Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-03-25

down on my knees | had a chance 70
put F'itZsimmons out once when oot
him on his knees, but I wanted to let
him rest bit and put him out with a
blow. That's where l made a mistake
But l hope for another opportunity to
get at him and the next time | won't
lose. l would not care so much if if
was not for my friends They lost
thousands of dollars on that blow. No.
don't know just what shall do now.
don'G know when l will leave Carson:
but if l could get one more crack at
Fftzsimmons l would stay here the re-
mainder of my life"
Meanwhile the trainers were work
ing with their man His pallid face
ana the nervous twitcning OF his limbs
gave rise to the fear at tie time that
he hau been seriously 1nJurel. But
gradually nerve strength came back to
him, but with it came the mental ag-
ony which he made no attempt to
conceal. Billy Woods, dazed at the
unexpected calamity, cried silently in
! dark corner, while White, Delaney and
McEey, with drawn faces and set jaws,
| sponged and rubbed the fallen cham
| zion into fair condition.
1t was a chance blow said White,
just what is likely to occur in any
fight. We have nothing to regret ex-
cept that this blow landed. The mans
condition is all right"
Neither Delaney nor McVey would
discuss the defeat. The ex-champion S
brothers remained with him until his
carriage arrived, vainiy attempting to
give him some sort of cheer.
'Oh, it's no use, boys" Jim replied
to their encouragement, its over and
| allowed Fitz. to hit me a rap under
which l was counted out. 1t was an
awful blow. thought it had killed
me- and the big pugilist leaned his
head on Whites shoulder and sobbed
aloud. Time and again he started to
his feet with the avoWed intention that
he would find Fitzslmmons and whip
him on the street, but each time his
knees gave way beneath him and he
sank back into his seat, white and
GREATNESS. AS his strength returned
and the bitterness Of defeat forced it
self upon him, his appearance became
pitiful. The hOpelessnesS of gaining
his lost prestige made his talk almost
childish, and his supporters were re-
lieved to get him away from the arena
: 1t was half an hour after the end of the
battle before Corbett could be induced
to enter carriage for the drive to
the hotel. The ride braced hun to
some extent and he was more cheerful
when he reached his room. At the
ringside as COrbett was being assisted
from his corner and the arena was
filled with bowling, exulting fitz. sup
porters, William Brady, the eX-cham-
pion's hacker, sprang TO the platform
and, waving a roll OF greenbacks
shouted:
Il have $4,000 to deposit as an earn
est that Corbett can whip FitzsimmonS
for a purse of $4,000. Now, you yell
ing, bowling idiots, come up with YOU
money"
The challenge receiving no attention
Brady was compelled TO return the
money to his pocket.
In his dressing room Filzsimmons
damaged face was quickly repaired b!
his trainers and he hastily dressed
himself, then the whole party was
driven rapidly to the training quarters
Another sensational incident at the
close of the fight occurred when Cor
bett broke away from his trainers
| again and rushed 10 Fits corner
5 He pushed his way through the crowC
5 surrounding Bob and, grasping thu
' champions right haGd in both of his
t he said:
, Bob, l will fight you again at an!
5 time for any amount"
Fitz. rose from his chair, pushing
l Corbett back and said: mo, no; g
: away. l don't want to talk to you,
At this juncture Fitz. was dragged away
by his jubilant friends. Corbett lef
late in the afternoon OH a special trair
for San Francisco.