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

est, however, that the Sullivan Corbett con-
test did not possess. In that memorable
meeting of giants American was pitted
against American. When Corbett and
Mitchell put up their hands, it will be
America against Great Britain.
The majority of people on this side of the
big pond not only hope that Corbett will
win and keep the championship here, but
they feel reasonably confident that he will
prove himself the better man. In certain
degree national pride gives rise to this opin-
ion, but the California boys admirers also
advance logical arguments in support OF
their belief. Corbett. they say, is only q
years old. is growing better and stronger
every day and is a nsuch more formidable
fighter than when he conquered Sullivan.
Mitchell, OH tie other hand, Is 32 years old,
or five years Corbett's senior, and has
reached the time of life when pugilist is
generally going down hill.
Another point the Corbett partisans make
is on the disparity in size between the two
men. COrbett is & feet ! inch tall and
fairly towers above his opponent, who is
only feet 81 inches in height. 1t is ap
parent that Mitchell will be at a decided
disadvantage in reaching for his opponents
Jaw. In the matter of reach, too, nature
has favored the Californian, for his brawny
right arm is four inches longer than that of
the Englshman. The Importance of this
fact appears when it is remembered that If
Corbett and Mitchell should both lead for
the jaw with their respective rights at the
same instant Corbett could land knock
ont blow on the Briton's chin, while his
own Jaw would have four inches of safety
between it aud the hard hitting English
champion S fist.
In quickness and science both men may
be said to be on equal terms, and both are
ring generals of consunimate skill. Neither
man lacks nerve, and each is as game as the
proverbal pebble. Both men are sledge
hammer hitters. bat there is a general i'm.
preston, which may or may not he well
founded, that Mitchell can land Il heavier
blow with his doughty right than Corbett
His biceps is haitian inch larger around, and
his shoulders are broader by four inches
than those OF Pompadour Jim, but those
who hive seen Corbett punch the bag anu
hammer the air cushioned chests of his
sparring partners, Donaldson and Creedon,
bear witness TO the fact that his blows have
more steam" in them than they did when
they sent John l.. Sullivan into retirement.
II. the matter of weight, too, Gentleman
Jim will have q decided advantage. Mitch,
ell recently weighed lS4 pounds and states
that be will enter the ring at liz. Corbett
will tip the scales at fully 1870 pounds Jan.
%, and will probably be at least eight
pounds heavier than his opponent When lac
began training at Jacksonville. he weighed
about 100 pounds stripped. In his battle
with Sullivan he pulled down the scales at
17S pounds.
The above statistics plainly show the
great difference in physique between the
pugilists, but u glance at the accompanying
outlines of the two men will make it even
more apparent. The dark figure is that OF
Corbett and the light figure Mitchelrs.
Corbett's superior height and reach and
aIitchell's greater breadth of shoulders are
.ontrasted with almost geometrical accu-
racy. The following table. compiled from
q recenS measurement of both men, more
fully shows their respective dimensions: