Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-11-11
KNOCKED OUT.
Sparring Match Between John l.. Sullivan
and John NJ. Lafiin at Madison Square
Garden-The New York Man Unable
to Stand Before the Boston
Bruiser.
New YORK, Nov, 10.

John L. Sullivan of Boston and John NJ.
Latin of New York had the much talked OF
bout under the Marquis of Queensbury rules
at the Madison Square Garden tonight The
better man was to have the full proceeds OF
the house. Pat Sheedy, Sullivan's backer
said the Boston man had no intention OF
knocking out his opponent. About 5000
people were present and Dominick McCatf
rey, Chas. Mitchell, Alf Greenfield and
Paddy Ryan, who will spar Sullivan in Janu-
ary, were among the throng. Judge Glider
sleeve, County Clerk keenan,, State Senator
Murphy, Thos. A. Edison and many other
prominent gentlemen and all the sporting
men were present.
After several preliminary bouts by more
or less known boxers, the stars of the even
ing appeared on the platform, which was
roped off into "a foot ring with a space OF
six feet outside the ropes to prevent a fall to
the ground. 1t was 1915 when Latin, with
Billy Edwards and Arthur Chambers climbed
on the stage. He weighed 2l0 pounds Half
minute later Sullivan bounded through the
ropes and took a seat Patsy Sheppard and
Tom Delays of Chicago attended him. The
New Yorker wore white knee breeches and a
blue belt and his body was bare. "He hasn't
got sand" was the general comment on his
appearance.
Sullivan, in flesh colored tights, looked
well trained. Mike Mcdonald of Chicago
acted as referee. He introduced the men
and called time" Both men jumped to the
middle of the stage. Sullivan's lesser weight
l944 pounds, was apparent. The fight then
began and went on in this way:
Round 1.-While drawing away his hand
from the formal shake, Latin made babyish
dab at Sullivan's left side, touched it and
sprang away, while Sullivan smiled in deris-
ion. Latin at first, squaring before Sullivan,
appeared frightened by what he saw. Sullivan
led for Laflin's face, but didn't land. He
followed again but Latin wished to close
quarters and hung his 2l0 lbs to Sullivan's
neck. The crowd hisseh and the referee
parted the men. Scarcely had they faced
each other when Sullivan rushed for Latin
and began savage short arm experiments on
his face and suddenly Sullivan loosened him
self from another hug that Latin inflicted
and the latter sank to his knees leaving blood
stains on Sullivan's breast and gloves. A
roar of cheers went up at this. Latin
seemed as witless as child in abject fear
As he sunk to his knees he clung to Sulli-
vans neck and was half lifted to his feet
again. Then Sullivan knocked him down
and rolled on him, Latin catching at and
pulling him down as he fell. Latin was set
on end again and was knocked to his knees
against the rop.s and was actually hunted
around the stage without offering blow
On another attempt to hang to Sullivan's
neck the seconds, referee and Police Capt.
Williams separated them.
Round 2-Lafiin came up in better form
than at first and seemed to have an infu.e of
pluck. tie led and landed once on Sullivan's
face and once on his neck. Billy Edwards
shouted We've got him now" but Sullivan
hu Latin stiff one; one on the neck and be
came Ia his knees In this pitable attitude
with blood streaming from his mouth he
he claimed fowl with uplifted hands. The
crowd cried "rhe big duffer, 1.-The big calf
etc He seemed stung BY taunts He rose
and made rush for Sullivan, who for a mo-
ment seemed exhausted. Latin showed Sui
livsn against the ropes. hung on his neck and
the latter seemed unable to lit ais hand
Latin hit him several blows in the face but
his blows carried no force with them.
Round 3-Sullivan looked better when he
came up and Latin was unsteady. A half
arm blow on Lafins cheek knocked him
wheeling to the floor. Again Lafilin sought
rest by hugging. but by savage fighting Sui
livan demoralized his face. There was more
hugging and the referee separated the men
Sullivan sent ont crusher on the New York
mans jaw. He staggered and fell fat on his
back. His head had a hard thump. Time
was call or Latin would not have responded.
Round 4-Lafiin was graggy and uncer.
tain and Sullivan strong. Sullivan knocked
his opponent around at will Latin made no
response, but gave up. The referee called
time and gave the fight to Sullivan.