The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-07-05
NEWS OF THE SPORTING WORLD
Griffin Knocked Out in the
Second Round

~ =" ''SiSNt tItJ VI JPOEts' 1900
Games in the National League-Asso-
citation Games-Ycstcrday's Events OF
the Tuar-Eitz Leo Beats Elect.
The eargerly anticipated fight be-
tween W. s. Layton, OF Roanoke, and
frank Griffin, of California, for the mid
dle-weight championship of Southwest.
ern Virginia, took place shortly after
sunrise yesterday morning in retired
location west of the city.
The Roanoke contingent went out on
the dummy line and were soon on the
spot. The Salem crowd came down
later. The ring was quickly pitched,
regulation size, twenty-four feet square,
and after short parley the referee and
time-keeper were selected.
Both men appeared in the pink Of con-
dition The gloves wcre largo enough
to avoid the law.
Layton came out in special carriage
from some point near the city. where he
had been quietly spending tho night.
Late in the evening tho police tried TO
lind him at Marshall's, but they were
too late. The bird had flown. The Salem
authorities were more queiscent and per-
mitted Griffin TO como and go without
disturbance.
There was very littlo betting at tho
ring side.
Griffin showed Up several inches taller
than his sturdy opponent, and seemed
to be trained TO 4 finer point the mus
clcs on his arms ana body standing out
like whip cords. It was evident, how
ever, that both men were in the pink of
condition, Layton very strong and in fine
feitle.
Griffin wore bluo tights, with a silk
handkerchief around his waist, and
black fighting shoes. Layton wore
black tights and Goth belt His
shoes were canvass with rubber solcs.
Griffin won the toss and selected the
southeast corn' r O. the ring.
1t was six O'Clock when tho two men
stepped into the ring and were intro
duced by the referee.
In the first round both mon were eau
tious, although Layton appeared to be
in good humor and cracked a i)ke
with Griffin. After little sparring
Griffin led with his right and LANDED
lightly on Layton's body. Griffin made
several good leads, but they seldom
landed with any force, owing to Lay
tons qulckncss. Some sharp in-fght-
ing occurred in this round but the call
of time found both men fresh
The second and last round was very
short. Both men camo up cautious.
Griffin led with right but failed to land
Layton now seemed to wake up and
landed good one on Griilin's neck, fol-
lowing it up with a right handler on the
body. Griffin led with his left for the
stomach but fell short. Layton tented
with his left and got strong right
hand blow on the side of the nose just
as Griilin's foot slid and sent him down.
First knock down for Layton. Griffin
rolled over and struggled TO his feet, but
with fatal carelessness with his back to
his antagonist.
Layton Immediately struck him
terrible blow back of the ear which
dazed him, and sent him headlong
again to the ringside. Griffin squirmcd
through the ropes, around stake and
shot into the ring again and for
minute the two men fought vicionsly.
Griffin was groagy, however, and when
Layton sent slcGgc hammer blow into
his nose, he went down, completely
knocked out, blood flowing from his
III
did not recover for twenty seconds, and
the decision was given to Layton. Tho
total contest lasted six minutes and
thirty.hve seconds. The mcn showed
scarcely any signs Of their battle.
Griffin has slight mark on his nose
and some little swelling behind the ear,
while Layton's right hand is consider
ably bruised.
Both men we're around the city as
clipper as larks. however, in the after
noon.
Griffin won many fricads by his manly,
straightforward fight. and while freely
acknowledging his defeat is fairly JUS
titled in regarding the contest as no test
of his powers, being lost, as it was, from
thu result of bad Judgment.
Several interesting events may arise
Immediately as Il sequel to this meeting
But it is clearly evident that Layton
trained to lao would be fit to go ag 4inst
any man in American at the same
weight