Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-06-21


After the Audience Had Repeat
edlv Called for That Decision "A
Wrestling and Gouging Match.
Referee Criticized-Otner Sport
ing Matters.
Such an alleged boxing exhibition as
was given at the Metropolitan club
last night, tends to destroy interest in
the game. 1t was rather contest at
w 'estling and gotging Charley john
son employed all the unfair tactics
known to the profession, and Burns
was compelled TO resort to the same
methods in self-defense. 1t was an
nounced that the men would break
clean, but they clinehed, Rugged,
wrestled, gou ged-did everything, in
fact, but bioe and box.
There was a bog crowd present, and
the audience repeatedly manifested its
disapproval CT Johnson's style OF box
ing, and several times loudly insisted
that the contest be declared draw.
There was not a single knockdoWn, yet
each man was on the floor at least
twenty times. The damage resulting
from the wrestling and gouging was in
calculably more severe than that
caused by the blows which were
struck. The audience was thoroughly
disguised with the exhibition, and
11f+ a No Iact f1V
Referee Leslie Peerce came in for
considerable criticism. Whether he
deserved it or not, depends largely upon
the point Of view 4 man in his posi-
ton is not to he envied. He was be-
tween the crowd and the rules govern
ing the game If he had awarded de-
cision on a foul, he would have been
justified under the rules, but would
have been censured by the crowd In
his efforts to satisfy the crowd, he was
compelled to ignore the rules. In TAX
ing this middle ground, he probably
adopted the wisest course Both men
resorted to foul tactics, after having
been warned many times to discon-
tinue. AT one time the contest became
a rough-and-tumble exhibition. Pearce
announced before the battle that he
would warn each man twice, and award
the decision to his opponent for the
third offense. If he had adhered to
this determination, he would have pre-
vented considerable adverse criticism.
As it was, the spectators certainly got
value received, and neither contestant
has any~ ground for reasonable com
plant.
If the decision were to have been
awarded on scientific points it would
unquesti onably have gone TO Burns.
The Cincinnati boy did practically all
the leading throughout and was there
lore not so strong at the finish as John
son. From purely boxing standpoint
Johnson gave a miserable exhibition.
He uses but one hand in punching and
Burns found no trouble in keeping out
Of reach. johnson possessed superior
strength, and it was this fact, combined
with the lack of steam behind Burns
punches w,sich saved him.
AS preliminaries there were two six
round draws between local boxers.
Clancy and Little Pete, and Auber and
Baker, and a wrestling bout, won IN
two out Of three falls, by Straub over
Flagg. The second boxing bout was
very lively. The principals in the main
event entered the ring about ten
o'clock
rather tame.
Round three-Burns led and they
clinched and wrestled Burns put
stiff left in the ribs. Burns found
the same spot. Burns swung right TOR
head but was stopped. Burns put
right on body. Burns jabbed left Oh
wind. Johnson on the defensive, hug
ging and. wrestling very roughly.
Burns put left on wind. Burns doing
all the work.
Round four-They fiddled. Burns
put right on jaw and right and left
on wind without an exchange. burns
iabbed left on wind, Close f1ghtlng'
ending in a wrestle, in which Doth
fell to the floor Burns put stiff left
on ribs. and followed with right on
law. Lurns put right on jaw. Burns
swung for Jaw, and johnson Jabbed
right in the stomach Burns setting
a fast pace, and Johnson entirely on
the defensive.
Round fiye-Burns jabbed right IN
side twice Burns swung right on
back of neck and left over the heart-
johnson swung left and missed. burhs
put right on ribs. Johnson swung
right and Burns ducked. Burns put
hard right swing on the jaw.
Round siX--Johnson led and FOUND
ribs lightly. Exchange of right-hand-
ers on the jaw Burns put left on RIBS.
Burns put stiff left punch on wind
johnson put stiff right jab on neck IN
breakaway. Johnson struck after
the bell rang, and the crowd Kissed.
Round seven-Burns led for wind, but
was stopped. Burns put light tap on
side. Burns trying to induce Johnson
to lead, but without success. Burns put
lest twice on body. Johnson swung
twice and missed. Burns put left in
stomach Very tame, Johnson falling
to do any leading.
Round eight-Johnson wrestled
Burns hard against the ropes, and the
crowd Kissed Burns put left on ribs.
Johnson jabbed right in stomach.
Burns put right on jaw. Burns jabbed
left in ribs twice. Crowd kissing john
sen. and Burns loses his temper. Burns
threatens to strike Pearce. Confusion
as the gong sounds.
Round nine-Burns put left on body
light. Burns jabbed right on ribs.
Johnson put stiff right punch on ribs.
Hugging, wrestling and pushing. John