The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-13
moovERN's oAREER.
Has Always Been a Fighter-Loves
His Home and Family.

New York, Jan. 13.-McGovern has
decided to go on the road through the
west with his theatrical company and
when he returns he will fight Oscar
Gardner. His bout with the latter will
be held March at the Broadway club.
One week later the champion will meet
Joe Bernstein in the same arena.
At 20 years of age McGOvern is the
featherweight champion of the world
He outclasses every fighter of his
weight and inches; he is worth thous-
ands of dollars and before him lies a
long vista of prosperity In the ring
he is a demon; in everyday intercourse,
Terry is married and a father. He
loves his home and there is no prospect
Of him straying from the straight and
narrow path-a weakness that has
ruined many a man in his profession.
McGovern has revolutionized pug1l-
ism. He has shown that prize fighter
can lead the life of a puritan. He does
not drink, smoke nor swear; he is re
Iigious and devoted to his family.
This afternoon Terry strolled into
Park Row restaurant to partake OF a
light lunch and meet a few old friends.
Within a minute the news had spread
out into the street and with rapidity
a vast crowd flowed into the restaurant
Terry is absolutely free of that COM
plant popularity known as the big
head" He gazed anXiously at the surg
ing crowd, hastily paid his check and
left by a side entrance.
When alone the champion consented
to talk of his career and future pros
poets. He was as happy as school
boy. There was not the suspicion of
bOastfulneSS in his conversation. He
spoke in a matter of course way and
smiled as he recited the story of his
humble beginning.
His career as a fighter began in the
streets of Brooklyn He made the dis
covery that not a youngSter of his size
could give him an argument with the
fists
Even at that time could handle in
succession two or three ordinary kids, =
said Terry.
McGcRern began his career in the
ring as member of the Jackson Ath-
letic club, boys organization in Brook
lyn- He has fought about 40 important
battles and has scored 10 knockouts-
He attributed his success to his Won
derful physique and hitting power.
It have always looked out for my
health" he said. Il knew that was
even more important than the science
of boxing. wanted to succeed and
left smoking and drinking to the other
| fellows.
when working in a, lumber yard as
stencil boy I met Charlie haywood. He
was the shipping clerk and my boss.
We went to the same church and be-
came fast friends. We have always
| looked out for each other morally. If
! one swore the other checked him and
| vice versa He is with me now and to
! him I owe much of my success.
IT am making considerable money
now and when I retire I want my fam
lily comfortably fixed for life. I do not
love pugilism, but it is my business
and intend to make the most of it.
will I take a rest Yes. so far as
| big fights are concerned. I have two
or three engagements on hand and after
they are over I will rest, but I don t
| feel worn out in the least. Perhaps
! that is because am young. AS a mat
ter Of fact I have not rested a month
since I entered the prize ring"