The evening times., 1899-11-03
BATTLE OF THE GIANTS.
Je6rfes and sharkey Ready for TO
nights Encounter.

Je6rfes and Sharkey Ready Tor 40.
nights Encounter.
NEW YORK, Nov. 3.-James J. Jehries
and Thomas Sharkey will enter the ring
at the Coney Island Athletic Club tonight
for the heavyweight championship. Both
fighters are declared by their trainers to
be in the pink OF condition and sporting
men look forward to witnessing one Of the
hardest battles that has been fought in
the pugilistic arena In years. Interest IN
the contest Is intense. Few pugtlistic en-
counters Of late years have aroused the en-
thusiasm that the meeting between JEFF
fries and Sharkey has called forth, and 1t
is expected that the seating capacity of
the huge fighting club at Coney Island will
be taxed to its utmost to accommodate the
crowds who will go to see the two heavy
weight pugilists battle for glory and mon-
ey According to the managers Of the
fight, it is seldom that the demand for
tickets In advance has been so large, and
spectators who have any choice seats for
sale expect to command good prices for the
tickets. i-
While considerable money has been wag-
cred upon the result in favor OF Jeffries,
and though the boilermaker is made the
favorite because OF his defeat Of Fitzsim-
have every confidence in his condition,
courage, and, fighting ability and believe
that he can vanquish the champion. Both
men have large followings. Considering
the evident advantage in point Of weight,
height, and reach that Jeffries possesses. 1t
is natural for the rank and file to pin its
faith to, the Californian. The outcome OF
the match Is extremely doubtful.
The great interest felt in tonight's bat
tie is ascribed to the fact that the men
are so equally matched in point Of science,
experience, and ability to Withstand pun
ishment. There have been rumors put in
circulation that Jeffries is not in good con-
dition. The big fighter and his assistants
declare the statement to be utterly without
foundation One of Jeffries' assistants this
morning stated that the champion would
enter the ring tonight in as perfect ply
steal condition as he was in when he won
the championship from Fitzsimmons
Sharkey Is in great condition, and will
render a good account of himself. Appre-
ciating his condition and strength, he ia
not dismayed by the favoritism manifested
for Jeffries. but declares that he is in the
fight to win, and that he is confident that
he will earn the decision. The fact that
some OF the pugilists who have figured in
past fstic encounters have picked Jeffries
as the winner does not alarm the Sharkey
has never been a favorite in any of his
fights but one The fact that Sharkey's
personal followers have wagered their
money freely on the sailor is proof Of their
confidence in him.
The managers of Jeffries have selected
the same ring corner which he occupied
when he beat sFitzsimmons. In his fight
with Fitzsimmons, Jeffries by terrific hi.-
ting, excellent headwork, and science man
aged 10 knock Lanky Bob out in the elev-
enth round. Admirers Of the champion
expect that Jeffries will aim to discover
Sharkey's weak points early in the fight.
and when sure Of 1t will soon put an end
to the sailors, aspirations for champion
ship honors. Sharkey Is trained for the
battle of his life. He tips the scales at
close to 1S5 pounds. and depends great
deal upon his perfect physical condition to
withstand Jeffries punches. Sharkey Is
a rushing fighter, is capable Of heavy hit
ting at either long or close range, and Is
one of the greatest men in the ring to
stand punishment
The sailor will be handled by George
Dixon, Bob Armstrong, John Dougherty.
and Tom O'Rourke, four of the most ex-
perienced men in the business. Jeffries
interests will be looked after principally
by Tommy Ryan and Billy Delany