The record-union., 1896-12-01
JOHNSON and VAN BUSKIRK.
The San Francisco and Sacramento
Amateur Champions.
Their Boxing Match on the lIth
Promises to be a Genu.
inc COrker.

The chief topic of discussion in local
sporting circles is the boxing match
that is to take place in the large hall
of the Sacramento Athletic Club on the
night of the 11th, one week from to-
morrow, between William Johnson Of
that organization and Theodore Van
3uskirk of the San Francisco Olympic
Club.
Both men are favorites with the
members of their respective clubs, and
for year past there has been talk
of bringing them together, though no
definite action in that direction was
taken until recently. 1t is to be ten
| round affair, and therefore VIII not
come under the rules governing am
ateur contests, which are limited to
four rounds.
About three years ago Johnson won
the amateur middleweight champion
ship of the State by defeating the best
men that could be brought out at the
Olympic Clubs tournament in San
Francisco, but as he has since gained
somewhat in weight he has passed out
of the middleweight division and has
to be classed among the big fellows al
though he is what is sometimes termed
"a light heavyweight" The middle
weight limit is 15S pounds, and John
son weighs now about 165 pounds
Van Buskirk, however, is big,
husky fellow and scales about 100
pounds. His Olympic chums have
great faith in him, and he has even
been touted as a coming champion of
the big fellows. Only a few months ago
he put Soldier Walker to sleep in two
rounds, and bested Jack Stencil, Fitz-
simmons sparring partner, who is
| rated as a tough one.
Johnson has done nothing in the box
ing line since he won his middleweight
honors, except to put out Australian
Billy Smith, the doughty veteran of the
ring whom Sharkey declares gave him
the hardest battle he has yet had. He
has kept in practice, however, as In
structor for the Athletic Club, and his
friends have no fear that he will not
be able to outpoint his burly antagonist
when they meet next week.
There is no question but that john
son is exceedingly clever, but there are
some who fear that from his lack of
experience outside the club he may not
put enough steam in his blows. His
friends say he can and will do it, how
ever, and they point to his severe pun
ishment Of Smith as evidence both Of
his ability and willingness to do more
than indulge in gentle tapping.
Johnson is doing his training in the
Athletic Clubs gymnasium, where he
boxes daily with man named Hagan,
his brother and other members of the
club. He is reported to be in good
condition.
Van Buskirk is doing his training at
a public resort outside of the city, and
has with him as sparring partner Tom
Johnson, a very clever boxer from
Marysville, and another man. That he
is in good trim is shown by the fact
that the other day his two trainers and
John Norton of this city each boxed
three rounds with him in quick suces-
sion, and Van Buskirk was not a bit
distressed at the close. He is said to be
a bit slow on his feet but stiff punch
er with his left, keeping his powerful
right in reserve for emergencies.
The local man is good with both
hands, and he has a way of putting
them on his adversaries that keeps
them hustling to avoid him. Two such
young and ambitious boxers as John
son and Van Buskirk should be able
to put up the most scientific contest of
the kind ever witnessed in this city.