Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-20

greater ring generAlship. quickness and
science. and by his ability to hit harder.
Thev point 70 the meeting between Sullivan
ma Mitchell in Madison Square Garden in
1881. when Sullivan was in his prime and
weighed nearly 200. pounds, and when
Mitchell, who only weighed 142 pounds and
was over two inches shorter than Sullivan,
not only outpointed the champion, but
actually administered the first knockdown
John L. ever experienced, before the police
stopped the contest. This remarkable per.
formance on Mitchell's part Is an indica-
tion. his friends declare, of what he will do
when he meets Corbett on even more equal
terms than those prevailing when he foored
the mighty Sullivan.
Mitchell's showing against Sullivan on
that occasion was unquestionably a phe-
nomenal one, but 1t must be remembered
that shortly after Mitchell got in isknock-
down blow Sullivan retorted by knocking
the Briton clear over the ropes into the au-
dience and would unquestionably have fin
ished him when he crawled back on the
stage had it not been for the interference Of
the police.
Putting aside partisanship. tho unpreju-
diced observer who has carefully studied
The men and their records can hardly come
TO the conclusion that the battle will be
walkover for either Of the contestants. Cor
bett will find Mitchell = remarkably quick
and scientific opponent, and he will not
land his blows on the Briton with the ease
that he landed on Sullivan. On the other
hand, Mitchell will find opposed to him the
best boxer that he ever faced. Hewill meet
a man who fights as he does, with head and
a.. l>.tt e,nl,x
the Irishman's flea as agile as . chamois
and as tireless as a man of steel.
Both Corbett and Mitchell are masters Of
the art of training, and they will be in the
pink of condition when time is called in
Jacksonville. Corbett is in the hands Of
Billy Delaney, one of the best trainers in
the world and the man who has prepared
Corbett for all his big battles. Mitchell is
under the watchful eye Of Harry Darrin,
the famous Splinter, who knows about all
there is to know about fitting an athlete
for great contest.
The Duval Athletic club is an organiza-
ton that came into existence purelyfor the
purpose Of bringing about meeting be-
tween Corbett and Mitchell. The leading
spirits of the club are Harry Mason, its
president, and J. +. Il. Bowden. its general
manager Botn men are wealthy ana ln-
fluential citizens of Jacksonville and are
SO confident of their ability to outpont and
outgeneral Governor Mitchell when he at
tempts to stop the fight Tor rather the legal
boxing match us they call it, that they will
be many thousands of dollars out of pocket
if the governor shows unexpected form and
fools them.
Although the records of both Corbett and
Mitchell are we'll known, o brief review OF
them may not prove uninteresting at this
time. Corbett was born in San Francisco
in 1866 of Irish parents He received very
good education, spent several years in .
bank, became proficient boxer, won con-
siderable local reputation, and in 1887 made
his debut as u professional and attracted
widespread attention by boxing six
round draw with Jack Burke. Corbett's
next notable contest was with Joe Choyin.
ski, whom he defeated in 81 rounds, win
ming the heavyweight championship Of the
Pacific coast.
On Feb is, 1880, Corbett made great
bound toward fame by outpointing Jake
Kilrain in six rounds From that moment