The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-25
ANOTHER BIG FIGHT
LONDON's BOLINGBROKE CLUB Of
FERs A PURSE OF $4,000.
National Sporting Club VIII Also Put
Up n Prixe-Corbett Is willing, but
FitxsimmOns Is Not.

LONDON, Feb. 24-When Fitzsirnmons
defeated Maher on Mexican soil. near
Langtry. Tex. on Friday last, reporter
was instructed to ask Manager Fleming
of the National Sporting Club here, IL
that body could be induced to put up a
purse for Fitzsimmons and Corbett. The
reply was that under no circumstances
would the National Sporting Club subscribe
a cent for a contest in which Corbett was
one of the principals: but. it was added.
any other American pugilists might apply
with fair prospects Of arranging match
The objection to Corbett is based on the
very bitter tongue-lashing he gave the
National Sporting Club when he returned
to the United States after his appear
ance here. The members of that club
claimed that they had treated Corbett with
every consideration and that he repaid
their kindness by abusing them TO the
utmost.
The reporter was then notified to call on
Secretary Stevens, Of the Bolingbroke
Club. and he eventually placed the matter
before that gentleman. After some neces-
sary elaboration and consultation with his
organization, Mr.. Stevens said that the
Bolingbroixe Club would give a purse of
$1,000 for Fitzsimmons and Corbett to COM
pete for, and that the club would also
allow the contestants $500 each for ex-
penses. These are, 1t is understood, abso-
lutely the best terms obtainable here, and
IL Is hoped the offer will be promptly
accepted or refused. The fairest treat
ment possible will be melted out to both
men, and 1t will be case of the best man
win.
Should Fitzsimmons refuse this offer or
fail to accept 1t with the promptness de-
sired by his well-wishers, Frank Slavin
stands ready to meet Corbett before the
Bolingbroke Club. Slavin already has an
offer in the Sporting Life to meet F'itz-
simmons for 5000 side, the fight to come
off in England. or he will bet 900 that he
can stop Corbett in six rounds: Under
obstacle in the way of bringing Fitzsim-
mons and Corbett together in ring here,
so large as the purses offered i'm America,
but the expenses of the pugilists will be
so small comparatively. as to compensate
The replies of Fitzsimmons and Corbett
are now awaited by Secretary Stevens, Of
the Bolingbroke.
Club, was surprised when informed this even
ing that the Bolingbroke Club had offered
purse of 5000 for a contest between titz-
he had announced the determination of his
club not to put up a cent for a contest in
which Corbett was one of the principals, the
matter had been reconsidered and the de-
olson reached that If CorbetA will apologize
to the National Sporting Club for the utter
ances which gave so much offense to Its
members after the pugilist returned to the
United States, the club will offer a purse
for a match between him and Fitzsimmons.
Manager Fleming appeared before the
National Sporting Club this evening, at the
conclusion of the glove contests. and an
nounced that he had received information
~y.4ff Ea6 do nf or
ogy to the club. He asked the opinion of
the members present on the subject. There
was much evident conflict of sentiment
shown on the whole matter, and some ex-
element, especially when the question
of a referee was mooted. 1T was finally
agreed to accept the ex-champion's apology.
providing a match was ratified. But the
club distinctly rejected Corbetts suggestion
of an American referee.