The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-23
FITZ MEANS BUSINESS
..I.ANIxY bob" CANCELS HIS PRESENT
THEATRICAL ENGAGEMENTS.
Wants to Fight SharI<cy and the
Sailor Has Nine Days to Put Up His
MOncy-Other Sporting News.

NEW YORK, Jan. 22.-That Bob Fitzsim-
mons is sincere in his desire to defend the
heavyweight championship of the world
against Tom Sharkey or any other pugilst
in the world was attested to-day by i4anky
Bob canceling all his theatrical engage
ments.
If Fftzsimmons did not mean business he
would never have thrown up the lucrative
enga gements he had booked. When be an
nounced his intention of fighting again a
few days ago, many persons imagined that
he was bluffing and simply made the state
ment to boom his theatrical enterprise.
Among those who questioned the genuine
ness of Fitzsimmons desire for another
fight with Tom Sharkey. When informed
of Fits challenge the sailor pugii.st ac-
cused 'Lanky Bob" of using the press as an
advertising medium for his show S!arkey
said that Fitz could prove in only one way
that he was in earnest. The Sailor said:
IF Fitz will abandon his theatrical tour
1 will believe he is honest in his effor-s to
arrange match with me-"
In the parlance of the poker table, II is
now up to-" Mr.. Sharkey. Fitz having COM
piled with the condition exacted by Shar-
key. 1t remains now for Sharkey 10 prove
his sincerity by at once signing articles to
meet the Australian. That the battle will
not be near New York State is certain, as
Fitz has declared that the only club in the
Empire State competent TO handle the match
is not well disposed toward him lie will,
however, agree to fight Sharkey under the
auspices Of any club in the country offer
ing the largest purse and whose motto is
fair play.
The most desirable territory in view at
paro sr.C ~ It.4-
controls the things there, announces his
Willingness to offer a purse. The size uf the
purse, Stuart says, will be announced when
the men sign articles
Sharkey still has about nine days in which
to make a final acceptance and cover Fitz-
simmons's forfeit money to bind the match.
From his statements, Sharkey appears to
be anxious to fight Fitz, but whether he
will come to terms within the time limit
IS another question. The general opinion
among the sporting fraternity is that F'itz
and Sharkey will not come together for
some time 10 come The sports believe
that Sharkey will rest for awhile until the
Cornishman has met JeffrieS or Corbett. If
Sharkey does not come to an agreement
with Fttz, it is more than likely that JEFF
fries, the big California boiler maker, will
be the champions next opponent.
COrbett and Jeffries have 81, 500 each
posted with the sporting editor of the
Journal for a match with FitZ. JeffrieS
has first claim. however, and il Sharkey
agrees to fight Fitz, both will have to stand
aside so far as the champion is concerned
FitZ may give Jeffres a chance after he
meets Sharkey, or Jeffries and Corbett may
come together in the meantime and the
winner of that bout be matched to fight
Fitz for the championship, providing he is
successful with the sailor
Jeffries does not want to stand aside. He
is anxious for a match Immediately and
claims that as he has received the de-
cison over Sharkey who beat Fitzsimmons,
he is entitled to first chance for high hon
Crs. In case Fitz decides to take on JEFF
fries it is rumored that the bout will be
brought off within a few miles of New York
William A. Brady who thinks he has a
coming champion in the Californian, says
that his protege will arrive here next week
and will be ready for business. Brady has
the utmost confidence in Jeffres's ability to
beat the world, and he is anxious to come to
an agreement with as little talk as possible.
Many sports here like JeffriesS style and
believe he is the coming man.