Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1884-04-16
A Cruel Wrestling Match.

The so-called wrestling matches that
are now attracting the attention of the
sporting elements in our large cities
are very cruel affairs as will be seen
from the account of one that lately took
place in Cleveland, O., between Ross
the local champion, and q japanese
named Sorakichi, and which was wit
messed by 1000 people.
The first bout was catch h-as-catch-can.
Time was called at 81 sharp. The Jap
advanced with arms outstretched and
his BODY bent forward. He made a
grab for Ross and jumped on his back
like tiger. lie forced his man all
over the floor, and finally pushed him
over the ropes and on to the floor
He then tried to prevent Ross from
getting back on the stage
This made Ross fighting mad and
there was blood in his eye. When he
regained the platform the Jap tried
hard to get hold but failed in nearly
every attempt In the meantime his
hard work made him tired, and he puff
ed and painted, while Ross kept in ex-
cellent trim.
The Jap finally succeeded in getting
q crotch lock on Ross, and held it firm
ly and turned Ross over. The Cleve-
lander made grand effort and broke
the hold and jumped on his knees.
The Jap again tried to force his man
over the ropes. Ross suddenly got a
rolling hip lock on the Jap, and twist
ing his shoulders over, got all four
points down in fine shape The Jap
wanted to push Ross again, and the
Scot raised his fist to strike him, but
the men were separated. First fall for
Ross. Time, 3 minutes 10 seconds.
The second bout was the japanese
style. Ross did not understand the
putting on of the scarf which the Jap
wore around his waist. Sorakichi was
asked to put it on for Ross, but he re-
fused He finally consented, and wen
about it in cross. grabbed manner
Time was called at 8:4S. The Jap
bounded to the center of the stage like
cannon ball, and before Ross kne W
where he was the Jap made terrific
drive with his head, and but!ed Ross
on the left side, knocking him to the
floor and breaking one of his short ribs,
and badly winding him. 1t was 50
quickly accomplished that it almost
Ross's breath. Fall for Matsada Sora-
kichi. Time less than two seconds.
The third bout was catch. catch
can. The Jap again took the advance
and started stealthily with bis arms
outstretched Ross copied him, and
the two men walked and hoped about
both stopping low like pair of game
cocks, and glariDg fiercely at each
other.
Suddenly they made dive for cacf.
other. Ross got the Jap by the neck
and tried to turn him, but the wonder
derful strength of the foreigner helped
him out. Ross got half Nelson lock
and they wriggled toward the ropes
and the Jap went over
He was up again at once, and Ross
made another half Nelson lock. and
they rolled over Both men appeared
to be yictors, but the referees decided
the fall in favor Of Ross. Harding OBJ
ected, and said he would not let The
Jap wrestle any more. Both retired
to the Jap's room.
Referee Curry said that Ross got
four points down fair and square, and
that lie was the winner. The time
WAS 4 minutes and 20 seconds. Ross
appeared game and anxious to con.
time, although his broken rib panied
him.
The Jap appeared again at -, in
spite Of Harding's announcement that
he would not return. The fourth bout
was Japanese style. The heathen spat
on his hands touched the floor, nnd
made wild and savage leap for Ross
Ross was up to the butting act this
| time, and was ready aud willing He
lodged the Jap the first two times, and
then butted the Jap ih the face, yearly
breaking his nose. Again Ross let him
bsye it and butted him q terrible blow