The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-22
Quito q Rafting Prize Fight Just
Over the Line in Jefferson
County.
The Helena Boy Makes the Col
ored Man Quit After the
Fifth Round.
James Levett Iseats Jack Patterssn In
Four at Marysville-A Challenge to
Charles Eyton.

Chick Rodgers, the Helena welter weight,
and Jim Wesley, \ colored fighter, met in a
tw~enty-fonr foot ring at the head of Dry
gulch, and Just over tho line in Jefferson
county. yesterday afternoon, for $50 = side.
The fight was with four ounce gloves, thrss
minute rounds, Queensbury rules, and was
witnessed by about 175 aports. The men
fought ut about $50 pounds. Harry Rodgers
and Ben Mann seconded Rodgers. and
William Jenkins nj Ed Rose acted for
Wesley. John Finn was referee. II was
pronounced BIZ all who saw it, the prettless
finish fight that has taken place in or about
Helena for q long time, and was cory
enough to suit the most exRctinR. II was
awarded to Rodgers after the fifth round.
when Wesley did not respond to the call OF
time.
Tho early part Of the first round was some
what tame. Both men SPARED cautiously,
feeling for each other's wind, As tho
round was drawing to 8 close Wesley
landed several heavy blows on Rodgers
neck and jaw. The white boy was some
what grogpy from the severe rapping, bnt
managed to land a vicious upper cut on
Wesley's body before time was called. Tbs
fOuHd III Ills MdlA was ala fHpoASy
Only one blow was landed in the second
round. when Wesley hit Rodgers il the
Jaw, staggering him. The remainder
Of the round was devoted to Intellectual at
tempts to reach some vulnerable point.
This round, like the previous one, was IN
Wesiey's favor, and up 50 this time All the
betting was on the colored boy, with few
takers. -#" "
The third round, however, turned the tide
in Rodgers favor. II was q veritable slug
cing match, both men landing heavily on
each others body. Rodgers had succeeded
in weakening his opponent to such an ex
tent ii at his face presented an easy marx.
The white boy sent in a couple of heavy
faos blows, md Wesley, at every. emporium
mont. It was evident that Wesley was
playing out. At every exchange of blows
he staggered back, and had not his seconds
practically held him up or his feet he would
have laid down. He was to all purposes
knocked out, and nothing but the call OF
time saved him..
n the fourth round it was almost a
repetition of the third, with q few variations.
Rodgers had his man nearly done up. and
Wesley's frequent rushes and clinches were
all that kept him going to the call Of time.
His head and body were the targets Of q
shower OF OlOWbG QAt houRoia 161ncA ! VII
him, and as he staggered around the ring a
rap On the mouth drew the blood. Wesley
was game and for awhile il WAS give and
take, with Rodgers getting in the best
work. Wesley's blows lacked force. He
rushed in and clinched frequently to save
punishment, and was very groggy when the
round ended.
When the men stepped up for the fifth
round Wesley was very weak. Rodgers
landed heavily and constantly on the col
ored mans body, and Wesley responded
with one on Rodgers jaw. Rodgers came
back viciously with right handlers on the
face and one on the nose. Wesley was al
most exhausted and after one Of his rushes
his seconds ran to him to save him. Harry
Rodgers, brother and second Of Chick.
grabbed a chair and struck Ed Rose over
the head. There was a wild scene for a few
minutes but no guns were discharged.
Wesley's seconds had run out of water
whsn the next round was called. Wesley
refused to continue the SIGHT without water,
and he certainly looked as if he needed it.
He seemed unable to staRger to his feet.
The tine-keepers counted the required ten
seconds and the referee asked Rodgers if
he was willing to continue. Rodgers said
he was. Wesley, in reply to
was not. as he had no water. Referee
Finn then awarded the fight to Rodgers.
There was a great deal of commotion, and,
after Rodgers had gone to his carriage,
Wesley stepped to the middle of the ring.
as if to continue. 1t was too late, however,
and the crowd dispersed.