The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-21
CHEERS FOR FITz
Ex-Champion Makes a Triumphal
Entry Into San Francisco.
JEFFRIES FAVoRITE AT 5 TO 2
Californian Is in Splendid .Condi-
ton, Say the Experts Who
Have Seen Him Work.

Bob Fitzsimmons, fresh from his training
camp at Skaggs Neck, made a triumphal entry
into San Francisco yesterday morning, 10000
men. women and children crowdng and jost-
ling in the effort to catch a glimpse of the
champion. Fitz sat behind quartet of pran-
cling grays with the men of Kitchener re-
ceiving the salutations of the London popu-
lace.
II feel great said Fitz, in answer to a
question put to him. He looks it. His face Is
tanned to a degree which almost obscures his
freckles; his gait, always .shambling, was
springy, and his eyes were bright and clear.
He said that his work from now on until the
night Of the fight would tie just sufficient to
keep him on edge.
I've had a thorough understanding with
Graney," he said. "and it is understood that
there is to be no leaning on in the clinches,
and NO elbow work. If Jeffries can lick me
under the rules. we'll and good. but I don t
intend to let him rough me out of all chances
of winning. 1t must be square stand up
and punch fight, no Graeco-Roman or catch
as-catch-can wrestling match.
Referees Fee.
The question of the referees fee is yet un-
settled. Graney vows that he will not off1ciate
for less than $500, and the club Is equally pos
tive in it's assertion that if Graney receives
more than $500 the winning fighter will have
to pay it.
Greggains and Graney are Of opposite politi-
cal faith and represent warning factions in one
district. This has not tended to mollify mat
ters any, and the fight over the referees fee
is only an offshoot of political squabble.
Graney was selected referee in opposition to
.Greggains wishes: ....- -~-. y.
Jeffres had quiet day in Oakland, confin-
ing himself to a light walk in the morning
and afternoon and to pin pool and bottle pool
at the clubrooms. He will put in two days
more Of hard work, and will then taper off by
easy stages in his work Jeffres will enter
the ring weighing about PIT pounds, while
Fitzsimmons will not exceed 165
Jeffries Is down to 2l0 pounds, and George
Siler Lou Houseman and other experts who
saw him box Saturday said they never before
knew him to be so quick or SO strong as he is
now. He showed by his boxing Saturday that
the reports of his poor condition were fakes,
as he was in splendid trim, and Joe Kennedy
an0 his brother Jack were handled as though
they were bows. Both are afraid of him, as
when he gets warmed up he hits harder than
he thinks.
Betting Is Stationary.
The betting at San Francisco remains sta
tionary, with Jeffries heavy favorite at 5 to
and to 1. Little money has been laid
1t is definitely settled that If Jeffries wins.
tho champion will fight Jim Corbett at San
Francisco on Aug. %. The story that Corbett
Is matched to fight the winner Is not true on
the face Of it, since Fitzsimnons declares that
he will not meet Corbett anybody else If
he wins. If Fitzsimmons loses, however, he
states that he may be induced to meet some
of the lighter men, notably the winner of the
Root-Gardner match to be fought at Salt
Lake City Aug. IA.
The champion prize ring belt of the world,
held by the late Jack Dempsey. was taken
last night to San Francisco, where it will be
sold to the highest bidder at the rngsde of
tho Jeffries- -Fitzsimmops fight. The proceeds
of the sale Will lie expended in the education
Of the two Dempsey children.