The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-18
THE PRIZE RING.
TIME. ONE HOUR AND SEVENTEEN MINUTES
Clarke the Winner After Fighting
Thirty-Six Rounds.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

PIrrsBUnG, Jan. IT, 1879.
For some time a prize fight has been on the tapis
here between Professor Clarke. of Cleveland. and
George Baker, Canadian. who has fought several
battles within the ropes across the border Neither
considered much by our local sporting men,
who paid little attention to the affair; but when the
nglt came off this morning it proved stubborn
Very few persons were present. none OF the
pugsts here being given the tip, and the spectators
were limited to the hackers of the Their Sec
onds and dozen low sports who had got wind of
the affair were the only persons present
The parties left the city yesterday evening. and
early this morning pitched ring near the town of
Salisbury, twenty-five miles from the city. The
fight was to have been for purse of $500. but the
last deposit of $50 side had not been put up, and
wrangle took place, but it was finally agreed to
battle for the money previously deposited.
The entered the ring at daylight. Charles
Mccoy had charge of Clarke and Tim Sullivan of
Baker. sport named Stewart was made referee.
The ground icy. but the snow having been
cleared away straw from neighboring barn was
strewn about for the spectators.
FIGHT.
FIRST RouND.-This was short one both men
showing skill than had been expected OF them.
Clarke led off and forced the fighting but Baker
wary and, after an exchange, went down without
mark.
SECOND RouND.-Clarke got in his left hand on
Bakers mouth. claiming first blood, which al
received punishment and the round closed with u
grapple and fall, Clarke on top.
THIRD RoUND.-This proved Clarke's superiority
as sparrer. At the opening he got in two vigorous
blows in succession Bakers face the only return
being light one on the body. The round ended in
Clarkes favor.
FOURTH RouND.-This Bakers, who changed
his tactics, and at the call Of time worked in for
fall, throwing Clarke heavily.
FIFTH RoUND.-The Cleveland was more
cautious in this round, and some line sparring
sucd but heavy blow with his right hand was
bap Inv okpry no in aOf
stingers, which for the first time drew blood on
Clarke. The round ended with tall in Clarkes corr
ner, with Baker on top.
The succeeding ten rounds were fought cautiously
by both men, Baker getting much the worst of the
punishment.
SIXTEENTH RoUNp.-This was quickly and sharply
fought, both men being eager to infict punishment
AT its close Baker went down under terrific blow
from Clarke. which caught him over the right eye
This was the first knock down.
SEVENTEENTH RoUND.-Both men exhausted
and slow to answer the call the referee They met
in the of the ring and moved about cautiously
for opening for some time, without an exchange
light touch on Bakers sore eye was answered with
thump on his adversarys ribs, to which Baker had
for some time directed attention, and this toll
lowed up with tap the chin, and the round ended
with Clarke going down in his own
For several rounds alter this Baker tried to force
the fighting. but only exhausted himself without
doing much damage.
During the twenty-sxth round Clarke got in blow
after blow, several of them landing Bakers sore
spot his eye being completely closed 1t was evil
dent that the fight Clarkes, although Baker
still game and came up promptly. Clarke from this
time on, forced all the fighting, however, and twice
forced the Canadian across the ropes i'll his own cor
In the thirty-drst round claim of foul was made,
Clarke striking his opponent as he fell to his knees
but it not allowed From that to the close the
Cevelander had it all his own way, Baker coming up
the call only to be knocked down.
At the call of time for the thIrty-seventh round
Baker unable to answer and the Clevelander was
declared the winner.
The time of the battle was one hour and seventeen
minutes.
The victor came to this city and went at once to
tho south side. He is comparatively unhurt Baker
brought into the city later, and attended
by physician. The fight grew out of jealousy be-
tween the men, both of whom professors OF the
manly art and have been giving lessons in this city.
a false rumor current that Baker the Gun
known matched against Clark of Philadelphia and
that the fight that expected event. 1t stub
born enough to give color to the mistake.