Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-09-22
JOHN L. sULLIvAN'S BEGINNING.
How He Was Taken In Hand by an Ex-
pert with the CIoyes-His 1emner

How He Was Taken In Hand by an Ex-
pert with the Gloycs-His Temper.
Madden first saw Sullivan at n sparring
match III Boston. Sullivan was much too
heavy ard clumsy for fine work, but the look
of doggel determination, not to say ferocitv,
his feat res wore, as well as his immense
muscular development, attracted Madden's
attention, and he remarked to an old Boston
sporting man, There stands the coming
champion of the world The Boston man
appeared TO have some doubts on the ques-
ton, but did not strongly dissent on account
of Maddens reputation as judge. This was
in 1850. Madden decided on the spot that
there was much money in a partnership be-
tween himself and Sullivan. He hinted as
much to the Boston man. Sullivan took the
hint and closed with the offer. He was quite
green As pugilist at the time. He CON
sidered himself wonderfully strong, and
knew 50 little about science that he thought
strength was all he needed to fight his way to
the top of the heap Madden quickly showed
him the fallacy of this notion, and Sullivan
was very much astOnished to discover that in
spite of his immense strength Madden, who
looked like a STRIPPING in comparison, could
tap him where he pleased Madden, with his
pale olive complexion, made paler by its con-
trast with his jet black hair and rnustache
and piercing black eyes, his easy CONVERSE
tional style, carefully selected words and
modest demeanor, was the exact opposite
of all that constituted good man" in Sulli-
vans opinion when he first put on the gloves
with his partner.
The coming champion changed his opinion
when he found that his manager had physical
strength as well as science and a foresight
that showed the Boston mans Judgment away
in the background. In undertaking TO polish
and manage Sullivan Madden learned that he
had undertaken a contract that would tax his
mental as well as his physical energies, He
found Sullivan possessed of tremendous
strength, and for a man of his size, wonder
fully agile. Sullivan at this time was a ter
rifle hitter, but expended too much force on
his blows He had no scientific knowledge. |
and exhausted himself with exettions from
which no adequate benefit was received. |
When he stool up to spar he planted his feet |
as If they were nailed to the ground His |
argument was that il was more difficult TO /
knock him down when he stood in this fashion |
than if he danced on his toes and made an |
effort to avoid his opponents blows. He was
a mere tyro III stopping and fenting-in fact, !
had mucl 10 forget and everything to learn.
His temper was Us mild and equable as that
of a Texas steer, and he had pleasant habit
of occasionally throwing all his strength into
a blow when a mere tap was expected He
also had a fondness for stiinulants that was
apt to override every consideration at critical
periods. Altogether Mr. sullivan bore a
striking resemblance To a corpulent dynamite
so delicatcly constructed that it
was liable to explode under the most gentle
handling Yet the cartridge was handled
without fatal results for two years by Mad
den, who, in that period. revolutionized the
business and placed it on a basis that not
only paid, but simply coined money for those
who conducted it iudiciously-New York
Sun