Omaha daily bee., 1902-02-23
GARDNER AND SMITH MATCH
Both Little Fellows Train Hard for
Their Coming Meeting, Each
Being CONFIDENT.

Local sporting interest centers now in the
ten-round 60 Of next Friday night between
Haich Smith, the colored featherweiEht of
Omaha, and Eddie Gardner Of Wheeling.
w. Va, brother OF the redoubtable Oscar
Gardner OF this city. President Peter Loeb.
OF the Omaha Athletic club is sparing no
trouble or expense to make the affair a
success.
This match was arranged two weeks ago
and since hat time each man has been In
constant and conscientious training. For
different reasons each has been compelled
TO work especially hard to prepare for the
contest. In Gardeners case It was a scratch
as to whether he could make the weight at
all. The figure set is 124 pounds, Smith
giving a couple for the sake Of securing the
match. When Gardner started to train two
weeks ago he had not been doing much
since his hght with Ole Oleson Of Chicago at
South Omaha in December. That match,
too. was virtually at catch weights, so
Gardner did not wear down in preparation
for it to any extent. As a consequences he
had fully ten pounds to take on. with
only three weeks TO make this reduction
its possibility has been a great question
and still another problem has been how 20
do IL and not weaken the fighter. Ten
pounds Is a good deal to take on such a
small a Gardner is a very earnest
worker, however, and is also careful Of
himself while In training, and the latest
reports from South Omaha, where he ,s
CHARTERED, indicate that he will make the
necessary weight safely and stiI be in per
feet condition. with no wire edge propensi-
ties.
1t will cost Gardner 500 on the start. too.
II he fails to make the weight. for that Is
the amount OF the forfeit that is posted.
Smith insisted on q gOodly sum, because Of
the fact that he was going two pounds over
hs usual limit as a gift and tire or four
pounds over what he can make ana be
strong and IT.
No question exists as to Smith making
me weight as he has not gone over the
l24-pound mark At any time IN weeks past.
Yesterday he weighed between les and haIf
a pound heavier. and he will fight very
near 132. His long workout for the whit
taker tight in January left him In prime
condition and he had not much 70 attain
In that direction for the Gardner 20,
smith Is also working very hard, and Il Is
because he wants to win the Tight. There
Is no question that Gardner is better than
any OF the men that Smith has met 80 far
and though the colored boys friends have
every confidence In his ability to continue
his victories. they admit that Eddie Is 2
nut to crack. II any amount Of work car
Increase his craft Smith intends to do il. and
as a consequence his managers say that he
Is not only in the best physical condition
be has ever known. but is also smarter
eleVerer. quicker and brighter than ever be.
fore. Put behind this all hls. natural exbt.
er's build. and that terrible right-hapd
punch. and he certainly ~justines the prid,
his hackers take In him.
Betting has already begun on the con
test and. despite predictions to the con
trary, the game Is even money so far. 1;
was thought that Gardner's weight and SUI
perior experience would make him a IA.
vorite from the start. but II developed thal
smith had q host OF friends who are willing
bettors az even money. His backsns them.
selves have . goOd sum Of money which