Los Angeles herald., 1891-06-13
THE WORLDS CHAMPION.

John L. Talks About Pugilists With a
Herald Reporter.
John L. Sullivan, the champion pu-
gilist of the world since his memorable
victory over Paddy Ryan some ten years
ago, was discussing old-time reminis-
cences with several friends in the dress
ing room of the Los Angeles theater
when the sporting editor of the HERALD
was introduced to the celebrated Boston
ian by Manager Wyatt last evening.
PLEASED to meet you," remarked the
conquerer of Kilrain, Slade and sundry
other would-be champions, as he rose
and graspedo the hand of the
newspaper man. The champion was
in good humor and he discussed mat
ters pugilistic in a very entertaining
manner. ''Do think that Slavin will
defeat Kilrain in ten rounds? No sir, /
do not" emphatically remarked the
pugilist actor. "There is no man living
who can lick Kilrsin in ten rounds. /
know that Jake is not very heavy hit
ter, but he is one of the cleverest men
in the country and can keep out OF
Slavin's way for ten rounds. Then, again,
what has Slavin done? He beat Jem
Smith, a very much overrated man.
Why. Smith is not any taller than you
are and his arms are not as long,"
"Mr. Sullivan, how about the Smith
Pritchard fight" interrupted the re-
porter.
swell, 1 never saw Pritchard, but 1
am told that he is a good 'un. /
shouldn't be surprised if he beat Smith
Dixon is a good one, but my sympathies
are always with the white man. Would
you believe it, have never seen Dixon
although he comes from Boston,"
The conversation then became in
formal. John L. volunteered the infor-
nation, however, that in his opinion
little Joe Acton could throw Muldoon at
Greco Roman wrestling. One of the
company remarked that he had seen the
Sullivan-Robinson contest at San Fran
cisco several years. ago. The thought
of this bloodless battle made John
L. smile. 1t will be remembered
that Robinson stayed the necessary four
rounds by falling down every time Sui
livan made a movement. 1t was now
after IL O'Clock, and the champion put
on his coat and his stove pipe prepara-
tory to going home. Slapping the re-
porter on the shoulder John l.. said : 81
am going to stay in the theatrical busi-
ness. There is more money in it for me
than fighting. l am making $25O0 a
week. expect to be good actor with
little more experience. Next season
will have Joe Lannon and another to
do the sparring. Don't you think am
right? Wouldn't you go over to an
other paper if you were offered $40
week more ?'
John L. looked straight at the reporter
when he put the last query, and the re-
porter acquiescing Sullivan continued:
THAT'S what's the matter. We are all
looking out for number one. 1t is hard
work training for fight and find / can
make money much more easily by fol-
lowing the profession l am now in."
The conversation again drifted to
fighters and John l.. remarked: "There
was Billy Edwards, wonderfully clever
man for his weight. He tackled Nit
chell and got cut up. You see good
little man has no right to tackle good
big man. For instance, if a good big
horse and good little horse were to
meet, the good big horse would win.
This is natural consequence.
John l.. Sullivan wished the reporter
good night and retired to the hack in
the rear of the theater, thus giving the
crowd waiting in front of the theater
the slip.
The champion has aged considerably
since his last visit to Los Angeles. His
moustache and hair are now literally
sprinkled with gray. He is not SO stout
as has hean renortk n