The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-16

ment that would have caused many a boy
to abandon the struggle, he has never been
known to flaunt the white flag. Whenever
Sullivan has heard the gong's clang calling
him to the center it has been his custom to
stick like a stole. Merciless foes have
never had a terrorizing effect on this
youngster who believes in pushing the bat
tie to a finish and neither asking nor grant
ing any quarter.
In McGovern he is going to face an an
tagonist of just this kind. 1t promises to
be an event rarely duplicated in point of
gameness and swift execution. In whirl-
wind fashion McGovern will begin his part
of the battle, which, if lost, relegates
Young Corbett's'' victim to the rear ranks
and makes Sullivan the next logical oppo-
nent of that pugilistic surprise, William
Rothwell, of Denver.
All is practically in readiness for the big
event. Manager r. c. Gray, of the South
ern Athletic Club. has completed every de-
tail. He awaits the crowd, which promises
to number no less than 5000. Not since the
days when FitZsmmOns wrested laurels
from the great Jack Dempsey and James j.
Corbett vanqushed John l.. Sullivan has
such a gathering of high-class sports been
promised. From St. Louis, Chicago, Gin
cinnati, Columbus, indianapolis, the Indi-
ana gas belt, Nashville, Memphis and the
smaller cities and towns Of Kentucky, In
diana and Ohio followers of the game are
going to make the journey on special
trains
The arrangements for this fistic festival
are ideal. The Southern Athletic club, ac-
knowledged to be the most successful ath-
letic organization now existing in this coun-
try, began its career at the Auditorium. the
largest playhouse in the Southwest, on Dec.
10. 1900, when il brought together Dave Sui
Ivan and Tim Callahan, of Philadelphia.
For seventeen rounds Sullivan and the
Quaker City lad struggled through one of
the hottest engagements ever witnessed in
the squared circle. Sullivan was the win
ner. From the beginning the Southern
bouts have been of the highest class, and
well has il upheld the AuditOrium's motto,
For great attractions only" Manager
Gray provided the first stakeless ring out
side of New York, and Frank Parfitt in
vented for the club the first electrical an
nouncer known to operate successfully.
This is directly over the arena and records
the rounds in figures 1Sx25 inches as the
contest progresses
The capacity of the Auditorium has been
tested but twice. The divine Patti packed
it 10 the walls on each occasion. Mr.. Quilp
a gold-headed cane. He has one ready TO
present to Manager Gray.
XXX
Straight Marquis of Queensberry rules
will govern the contest between Sullivan
and McGovern. Five-Ounce gloves will be
used Robert Fitzsimmons, of New York.
will be the referee The principals are 10
weigh In at l26 pounds at o clock on the
afternoon OF the bout. The doors of the
Auditorium will be thrown open at Z
o'clock. At SIS o'clock George Schulz and
kid Sparks. local lightweights. will be
introduced in the preliminary. They are 10
box ten rounds straight Marquis OF Queens
berry rules. The time keeper for the
Southern Athletic Club will be Mr. Ike
FOrst, of Louisville.
In contrast to many important matches
in recent years the McGOvern-Sullivan has
been singularly free from long distance
! conversation or abuse. This has been a
pleasant diversion TO the sport-loving pub
lie and has done no little 10 convince the
public that the contest is to be charac-
teriZed by milling strictly on its merits.
McGovern thinks he is a certain winner.
He proposes in his battle with Sullivan
10 demonstrate that he is the McGovern
who defeated Gardner. Erne Dixon, Broad
and other top-notchers Sullivan says there
is going TO be a big surprise.
The men signed articles last December
and at once began TO train In New York.
McGovern did his preliminary work at
Hampstead, l.. l., and Sullivan worked at
his home at Home Crest, near Coney
island. Tom Sharkey, manager OF sullivan.
was at that time training for a bout with
Peter Maher, and the sailor and Sullivan
worked together. A month ago sullivan