The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-12-15
AWARDED TO SHEPLEY.
Hattling Mnl of Fifteen Rounds Between
helona and Livingston PurIIist

LIVINGSTON. Dec. H.-lSpecial. Owing
TO the delay OF freight train from Helena
ON which was expected a numerous party
from that city. the fight between Frank
Shcpley, of Helena. and c. IL. Clawson, of
Livingston, for $3.50 side and gate re
ceipts, and the championship OF Montana,
did not begin until about iO;45 p. m. The
ring wns pitched in the middle of the old
Foley building. with raised seats at each
,nd and when time was called about 200
spectators, consisting of local sports
and admirers of the manly
nrt and a number from Hell
ena, Bozeman. Billings and other sur
rounding points had assembled TO witness
the contest. The fight was announced for
fifty rounds, Marquis Of Queensbury rules,
with two-ounoe gloves. Louis King, Of
Miles City. was chosen referee. Shepley
was seconded by Jack Bennrd, of Helena,
and Clawson by Jack Tansy, of this city.
George Hall, OF Helena, acted ms master of
ceremonies, Considerable interest was
manifested prior 10 the fight, as Shcpley
WAS well known IN sporting circles in Mon
tana, having participated in number of
battles and never having been defeated,
while Clawsou was dark horse, never
having appeared as principal IN
fist encounter in Montana. Both men np-
penrcd in good condition. Shepley stripping
~ 1l0 pounds and Clawson at l.iS but the
latter having slight advantage in height
and reach. Sheploy WAS cool and collected,
having nothing 10 say, while ClNwson
seemed little over confident and eager for
the battle to begin.
In the first round. after the usual hand
shake, both men retired to their corners,
and upon the call of time advanced
20 the center Of the ring and
SPARED cautiously for nm opening.
Shepley made rush, and after
few exchanges Of blows secured the first
knOckdown. The second and third rounds
were rather tame but in the fourth both
got in some lively work, Shcpley on Claw
sons face and the latter on Sheplcy's ribs.
In the fifth round Clawson got i'm good
one ON Shcploy's left eye. almost closing
that organ. In the next three rounds
there WIS little lighting, Clawson work
ing entirely ON the defensive, but occl-
eioually reaching lightly with his left. In
the ninth round Cawson led with his left,
but fell short, and Shepley connterod on
Clawson's buglo, bringing the crimson.
First blood claimed aud allowed for Shepley
After this round the flow OF blood from
| Clawson's moss seemed 20 worry him,
while Sheploy made that organ his leading
point. In the tenth and eleventh rounds
both got in some good blows, Shepley land
ing repeatedly ON Clawson's nose and
mouth. Clawson occasionally landing light
ly on Sheplcy's ribs. Caws0n now began
10 show signs of being windcd, while Shep-
| ley WAS apparently Ms fresh MS at the begin
ming Of the fight. In the twelfth and thir-
| tcenth rounds there was some lively ex-
changes of blows, Shcpley again landing on
| Claws0ns nose and mouth, Clawann getting
in good one. almost flooring Shepley
| ln the fourteenth there was some lively
knocking in Clawson's corner, the lattor
getting far the worst of Il. In the fifteenth
aud last round ihoply forced the fighting,
driving Clnwson into his corner, and getting
in n number of heavy blows. The latter
claiming that Shcpley had struck below the
belt. AZ this jnnctufe time was called.
| Amid great confusion time was called for
the sixteenth round. but Clawson failed TO
respond. remaining upon his knees and ex-
clniming, "Wnit a minute" The referee
then awarded the fight To Sheplcy.
| Notwithstanding Clawson's cluim of fonl
IL wns apparent to everybody that Shcpioy
had his man whipped, and the audience
dispersed nj about u o'clock without amy
| kick against the decision Of the referee
| There WAS considerable money changed
sands ON the result of the fight. Helena
sports taking their full share of the Doodle.