Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-12-21
SULLIVAN, THE SLUGGER.
The Fighter and His Trainer In New
OrIeans-COnfidentO Of Victory.

A New Orleans dispatch says: Gester-
day morning, by the IL; 10 train, John
J.. Sullivan, the famous "BostOn Boy"
who is matched to meet Paddy Ryan,
the champion heavyweight pugillst OF
America, reached this city. He IS
MED by Billy Madden, who
will act as his trainer. Sullivan and
Madden were met at the depot by we'll
known sporting characters belonging
here, and taken in a carriage TO the st.
James Hotel, where comfortable quar-
tiers OH the second floor had been reserv-
ed for them. The great hitter appears
to be in excellent health, and weighs at
present 2O6 or 2O7 pounds. The party
were found in the shaving saloon of the
hotel. Sullivan talked but little. In
answer to the question how he felt he
replied: First rate, couldn't feel bet
ter, and Pm going to keep on that way
until meet Paddy Ryan. have come
down here to fight, and so far as am
concerned there won't be any funny
business like the Mace-Coburn affair.
I'll fight, and | guess Ryan will if his
hackers will let him."
The question being put, "fou really
mean business, then" the answer was
returned.
'Do fellows suppose I'm away down
here to fiuke at the last moment: No,
sir. | come to fight. Go ask Madden.
He's the boss talker."
Madden was Intercepted as to his
views on the result of the coming con-
test. These were to the following effect:
al think that Sullivan can not only
whip Ryan but any man in the world.
am putting up part of the stakes, and
if didn't think so would hardly do
that"
The question was then asked: How
long fight do you suppose it will be"
TO this Madden answered: "A very
short and very bloody one. Sullivan's
fights thus far have all been short ones,
and people seem to think that If Sulll-
van is to win at all he must do it in fif-
teen minutes; but in this, as usual, peo-
pie are mistaken. Sullivan has plenty
of endurance and can fight all day if he
is Obliged tor AS to the matter OF a
referee, Madden said any square, honor
able man would satisfy their side, only
they did not propose to fight Ryan and
the referee at the same time. New Or
leans was selected as the fighting ground
because his man wanted to fight and
did not want to be arrested. He was no
hippodromer, but meant business. He
would put Sullivan in training on the
9th inst, at some quiet spot not, far
from the city, and he expected to have
him in perfect trim for the fight in the
time allowed him. He had brought
Sullivan down here in time for him 70
become thoroughly acclimated before
he entered the ring, so there would be
no danger froma sudden change OF
water or weather, Ryan would also
train near New Orleans, and would
come down week or two before the
fight. He (Madden) has only one
apprehension. He was afraid of Hard
ing, who is tricky and cunning, and
might give the thing away to the
authorities. An exhibition would be
given next week, the boys would be able
to Judge of his champion.
Later in the evening it was ascertain
ed that Sullivan and his trainer were
offered quarters at the Lake house, at
West End, but this offer up to the pre-
sent time had not been positively accept
ed. The parties most interested would
take little time to look around before
making selection.
Large crowds follow the distinguished
strangers whenever they appear on the
streets, and great interest is taken in
the coming fight.