Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-02-22
FITzsIMMoNs WHIPS MAHER.

F1TZS1MMONS Willis MhhGh.
Robert Fitzsimmons, who was born IN
Cornwall, England, became the champ
ion pugilist of the world yesterday in
one minute and thirty-ive seconds by
knocking out Peter Maher, of Ireland,
to whom James J. Corbett surrendered
the championship.
At 10 o'clock Thursday night train
left Ell Paso carrying the principals and
spectators to the ring, which was
pitched on the Mexican side OF the
river in the State OF Coahuila. Upon
arriving the cars were switched TO. a
siding aud Fitzsimmons and Maher were
prepared for the fight. The battle
ground was a sandy fiat upon big
bend in the Rio Grande river, just two
miles from the village of Lsngtry,
Texas. In the center of canvas wall
about 200 feet in diameter the ring was
pitched. The board floor was covered
with canvas, over which rosin was
sprinkled. On one side were two little
tents for the principals.
Maher showed some evidences OF the
trouble with his eyes, and. while ne
talked in lively way. he was far from
confident. 1t took some little time to
arrange details, and it was not until
nearly 5 O'Clock that time was called.
The men faced each other for sec
ond, when Filzsimmons led with his
left hand and Maher backed toward his
corner. Fitzsimmons, following, land
cd his right on the body and Maher
clinched. Peter struck Fitz with his
right while they clinched, and Referee
Siler warned him that if he did so again
he would give the fight to his oppo'
nent. The men broke away and Maher
Landed his left on Fitzsimmons's neck;
They closed, and Fitzsimmons landed
left and right in rapid succession, while
Maher sent his left to Fitz's upper lip,
drawing some blood. He clinched
again and on the breakaway Peter
tented and Fitz led his right, but fell
short. Then another mix.up followed,
in which Maher landed both right and
left on the sides of Fitzs head: Maher
again led with his left and clinch fol-
lowed. Fitzsimmons broke ground on
Makers leads, drawing him on to fol-
low him. NIaher did follow and led his
left, when Etz stepped to one side AND
swung his right around, land
ing fully his terrific hook blow
on the left point of Makers chin
Maher fell, to the floor and Fitzslm
mons gazed upon his fallen foe
for about three seconds then walked
over to his corner and sat down.
Miner went down at full length, bis
h ,ad striking the anvss-covered plat,
form with force. He vainly attempted
to rise, but could do no more than lift
his head. His seconds called upon him
to get up, but he sank back upon the
ctnvas. The fatal ten seconds were
C united; Maher was declared out and
Fi.Zsimmons was announced the victor
after one minute and thirty-fve seconds
of rather lively fighting.
Ftzsimmons's admirers cheered him
to the echo and Makers attendants
carried the defeated Irishman to his
corner. 1t was several minutes before
be realized what had happened to him.
Fitzsimmons walked over to Makers
corner and shook him by the hand.
Flzsimmons also shook hands with
Makers seconds. Barring the slight
bleeding at the nostrils occasioned
by the left-hand jab of Maher,
the Australian showed no marks OF
injury and appeared as fresh as at the
opening of the hostilities. Maher
showed no sigDs of punishment except
a slight break in the skin just above
the point of the left chin where Fitz-
simmons 9 masterstroke had landed.
Maher was unconscious fifteen Sec
onds and it was fully minutes after
he had been carried to his corner before
he regained consciousness.
When james ]. Corbett, who is in
Chicago, heard of Makers defeat he
announced his intention to challenge
the winner for SIC, 900 or any sum Fitz-
simmons may name. 81 will fight
him." said Corbett, anywhere on
earth. I will fight him in Australia,
his own country, if he wants me to. l
sent him telegram last night asking
him to meet me in Chicago between
March l and 6. Then we can make
match for any place, for any month;
but it must be done promptly"