Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-02-17


the Tri-CIty Athletic CIub-Large Crowd
in observation-disclosures Over Rules
The Preiiminaries.
The fight between John Root and
Billy Stiff at Claus Groth hall at Dav-
export last night resulted in the bat
tie being awarded to Root on a foul in
the seventh round.
The sporting gentry from not only
the three towns, but many adjacent
cities, was there in force, and seemed
satisfied that at least the battle was
for blood. The main event was pre-
ceeded by 4 around bout between
Maurice Reauch and Clarence Forbes
and an equal number of rounds be-
tween Harry Forbes and Fred Whit
tingham. all of Chicago. These
served to keep the crowd in good
humor along with an introduction of
Jack Everhart. by Manager Leonard,
who spoke of him as probable future
contestant before the club.
Then came the introduction of Mala-
chi Hogan, followed a few moments
later by the appearance of Stiff along
with his attendants, Charles Stiff.
Hank Bright, Charley Welch and F..
Parker. Shortly afterward Root
stepped into the ring. accompanied
by Jack Richie and Farmer Burns.
who were in his corner. John Dunn
held the watch for Stiff and Lou House
man for Root. Jack Everhardt being
official timekeeper. 1t was then an
nounced that the men had weighed in
at about the agreed upon 161 pounds.
At 1890 Referee Hogan called the men
to the center of the ring and explained
the rules. There was a disagreement
as to the strict Interpretation of the
Marquis of Queensbury rules. Stiff
insisting upon it while Root objected.
Lou Houseman tossed up coin and
Stiff won, the result being that hit
ting with one arm free in clinch
would be allowed and also in the break
away.
Story of the Contest.
At 1850 came the call of time and
the men faced each other for the fight.
Round Root was at once the ag-
gressor, both, however, being eau
tious. They clinched frequently and
Rugged each other in the clinches.
They exchanged on the body, Root
following with singer over Stift's
eye that made him vince. The gong
sounded with the men in clinch.
Round 2-The opening was made
with spirited work. Stiff landed
heavily on Roots body, the latter
betting away at Stift's optic, which
was now in haZy condition. No
less than half dozen clinches oc-
Cured in this round, Stiff doing con-
siderable clever infighting, but swing
ing wildly at times. Roo: was the
cooler and more shifty on his feet.
Round SIT was give and take.
Root landed some stiff ones on the
head and face, following this with a
rush into Stift's corner. where he
went down on his knee. Both were
working hard, but doing little dam
age.
Round There was series of
sharp exchanges. Root worked on
Stift's head, the latter reaching Roots
body whenever possible. Both
showed the results of the fast work,
hugging so tight in clinches that
Referee Hogan had to break them by
force. Root sent his man to grass,
the gong sounding before they got to
work again.
Round 5-Simiiar to the opening of
round / in the matter of sharp
exchanges. Root went down. They
fought viciously, the round closing in
clinch. Root now looked the fresher.
Round 6-There was more fast
fighting, Root again going to his knee.
Stiff was still punching hard in the
breakaway. Root was showing more
science and Stiff. though game,
showed the results OF his punish
ment.
Round They were fairly warm
ing to their work when Stiff swung
wildly. Root rushed him back tow
ards his corner. In clearing the ropes
Stiff jabbed him and Root went to his
knee. Before he could regain his feet
Stiff landed upon his Jaw and Root
rolled over and out. There was 4
tumult in an instant, with cries of
foul. Referee Hogan then Gained the
assemblage and awarded the fight to
Root, saying he had been fouled
either accidentally or Intentionally,
but he thought accidentally.
The decision met the approval of all
present.
As Tommy Ryan was to challenge
the winner. il is understood articles
have been practically drawn between
Root and Ryan for go before the
Tri-Citv Athletic clu in Davenport in
the near future.