Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-07-02

BALrIMoRE, Mp, July Jake XII
rain, who few years ago was looked
upon as the coming champion OF pugil-
ism and whose laurels were lowered by
the big man Of Boston, has officially
announced his intention TO return TO
the prze-rIug, and, IL possible, redeem
himself FOR his last great defeat. That
was sustained at the hands OF John l..
sullivan, who was later completely an-
initiated by the present champion.
James John Corbett, otherwise known
as "Gentleman jim"
Since the day that Sullivan deal.
Kiirain the Knockout blow which
ended the Mississippi fight Jake has
led a quiet life, deyotlng his time 10 his
restaurant and hotel. which Is located
at the corner OF Eutaw and Pratt
streets. From the first be signlied his
! intention TO forever retire from tho
ring and has since repeatedly reiterated
his assertion 10 have nothing more To
do with hstic encounters. He had
| many friends and by catering 10 tho
wants OF his patrons he was not slow in
! building up good business at his pres
ent stand. Local sports make his place
their headquarters aud all matters OF
| dispute pertaining 10 pugilism are con-
! scientiously referred 10 him by Baltl.
more disciples OF the manly art.
| so IL is that Jake klrain has become
a sort OF father 90 the science aud its
| followers here and In few persons are
| put as much faith as Ia him by his
many athletic admirers.
Though without active participation
in the many prize fights which have
succeeded the one At Richburg, Kiraln
has watched them all carefully and u
we'll posted on the condition OF all OF
the leading pngllists. II Is natural, too,
! that he should retain his love Tor the
sport, and that In amateur matches In
the vicinity be has also shown a greAj
deal OF interest and openly backed hls
! iay0rites on tLeir merits. 10 happened,
ihefegUFo. that certain men cama pqder
his observation whose ability be did not
fail to recognize, aud among these
Ernest Gebhart. kilrsin expresses
much faith In the future success OF
this young fellow, and declares that
IL Is his idea to 90 himself again into tho
ring In order TO make n place for Geb-
hart and get into a position 10 start him
out.
This is, therefore, short story Of
how he has drifted back to the ring
side.
For his first match he has selected "a
| an opponent Frank SlaYin, who got n
decision against him In former tight.
| Slavln is In England now and Kilrain
has written to Bill Harding, OF New
York City, In an effort to raise match
with the Australian. Kilrain wishes
this match to take place In the fail,
anywhere, and for purse TO be put up
! by some CLUB.
"Do you think Slayln will fght?"
! was the question put 70 Kilrain yester-
day evening.
II think so. He Is doing nothing but
loafng now, and can only refuse from
fear OF defeat"
III be does refuse will you fight any
one else2"
well, not exactly anyone" >hs re-
| piled lsughiugly, emphasizing the
"auyone"
But" ne continued, 81 will look
around for someone"
"Do you think you can defeat
! Slaviu?"
II believe / can. think have
something Of my old form, and am not
sure but that am better man to-day
than ever. would not ssy that posi-
lively, though, for ! have had no late
fights, OF course, and may be mistaken.
/ want to try. however, and can then
learn what good ! an"
"Do you ever expect 10 face Sullivan
agaiD?"
"No. Sullivan Is out OF the ring"
How about Corbett aud some OF the
other fellows OF the first CLASP"
"Well, that all depends upon the re-
suit OF my first encounters, which shall
| be with men OF not quite as much bril-
liancy as CorbetL IL | succeed ia my
| hrst trials and feel confident OF my
ability 10 do better, assure you shall
not hesitate TO try for another step I'D
the ladder"
KlIraln said that be was training
right along, and II the fight was ar
ranged with SlayIn, which would prob.
ably be for Septembe he would 20 into
active training for that fight within
thirty days.
The pugIllst concluded by stating
that be would not give up his present
business under any circunstances. Hs
Is very deslrous 70 arrange a match be-
tween bis man, Gebhart, and Frank Bos-
worth. who was Bob FiizsimmonS spar.
ring partner.