Wichita eagle., 1889-12-29
PETER JACK SON.

The consensus o: opinion among the mos,
well informed sporting men in New York
seems to be that Jackson, in the language of
the ring, "wouldnJ be in it if Sullivan was
ft.n These are the sentiments of Charles
Calvin, E. f. MalIahan, Arthur 7. Lumley,
Billy Edwards ard w. E. Harding. 1t is
thought by some of these gentlemen that
jackson is not a London prize ring fighter.
All of his battles have been fought according
to Marquis of Queensberry rules, and, as a
rule, with gloves. He is regarded to be-
like nearly all the other negro pugilists-lack-
ing in heart, wbish is only synonym for
courage. On account of his phenomenal
length of reach his fingers touching his
knees when he staLds erect-he has been able
TO keep all of his antagonists so far at arms
length. But should he get up against man
who is able to break down his guard and get
a few pile driving blows in on his stomach,
it is thought THAI Mr.. Jackson would fall
forcibly into the pugiliStic SOUP The truth
of these sentiments, however, is vet to be
demonstrated. II certainly would surprise
the sporting world if the greatest fighter Of
modern times should be overthrown by a
negro.
The talk of pittiag the American against
the African suggests talk of the negro prize
fighters who kavs attained to eminence in
the history OF fisticdffs. In the whole range
of fighting with the fists, there were only
three negroes who can be truly said to have
been worthy of classification with the kings
of the turf These were Thomas Molineux
Robert Smith and bob Travers,n whose real
name was Charles Jones. All of these were
American, who on account of naturally row
ing dispositions turned up in England The
first 90 make marked impression upon the
bodies Of conts Diporaneous bruisers was Mo-
hneux- He WIS heavyweight Of herculean
build and pronounced uglness. Ii is said of
him that his bbdy was marvel of physical
perfection, and thar his bust was pet model
for statuary. His battles extended over q
period Of ten years, including 1905 and 1878
His most notable fights were with Tom Cribb
then champion of England
The opinion has often been expressed that
Molineux would have won the first of these
two battles we're il not for the fact that when
Crib was In an Cvhausted condition the fight
was stopped to give some one an opportunity
TO bet a rs note on the result Molireux's
last battle was fought with George Cooper at
Galway, Ireland, when he was defeated, and
retired from the ring. he fought eight nota-
bic battles winning five. In the latter years
of his life he strolled about Englr I'D teaching
boxing. In these expeditions be attracted q
good deal Of attention on account of the ex-
travagance Of his dress 1t was his habit to
drive into a country town with chaise and
four horses, attracting universal attention |
His immortality and love Of liquor rapidly |
robbed him of his strength, and for a long |
time previous to his death be was walking |
skeleton.
There was q scarcity of prominent negro |
p1s;ists from the time of Molineux's death |
until the year 1853, when Bob Smith, mid |
lie weight, rose above the pugilsric horizon. |
de was born in Washington, d. c. He met |
men of the nettle Of George Crockett, Bill |
Hayes, Boz Tyler, Bob Brettle, Jem Mace,
Harry an Tom Alien The latter he defeat
I'd while lighting with bare feet.
About eight years previous TO the time of
Smiths popularity, Bob Travers," or
Charles Jones lie wei hed about lS5 pounds
attracted good deaI Of attention in Eng
land on account of his skill, and fought some
twenty battles. he was defeated several
times, notably by Jem Mace. 1t is admitted
by prize ring historians thst Travers might
nave won the championship of the world,
but he lacked heart. Trayers ia still living
in England at an advanced age In the opin-
ion OF some good authorities, he was the best
negro pugllist who ever fought On English
soil