The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-01-16
THE PRIZE RING.
FIGHT BETWEEN DAVIS AND ALLEN
A ST. Lnnis disnatch of the 18th saws;

st. Louis dispatch OF the 18th says:
The steamer Henry Adkins left the levee about
9 O'Clock. with some two hundred and fifty per-
sons on board, and steamed up the river. The
boat stopped at Venice, three miles above this
city on the Illinois shore, and took on board Allen
and his trainer, Kelly. Allen estimated his weight
at 10 pounds, and expressed entire confidence in
his ability to whip 1.-THE old man," as he called
Davis. He claimed to have had but one weeks
training. Davis was on board at an early hour,
under the charge of his trainer, McCooe. He
wore an air of confidence, but was rather reticent
on the subject Of the forthcoming contest. The
scene of the battle, Cheautau Island, was reached
at five minutes after IL o'clock, and the party
moved leisurely toward the ground for the en-
counter, few yards from Rhodes Point. few
old farmers and settlers had come in to witness
the contest, many Of them never having witnessed
q prize fight before. In less than an hour the ring
was formed, and the crowd was quietly and anx-
iOusly waiting for the battle. The spot selected
was level meadow, with trees in the back ground,
and but few yards from the place where McCoole
fought Davis over five years ago. The number OF
the crowd present did not exceed $50. The
preparations we're conducted qpetly. Barney
Frayne of Covington, Kentucky, superin-
tended the ceremonies, aided by Frank
Curry. Both gentlemen performed their
duties very acceptably, and went to work 10
business like manner. Very little betting was in
dulged in. We heard one man offer to bet $50 to
S25 on Allen, which was not taken. The betting
was mainly in small sums on Allen. Allen won
the choice of corners, giving him slight advan-
tage, as the sun was shining quite brightly. Jack
Looney was chosen umpire for Allen, aud Dadd
Ryan umpire for Davis. Bill Collins was chosen
referee, and Dick Roach time keeper. Bill Ryall
and Tom Kelly were chosen seconds for Allen
Mike McCoole and Bill Blake alias Dublin Tricks,
were chosen seconds for Davis. Davis made his
appearance first, and was slightly cheered as he
"shied his castor" into the ring his colors were
plain green silk. He was accompanied by McCoole,
who assisted him in his preparations. Allen ap-
peared in few moments. and was received with
q shout, as he walked to Davis corner and shook
hands with his antagonist. His colors were white
and blue. Some time was spent by Aliens train
ers in Iasping his spikes, McCoole insisting that
he should comply with the strict regulations in
this respect. AS the men stripped for the fight.
they were cheered loudly, and to work they soon
went in earnest.
Round frst-The men eyed each other cautious
ly, and made long round of IL. After some light
sparring movements, Davis got in slight blow
on Toms breast. Some hard knocks were ex-
changed and Davis missed two or three well in
tended blows leveled toward the proboscis of his
antagonist. Then two or three body blows ad-
miDistered by Davis, seemed to give Allen an idea
that be had no fools work ON hand. Tom made up
his mind to that effect, and dashed right and left
claret, and after some further couBtering, the
round ended. Davis stock rose rapidly under the
prestige of first blood, and some even betting fol.
lowed.
let go his right, which landed in the vicinity of
Bills ear, producing no visible commotion. In re-
turn Davis dealt Allen terrific blow In the neck,
which sent him to grass amid the enthusiastic
cheers OF Dsviss friends. Both went down in
this round, Bill being the upper.
Round thrd-The men clinched early, aud some
hard hits were exchanged, Davis getting one or
two blows on the mug, which dishgured his IA
cial aspect for the time being. clinch fol-
lowed, and both men went down. Allen on top.
rrnk in rfr~nt
handler on the body, but from the force of the
blow missed his footing and dropped gently on
the ground.
Round ffth-This round opened with some
sockdologer somewhere above Toms bread
basket. Tom returned the compliment and
visited the nasal organ of his antagonist IN a very
unwelcome fashion. The round was mainly in
favor of Allen, and at the close his star was in
the ascendency, and the betting OF two to one in
his favor was resumed.
Round sixth-A short round, in which Davis
went down TO avoid punishment. Allen cautioned
him against repeating this. Mutual compliment
tary exchanges, all in favor of Allen. His sntag-
ionst tried the drop game again, whereupon Tom
called him an old coward.
Round legh,h-Davis delivered well directed
blow, which, having missed It's object, the COM
batants Rugged each other, not very affection
atey. and then went to grass, Allen, it was alleged,
striking him while down, which he denied. Claim
of foul not allowed.
Round ninth-Davis's face continued to grow
more dsfgured and ruddy. Allen dealt him an.
other terrific blow square on the potato trap.
Davis was rapidly losing ground, and betting on
him had nearly ceased.
Round tenth-There was q look of terrible
earnestness on the countenances of both men, and
they eyed each other with gladiatorial keenness.
Allen was the first to pay his respects, and did it
blow for the latter reeed to the earth. and Tom
gazed upon him IS though he had now q CON-
paratiyey easy path before him.
Round eieventh-The men went to work az ain
Allen using his right hand with damaging effect,
when they clinched, and as they were going
down it was claimed that Allen was gougiag the
eyes Of his opponent. Tom stoutly denied this,
and called somebody liar.
Round twelfth-This was like the last. Aliens
right list landed somewhere on Davis's body, and
the latter went to grass.
Round thirteenth-Davis walked up 10 his man
and managed TO get in right smart blow on the
cheek, and in return took one on the left side OF
his knowledge box, and he went down; Tom
smiling very pleasantly at him all the while.
Round fourteenth-Allen continued fresh and
rosy, and tried to force the fighting. He got in
one on the shoulder and another on the potato
trap, Davis going down again to avoid punish
ment
Round ffteeenth-Davis was rather slow in
coming to time, and was evidently outstanding his
wind. He struck out with his right, and, as usual
missed, but rallied again and dealt Tom a terrific
blow somewhere in the vicinity Of the left eye,
which sent him on the rope, and subsequently to
the earth, at which there was great cheering for
Davis.
Round Systematically in this round Tom man.
aged to get In two singing blows on his adver
sary's head, which Bill returned smartly, and got
In one on Toms breast which sent him TO the
earth. Renewed cheering for Davis.
Round seventeenth-Some sharp coHntering
took place, In which Davis got the worst Of it.
Allen was taking matters easy. dealing his man
two or three body blows, which sent him 10 the
earth. Bets of three to one were offered on Allen,
but no takers.