Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-13
MCGOVERN WINS.
Whips Palmer Of England in 2
Min., 80 Secs.
Nine Thousand People Witness Fight
---Worth $500 to Winner.
McGovern 0utclasses Palmer and Easily Wins
in the First Round.

lar" Palmer Of London, thoroughly and
in double quick order in the arena of
the Westchester Club. near Tuckahoe,
\. Y, this afternoon. and thereby earn
cd the title Of bantam champion Of the
world, although both contestants were
actually in the featEorweight class.
The Englishman, although forcing the
pace at the outset, was really never in
it from the word go. and McGovern
simply battered his opponent into par
tial insensibility. The Brooklyn lads
arms worked like piston rods. and the
punishment which he melted out to
Palmer was swift and terrible.
The battle did not last quite one
round, the actual time Of fighting being
minutes and 81 seconds, at the end of
which Palmer was lying helpless
though half conscious, on the floor Of
the ring. Through the accidental ring
ing Of the gong by the official time
keeper the lads We're separated when
they had been fighting one minute
Each went to his corner. but The error
was rectilied in less than L seconds
and the boys resumed hostiltics i'm
mcdiately at the command OF the ref
cree, George Silcr.
From the outset MCGoVcrn seemed
u have his man well in hand but his
most sanguine admirers never imagin-
"a that Terry would win in such short
order. 1t was a case of q hurricane
fighter pitted against clever boxer
and the fighter won. McGoVcrn went
al his adversary with bulldog dctermi-
nation ana lightning rapidity. His
arms were never at rest for moment
ana ~ beat down Palmer's guard with
slcdgc hammer blows.
McGovcrn's victory was clean cut
and decisive. It is just possible that
in the near future he viii meet George
Dixon ana oscar Gardiner. with the
prospect Of winning the feathcrweight
championship. II is up to these two
boxers at this stage as they are, with
the exception of Will Curley Of Eng
land. the only lads in the ring who
who seem to be in McGovern's class.
The ring where the battle took place
was pitched in the centre of a stockade
enclosure. in which seats were arrang-
ed for ~ oo0 persons. The prices of ad-
mission ranged from 81 to $l5. and
spVen-cighths Of the seating capacity of
the enclosure was occupied. The purse
Tor which the lads contested was Of the
value of $4,000. - per cent. Of which
went to the winner and the remainder
to the loser. In addition to this both
pugilsts are guaranteed an interest in
the privilege aCcruing from the pictures
taken of the fight.
A more representative crowd of
sporting men never watched a pugilis
tic contest. The pugilistic element was
largely represented. every boxer Of
note being on hand. Among the big
fellows at the rinsside We're Tom
Sharkey. Bob Fitzsimmons, Kid Nc
COY and Jim CorEett. Each one of this
quartet met with a warm reception,
but when John l.. Sullivan walked
down the aisle and took seat in a box
at the ringside. a mighty cheer greeted
him, ana the big fellow bowed his ac-
acknowledgements Sullivan went to Nc
Governs dressing room and gave the
little fellow some advice, which un-
doubtedly benefited McGovegn. as sub
sequent events proved. FRANC Erne Of
Buffalo. was also at the rinSside as
We're Jack O'Brien and Tim kearns,
who have ambitions in the lightweight
class. There were hundreds of sport
ing men from all over the United States
and a large number of the race track
contingent was in evidence.
When the boys entered the ring, the
attendance was estimated at 5000. Me-
Govern was a strong favorite in the
betting. several large wagers being
made at odds of 100 to so and later
these odds were increased to 100 to 40.
at which price all of the British money
in sight was picked up. McGovern and
his manager had several commissioners
betting for them and they won about
$4,000 III the aggregate.
The postponement of the fight from
yesterday until today, owing to the
storm, yesterday. was a hardship to
the principals, as both of them We're
down to weight at o'clock. yesterday
morning McGovern weighed then ia
p pounds and Palmer 1l5H the limit
being 1l6 pounds.
1t was understood that they would.
under the articles of agreement. have
to weigh in again at ) o'clock this
morning, but at the request Of Palmer's
manager. F. A. Bettison of the National
Sporting Club of London. it was agreed
to have the lads meet each other at
catchweghts without further weighing.
Many argued that Palmer would be
benefited by this arrangement but
McGovern did not suffer by the conces-
sion. Both pugilists We're quartered in
cottages within 100 yards of the ring
side from early morning and at $50
o'clock they appeared in the enclosure.
When they reached the ringsidc they
were accorded a hearty welcome.
Palmer first entered the ring. He was
accompanied by Manager Bettison.
Sam Blakelock. Jim Ball and jeff
Thorne. all of England. one of these
carried British flag. which he waved
over Palmers head while the band
played "God Save the Queen" Nc
Governs 12-year-old brother. perched
on the shoulders of two stalwart men,
waved an American flag and the band
struck up "The Star Spangled Banner
The action of the youngster created in
tense enthusiasm.
McGovern entered the ring with his
manager Sam Harris, AL McMurray,