv adhered to on either