The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-03-18

making a picture such as was never be-
fore seen on am occasion of the kind,
James j. Corbett went down TO defeat
yesterday before Robert Fltzsmmons,
who became the champion heavyweight
pugilist of the world. The victory was
not gained without struggle; in fact
victory did not seem possible for Fitz-
simmons until the last moment OF the
battle. He was giving every indication
OF slowly going to pieces when he de
llvered a blow in vital part and fol-
lowed IL with two others which sent the
Californian to the fioor with the agony
OF pain and despair imprinted on his
face and he was unable TO rise within
the limit which would save him. When
the defeated champion finally arose with
the assistance OF his attendants and re-
covered sufficiently from his dazed con-
dition 10 realize the calamity that had
befallen him, he broke out with all the
fury of an enraged animal, and discard
ing all rules, rushed at his victorious op-
ponent and made n vain struggle TO beat
him over the ropes, only desisting when
his own seconds and friends forced him
away.
And then this new champion was borne
to his dressing room amid the cheers of
the 5000 people who were in the arena,
accompanied by bis seconds and train
ers. and also by his wife, who watched
the contest from position within a few
feet of the ringside, and who had taken
I'm every detail even at the time when n
seemed that her husband would be
knocked insenslble at her feet.
Ii was great contest. but notwith-
standing the cheers for the victor, the
majority of those who witnessed the
fght couls not but feel a sense Of dis
appointment at the result. believing as
they did that victory was taken from
Corbett at a moment when he seemed
sure OF gaining it himself.
II was "A moment after the noon hour
when the principals and their seconds
appeared. and both were greeted with
great cheers. George Siler. the referee,
arranged the few preliminary matters
in short time, and about 1910 the bat
tie commenced. Little was accom-
pllshed by either OF the men in the first
round. but in the next few rounds Cor
bctt had every advantage. IN the nth
round he punished Fitzsimmons Severely
battering him on the face and body until
the blood streamed from his face, and
he finally sank TO his knees to avoid fur
ther punishment. remaining there until
nearly all the allotted time had expired,
when he arose and succeeded in continu-
ing the contest for few remaining sec
onds of the round Nearly all the spec
tators thought the end was at hand then.
but Fitzslmmons rallied and fought
game battle for eight rounds more,
though there were several occasions
during that time when Corbett seemed
TO have him going. He did land num-
her OF blows on Corbett. and they were
hard, too, but they seemed 10 have little
effect.
AT the opening OF the 14th round and
last, Corbett looked the winner. Though
somewhat tired he was still strong. and
was displaying more science and con-
tinued 10 hound the Australian and keep
up the incessant blows. And then came
the final blow and the end. The blow
" hich ended the fight was "A left hand
punch delivered just below the heart
II was all the more effective for the
reason that Corbett was leaning back
ward when Il came. II caught him on
the tensely drawn muscles just over the
spleen, and must have caused the most
intense agony. Corbett was more un-
conscious from pain than from the
force of the blow. AS he lay writhing
and rolling on the floor he presented
most ghastly appearance. No man I'm
last death struggle could have Mortified
the spectators more. and his,ngonizing
cries OF pain could be heard above the
cheers for the victor. And then fol-
lowed the widest scene of the day. when
he arose TO his feet. and with all the
strength he had left rushed at his op-
ponent and tried 90 finish the contest.
Those nearest the ring Jumped over the
ropes In spite OF all efforts of the police
20 prevent them. and I'm n moment the
entire enclosure was flled with a howl
Ing, shouting mob and the noise and
confusion were so great that the referee
was hardly able 20 announce his deci-
ZION. awarding the battle TO Fitzsmmons.
In the midst OF in all. COrbett who had
been forced TO his corner by his friends.
broke away from them and rushed at
Fitzslmmons n second time but instead
OF attempting Go renew the FIGHT he i'm
plored his victor 10 give him another
chance and TO accept challenge from
him. This was refused. and warm words
followed Fitzslmmons was borne away
with all the glory OF his new won VIC
tory. and Corbctt left 10 return 20 his
home I'm San Francisco. carrying with
him the despair OF defeat.
The Fight bv Rounds.
Round both men spared cautiously
for an opening Fitzsimmons being on
the aggressive. Corbett Keeping away.
Fitzsimnious seeing that he must force
matters went after MSS man and crowded
COrbett back INTO the lstter's corner.
Both made vigorous swings with the
left. and both missed. both men staEger-
inc against the ropes. Fitzsimmons still
kept crOwding Corbott. and Corbett
landed right In the face. getting away
wshOut a return. second later he re.
peltcd the dose. and again missed the
counter which TltzBimmons sent in.
Both men clnched. and In the break
away Fitzsimmons got in a hard left ON
Corbetts chin. staggering him. He fol-
loved this uD With a left on the upper