San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-03-17

of the fairest and squarest in the ring
today, and though we get the worst of
| it by consenting to tricks with which
| he is not familiar and has not practic-
ed. we will stand by our agreement
to obey Siler's directions as we are
confident Fitz will win this tiht.
no matter what Corbett may be able
| to do in the clinches or when he has
one arm free.
IF you know anything about fight
ers," said Steiner, look at Fitzsim-
mons and tell me if a man could be
in better condition. He is as strong
as an OK and can outrun a horse on
the road. If you have seen the bag
and the hDeak in the rope holding it
| you can Judge of his cleverneSS and
his QuicknesS of eye and what a blow
he can strike. He may be a little
awkward and ungainly, as his enemies
say, but he has the endurance TO
stand punishment, and strength to
fight, whenever he gets chance. You
will see some good work on his part
in the ring. He is a few pounds light
er than COrbett but that won't make
any difference. On account of his
condition and the power of his arms,
he is heavy enough to win. He has
the greatest confidence in himself and
he is n sure winner. l have heard
| COrbett is in fine shape but he cannot
be in any better condition than Fitz-
simmons. You will see a great fight
the greatest fight in the world and
FitzsimmOns will be standing up at
the end"
"FitzSmmonS will WIN" said Hick-
ey. Il don't see how he can lose.
No man was ever in better condition.
Every muscle in his body is rigid and
his wind could not be better. He has
purpOSely let me hit him in our bouts
and l have put in some good ones but
he did not mind them at all. COrbett
may punch him a dozen times but |
don't think he can hit hard enough to
make much of an impression as
FitzsimmOns is so perfect that he will
be able to recover quickly Corhett
cannot wear him out.
"An FitzSimmOnS has to do is to
land one stiff jab, long or short, and
COrbett will not get on his feet. The
blows of the two men are as feather
to ton"
My money is on Fitzsimmons,"
said ROeber. THAT shows what
think about him. He is all right. He
worked hard and faithfully and could
not be in better shape. He strikes like
mule kicks. If FitzsimmOns hits
COrbett once, and he is clever enough
to do ii, before many rounds have
been fought, you will see COrbett drop
and be carried to his quarters"
The party began preparing a little
after 8 o'clock for the start to the
arena, being due there under the or
der issued by Stuart at 10 o'clock
sharp. Not much preparation was
necessary. FitZsimmons put on his
cap and was ready. He wore over his
tights costume suit Of light checked
material. blue sweater and ordinary
shoes. His trainers did not add to
their personal adOrnment, wearing
their customary clothes-red sweaters,
a pair of old trousers and shoes to
match.
Before leaving the house Bob kissed
the baby and Mrs. FitzsimmOns and
the latter said to him: I'll expect to
hear good news from you"
You WILL" replied FitzsimmOns.
She had been certain of being pres
ent but arrangements have been made
for courier service between the arena
and Cooks ranch so she will know
without delay what is transpiring in
the ring. The little party left the
ranch in ample time to make the jour
ney, driving leisurely. The helpers
went ahead to get things in readiness
at the dressing room.
| Fitzsimmons and Julian rode in one
buggy and Roeber, Stelzner and Hick-
ey in another, close behind and within
talking distance.
The road from the ranch to Carson
is not lined with objects Of interest.
1t winds through a maze Of sage
brush for a half mile or more before
the mOnOtony is broken by anything
worthy of attention. FitzsimmOns
was in excellent spirits and really in
good humOr, talking as much as usual
to his associates and of course abused
COrbett. speaking of the fight as his
own His confidence seemed to be so
| great that there was no need for en-
enlargement from his companions.
I'VE will have the purse when we
come back" said Fitz.
"Sure," said Steiner.
How will COrbett get out of town.
asked Hickey.
'Tn a box" growled Julian,
with Jim in the middle"
| All laughed at this alluSlon TO pos
| sible funeral About half way between
| the ranch and town the road runs over
| a little hill If Omwhich can be seen
| part of the rough frame building, three
miles away, in which COrbett did his
| indoor work. 1t stood out prominent
| ly,owing to the clearness of the atmOs-
| phere and more so because the con-
| structiOn boards are not yet weather
stained. A turn in the road brought
the building square in the faces of the |
party and they could not avoid seeing
| il. unless they held their heads down
and they could not do so as they were |
| going to the fight, not turning away. |