The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-03

BUT CARS FIGHT ON "FOUL"
Referee carp Objected to Early
on Account of Crookedness.
1T WAS FITS FROM THE START
A Swinging Right With Crook of the
Left on the Chin Did the Work.
Why carp Claimed Foul
10000 People Present

Mechanics Pavilion, San Francisco,
Dec. 2.-No event in the history Of pugil-
ism on the Pacific coast ever attracted
public attention here as did the battle
between the heavy weights, Robert Fitz-
simmons and Thomas Sharkey tonight.
Between $4,000 and 10000 people Oc-
cupied all the available space IN the blg
Mechanics pavilion and watched the
contest which every one regarded as
practically deciding the championship of
the world. The long, lean New Zealand
er man who has had succession of vic
tories i'm the United States for the last
five or six years entered the ring tonight
with almost every apparent advantage
in his favor He could count upon his
experience and science; his height and
reach, and every other quality which en-
tiers into the making of a successful prize
!. fighter. Against him was the sailor lad
who was unknown six months ago. but
who rose to fame recently when he came
perilously near trailing in the dust the
eolors of CaIifronia's s idol, James j. Cor
bett, Against the science and expert
ence and the superior height and reach
of Fitzsimmons was Sharkey, with his
greatest examples OF muscular develop
ment that the prize ring has produced.
Both men had trained hard before the
contest and particularly during the last
few days and each had expressed the ut
most confidence in his ability to gain
victory and the ten thousand purse which
the National Athletic club offered the
yict0r. Although the contest was limit
ed to ten rounds there was hardly
spectator in the pavilion tonight who did
not expect To see one or the other of the
fighters go down to defeat before the
full limit of the fight had been reached.
TIE betting public naturally leaned
toward the nan of experience and tie
odds in Fit1simmons's favor averaged
about 21b to /. Many bets were offered
at even money and accepted that I'itz-
simmons would put his man out within
six rounds
The National club had elaborate prepar
ations for the fight and it is probable
that a similar contest was never witness
ed by as many people
One unique feature of the night was
the fact that for the first time IN the
history of pugilism, the management of
the club threw open the doors to women
and several hundred women were in at
tendance tonight, some of them gray
haired matrons whose enthusiasm on the
subject has led them to venture beyond
the bounds Of conventionality.
One hundred police and many more
special officers were in attendance and
hundred ushers in evening dress escorted
the parties to their seats. Several pre-
liminary events preceded the chief event
and it was very late when Fitzsimmons
and Sharkey appeared in the ring.
One of the noticeable differences OF the
men was in regard to height, the New
Zealander being 5 feet 11a4 inches and
Sharkey feet S14 inches. Each of the
men weighed about 175 ponds.
The seconds for Fitzsimrnons were Mar
tin Julian, Dan Hickey and Jack Stelz-
ner; for Sharkey, Geo. Allen, Australian
Billy Smith and Danny Needham.
Wyatt carp, the famous Arizona stage
driver who has figured in many gun
fight on the border was chosen referee.
1t was 10 O'Clock when the event of the
evening was announced, the crowd cheer
ed and the cheers became roar when the
gladiators appeared. Fitzsimmons show
ed up fresh and received an ovation.
Sharkey appeared two minutes after
Fitzsimmons and his welcome was equal
ly as warm. Fitzsimmons chatted with
friends at the ring side as if hard tight
were not on his hands. When Sharkey
entered the ring Bob walked across the
ring and shook hands cordially with the
sailor with his seconds. Both men were
enyeloped in long black robes which they
threw off before putting ON the gloves.
Tt was then the disparity in the build or
the two men was plainly seen. F1tzslm-
mons, lean and long and sinewy, looked
like a panther, while Sharkey, stocky
and sturdy with his immense muscular
developments resembled a grizzly bear.
Sharkey wore green sash, with red,
white and blue trimmings. His right
hand was bandaged. Fitzsimmons was
introduced as champion of the world,
which was received by howl Of APPROX
al. There was a little delay before re-
feree carp appeared.
The announcer said that owing to
rumors of erookedness, Martin Julian re-
fused to accept carp as referee Julian
says he suggested several men to Shar-
keys hackers this morning, but all were
rejected.
lie says a San Franisco sporting man |
had come to him to-day and said the re-
feroe had intended to give a decision
against his man. This statement was re-
ceived with Kisses and jeers. carp made
a speech denying Julians statment saying
he was square. After more talk Fitz-
simmons said he had given up his re-
feree in all his fights and would give in
to this. Then he stripped off his black
robe and added that he would insist that
Sharkey take the bandages off his hand
as he had none On his
Sharkey continued to tie his gloves