The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-02-22

Langtry, Tex, Feb. N.-Peter Maher
was knocked out by Bob Fitzsimmons
in the first round, after / minute and
80 seconds of actual fighting. Fitz-
simmons played the same old game he
has so often played before-led on his
opponent until he had him where he
wanted him and then landed a light
ming right-hand swing on the jaw. and
1T was over. 1t was the identical blow
that knocked out Jim Hall in New Or
leans. For the first part of the round
Maher had the better of it. He led Of
ten and forced the fighting In his
eagerness to get at Fitzsimmons he
committed a palpable foul during a
clinch and was warned by Referee ST.
Ter that it's repetition would cost him
the fight. Maher fought we'll, but he
was no match for his red-headed oppo-
nent, who proved himself to-day one
of the craftiest men who ever stepped
into the ring. Fitzsimmons is now, by
Corbett's action in presenting the
championship to Maher, the champion
of the world. and after the fight was
over he declared. through Julian, his
willingness to defend the champion
ship against any and all comers.
The train arrived at $3.50 o'clock p.
m, and over a rocky road winding
along the Rio Grande the crowd wend-
ed it's way to sandy beach of the river.
Forty-two Mexicans had carried the
ring material down to the river bank
last night. After working hard all day
upon the roadway down the bluff. a
narrow wooden foot bridge had been
put across the swiftly flowing stream.
upon big bend in the Rio Grande
river on the Mexican side. In the CEN
ter of a canvas wall about 200 feet in
diameter the ring was pitched. The
board floor was covered with canvas
over which rosin was spread. At one
side was the frame compartment for
the taking by the kinetoscope of pic
lures of the fight as 1t proceeded On
the opposite side of the ring were two
little tents for the principals. Fitz-
simmons took the first tent when he
entered the canvas enclosure; Maher
took the second.
Little time was lost in getting ready
Fitzsimmons came In the ring wrapped
in a striped bath robe. He was ap-
plauded by 200 voices vociferously. As
Maher climbed into the ring, voice
near by offered 500 to SIS on Fitzsim-
mons. There were no takers. George
Siler climbed upon the platform almost
at the same time as Maher. With Ju-
liam and Hall he examined the five
ounce gloves. As the seconds tied on
the gloves Siler announced that. be-
sides the official referee. Louis House.
man, Bert Sneed Of New Orleans would
act for Fitzsimmons and Parson Da-
vies of Chicago would hold the watch
for Maher. Siler gave notice to each
man that Houseman would sound a
whistle five seconds before call of time
for the rounds as a signal to get ready.
The referee called the men to the
center of the ring and said: by the
articles of agreement this is to be a
fair up-and-up fight When there is a
clinch and call for a breakaway,
each of you take a step back. l don't
want 10 be seizing you and getting be-
tween you. If there Is a knock down
the man must be upon his feet before
he can be assailed. BE careful about
fouls. Get ready"
Fitzsimmons went TO his corner and
doffed the bath robe. and stood forth in
short thigh trunks of dark blue. Ne
her showed up in black trunks haI.
way to the knees.