The St. Louis Republic., 1902-08-20

B. II. Benton. pugilistic writer for the
Boston Post, claims to have information
which leads him to believe that something
for the coming championship battle. He
points out that the match was suddenly re-
moved from New London, without previous
warning, and after the Connecticut au-
thortties had practically announced that
there could be no interference with the con-
test under the law.
He goes on to quote various sources OF
information on the point and refers to the
fact that McGovern's battles have, in sew
eral cases. been very suspicious saffairs.
Especially is that the case in his fight with
Cans He does not belittle McGovern as a
hghter; but mentions the incident to show
that his supporters and managers have at
least earned suspicion in some OF their
dealings.
One fact .1pon which he dwells Is the utter
aDSence OF any protest from the Nutmeg
Club. before which the bout was originally
scheduled to take place, although thousands
OF dollars must have been spent already in
been heard from Crowley since that time
nor has anything been said about forfeits
Another point re mentions is the fact that
though Jim Corbett has been semiofficially
announced as referee. no confirmation OF
the fact can be obtained from the Southern
Athletic Club. Benton insinuates or seems
10 insinuate that some one connected with
the bout is holding back to get their own
referee at the last moment. He adds that
McGoVern would he willing, as q business
proposition. to forfeit large sum TO get
the championship back and that this and
lne Detting feature must be considered in
the bout. 80
While his arguments lack weight enough
10 convince the average follower of the
game that there is anything doing. one
point to which he refers is significant; and
this Is the perfect understanding which
seems to exist between the two camps The
sporting public likes to see rivalry between
TWO fighters who are about TO meet: but
here We find Sam Harris arranging details
Tor both men so far as shifting the bout Is
concerned.
1t Will be noted that in all the reports sent
out from the East. Harris is mentioned as
arranging all details just as If he handled
both men-and this in spite of the fact that
he is the manager Of the b5aten fighter who
IS trying to get back lost laurels. Johnny
Corbett does not seem to have any hand
In the details of matters pertaining to the
fight, and this fact seems singular to many
lovers of the game.
OF course, the statements circulated after
the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. fight created such
an amount of talk that similar reports are
likely TO he spread just now about any fight
of Importance. merely because the subject
and the charges Of fakery were general top
les o. discussion. Such discussion would af-
ford grounds for almost any suspicion by
the time a crowd of pugiliStic followers
have aired their views upon any TOPIC an6
Bentons statements may be based on some
such rumors or suspicious.
All things considered. ii seems unlikely
that any deal is contemplated in the coming
bout. Too much depends upon the affair
for both men. as victory will mean much
In pecuniary way to the winner. The only
ground for real suspicion is the undoubted
shady side to some of McGovern's fights
and the fact that he Is still under the same
management as when he fought those bait