Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-03-24
jim AND BOB MEET.
Again in the Ring-CorbeH Has His
Little Say Over the Result.

San Francisco Cal, March 23.-James
J. Corbett and Robert F4tzsimmons will
never meet in the prize ring for another
championship belt. This question was
practically decided this morning when
the two pugilists met in the barroom
of the Baldwin hotel and talked over
their plans quietly ard dispassionately.
There were no threatening gestures and
no loud talking.
Corbett waited all the morning for a
meeting and when Bob arrived from Sac
ramento, Jim asked him if he would take
a drink.
II don't mind" said Bob.
They walked to the barroom and both
ordered non-intoxicants They were inn
mediately surrounded by a curious
crowd.
How do you f5el?" asked Corbett.
Il feel all right" answered Bob
'FMy arms gre a little soreand stiff
and my thumb is very sore. The doctor
says it is broken"
II injured my left thumb early in the
game" said Corbett, when l caught
you on the forehead
Mine was hurt in the second round
said Bob, when I swung on your head
and landed too far around"
Il tell you, Bob people told me you
were slow and easy. wish those. men
on March H. You won and beat me
fairly and squarely."
Well" replied Fitzsimmons, "I can
assure you that you are the cleverest
man l ever met in my life
81 want to fight you again. said Cor
bett."
you must talk to my manager" an
swered Fitzsimmons.
Julian overhearng the remark replied
that Bob had done enough fighting.
He has fought more than any man
living during space of seven years,
said Julian, land he will not fight again
if l can rule. His wife wants him to
retira and he will do So"
Then l am TO understand that there is
not another chance for me?" said Cor
bett.
II don't think So" replied Julian.
"Well, all right" remarked Corbett in
very down-hearted way, "but l should
like to have on. more try. You fought
Maher twice. Why not give me other
chance?"
because I have retired" said Fitz-
simmons, land 1 am going to settle
down.
past fight.
Corbe.t showed his left hand which
was considerably swollen, and FitZsim-
mons right thumb is still bandaged.
The crowd had now become so thick
that Corbett asked Bob Julian to step
a second fight, and they moved to the
settee and spoke in whispers. Their con-
yersation was very short and evidently
disappointing to Corbett, judging from
his looks.
After the meeting, Corbett sat down
quietly at a table in the cafe and dis
cussed his plans for the future with
representative of the Southern Associated
Press.
II don't think Fitzsimmons and I will
ever get together again. said Jim. "He
is evidently sincere in his determination
to retire. AS / said before, was in shape
to put up the best fight of my life the
day / went against FitZSimmons in Car
son, although he defeated me fair and
square. You must admit, though, and
he admits himself, that 1 gave him the
first punching he ever got in his life.
hurt my hands, but aside from that did
not carry away a mark. In other words
] was the best man, and put up the best
fight until he caught me that heart
punch and cut off my wind. There will
always be a doubt in the public mind a
to who is the best man, and I'd give all
I possess IN the world TO get another
show at him. If he really means to retire
and does not fish after any soft marks
] will let him enjoy his victory in peace.
but should he take on another man be-
fore giving me chance to even the
score you will see trouble
""The Olympic club boys are going to
give me a testimonial next week in the
club rooms. Then shall open up in Oak
land with my show. We will follow up
the route to the east, playing al all lead
ing cities and winding up IN New York
about the time Fitzsimmons reaches
there"