The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-02-01
PETER MAHER'S VIEWS.
An Autograph Letter from the Heavy
weight PugiIist.
CONFID ENT OF DEFEATING FITz
s avs He Has PrOfited by Past Expert
ences I'm the Ring-ASsures the Pub
He That 1T VIII BE a Swift and
Hard BatEIe-afs Plans For the
Future.

It is in no spirit of self glorification, but
simply that of earnest conviction, that 1
say wish were as sure of a fortune as I
am of defeating Bob Fitzsimmons for the
worlds championship in Mexico on Feb.
IA.
1t is conceded on all sides that the win
ner of that battle will be the champion
pugilist of the world beyond cavil, and
am delighted at the opportunity afforded
me to win that proud distinction. I want
10 presents, and although it was very kind
of Mr.. Corbett to relinquish the title in
my favor Immediately after my defeat of
his sparring partner, Steve O'Donnell, I
would rather fight for it than obtain it by
forfeit or gift That is the way every great
gladiator from the days of Tom Crib and
Dan Donnelly down to those of the re-
nowned John L. Sullivan attained that
proud eminence and that is the way want
to get there. To emulate the example of
the great Bostonian is my highest ambi-
ton.
1t is not in any spirit of egotism that I
predict that 1 will conquer the big Aus
tralian. 1t is simply the expression of
confidence born of conviction. When Fitz-
simmons defeated me in our first engage
ment was big, strong fellow, to be sure,
but a mere novice in tho art of boxing. I
was hardly more than boy and had but
the most elementary knowledge of the
game of stop, hit and get away. My idea
was simply to ''get there as quickly as
L could with my right and parry blow
occasionally. Even at that I had Fitz
nearly out in the first round, but did not
know enough to take advantage of points
Ihad gained. I also made the mistake of
sparriEg him at long range after that
round instead of getting in to him and
fighting at close quarters. He was cleverer
and shiftier than l at that time and at
long range wore me out, something which
he was enabled the more readily to do as
I was utterly out of condition. Upon that
score, however, I make no excuse. I
should have been in condition, and it is
my own fault that l was not.
Now matters are changed. I have stud
led the science of pugilis1n pretty carefully
since those days and flatter myself that I
know a few points about the game Com
petent critics upon both sides of the At
lantic have been kind enough to say that
I have VASTLY Improved" and the news
paper boys across the water, upon the occa
sion of my recent tour there, declared that
had mastered what they call the Yankee
waltz, or side step, in which James J.
Corbett was so remarkably skillful.
Another thing-I am a far healthier
and stronger man than when I first met
Fitzsimmons. am now always in the
best of condition, which was not in those
days. I neither use tobacco nor malt or
spirituous liquors. 1 realized some time
ago that pugilist could not be hail fell
low we'll met and gay man about town
and attain the highest rung of the ladder,
or perchance if he reached that height stay
there.
know that Fitz is extremely clever,
shifty, tricky and hard hitter, but that
does not impair my confidence a particle
am perfectly on to his style of boxing
and have him pretty we'll sized up. I
don't think his great skill will keep me
from getting in on him, and early at the
game at that. Frank Craig, the Coffee
Cooler, is conceded by all critics to be OK
ceedingly shifty and clever, and had no
trouble in getting to him quickly. So,
too, with George Godfrey Old Chocolate
was clever enough to puzzle the best of the
boys, but got to him before six rounds
were over, and last, but not least, Steve
O'Donnell, who was counted the cleverest
of the big fellows, with the possible ex-
ception of Corbett-I had no trouble in
disposing of him in less than half a round.
With these precedents before me I natu-
rally think L will get to Fitz, clever as he
is. L make no secret of my plan of action,
as some of the boys do. I will get to the
Australian as quickly as I cGn. Go not
mean to repeat my former mistake and