Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-16
FOUR ROUND BOUT.
OWENS AND PILLswORTH GIVE n
CLEVER ATHLETIC EXHIBITION.
EACH DOES SOME GOOD RORK.
The Match n Friendly One. and Con-
ducted Upon the Highest Plane Of
Amateur sport-The Independent
Clubs History.

The clubhouse OF the Independent
Amateur Athletic Association was crowd
ed last night in anticipation OF a boxing
bout, which had been announced to take
place between owens, OF Petersburg. and
Pillsworth, OF Richmond. both OF whom
are well known as remarkably clever
exponents OF the manly art"
Nine o'clock was the hour set for the
match, but the crowd began to collect ir
the little building-which lies tucked away
down the alley on the north side OF Leigh
street between Twenty-sixth and Twen-
ty-seventh streets-shortly after Z. and
by o'clock there was scarcely seat tc
be had in the building.
THE TWO PRINCIPALS APPEAR.
1t was five minutes before the hour
set for the match when Owens entered
the ring. He was greeted with quite ar
ovation. as also was his opponent, who
followed him few seconds later. Both
men looked in superb condition. and were
without an ounce OF superiinOus flesh or
their bones. Owens is about q years Oldi
he measures feet ~ inches, and tips the
scales at l5s pounds. Pillsworth mea-
sures feet II inches. and weighs 100
pounds. thus having the advantage over
his opponent I'm both weight and reach.
The men wore S-ounce gloves owens
occupied the east corner and Ellsworth
the west. Both responded promptly to
the call of time. There was a little pre-
limnary sparring and then owens led
of with his right. and. following II up
with his left landed heavily on his op-
pOnents nose. Pilsworth got slightly
ratified. and hit short. and az the call OF
time he had not touched owens.
owens got quickly TO work i'm the second
round. tie felnted with his right. and
landed with his left on Pilsworth's check
lie followed this up a second later with
a heavy body blow which Piilsworth
countered with stif left-hander on the
nose Then followed some lively give
and-take boxing, and az the call of time
neither man ha1 the advantage.
The third round was the hottest OF the
four. and the form o. the men was more
| clearly shown. Owens was as 1.-THE and
| active as cat. and was too quick for
| his opponent. who. however. hit heavily.
| and when he landed was very effective.
At the beginning Of the round both men
were punished severely. Pllsworth led
the fighting and got In several blows
about the head and neck. which Owens
]
/ then began 10 press owens. who managed
to dodge his blows. and got In a couple
OF good Hicks on the body Of Pillsworth.
VINO slipped and fell at the end Of the
| round.
| Both men showed signs OF distress when
| time was called for the fourth and last
round. Owens forced the fighting, and
led Off with a couple OF stingers between
the eyes. Pilsworth. a little later got In
a terrific blow on Owens's jaw, and when
time was called the Petersburg man was
forcing the fight.
A CLEAN EXHIBITION.
The exhibition was throughout a clear
and efficient exhibition OF the manly art
Both men boxed In the best OF temper. and
the contest which was a hot one from
start 10 finish. was most exciting
The Independents are very popular or
the Hill Their gymnasium Is nicely fitted
| I'D. Ii is about 10 feet long and % feet
wide. and has a large audience gallery
at one end The club boasts an active
| membership OF thirty-elght, but the doors
| are always open 10 visitors. who are gtver
cordial welcome. The objects OF tho
| association are purely social. and In the
interest Of physical culture Boxing
matches frequently take place there, and
often. as was the case last night. younl
men who are prominent i'm athletic circles
in other cities visit the club and TAKE
part in the fun.
The club was formerly known as tbs
"Thlrteen Club" but II was reorganis<t
on Monday night. September 2sth, VIII
thirteen charter members, and the Follow
ing officers, whose terms expire December
gst: President, Mr. Lewis Dalton; Vice
President. Mr. Joseph " Cherry; Score
tary and Treasurer, Mr.. Arthur Il. Gary