Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-07-31
JEFFR|ES WON.
Knocked Out Fitzsimmons after
Hard Fight of Eight
Rounds.
Hal the Worst Of the Fighting unit
tine Finish-Fitzsimmon Was Smil-
ing and Confident When He
Was Struck Jeffries's Face
Badly Pounded.

Ringside. San Francisco, July 25.-After
fighting a battle of eight rounds that was
fought with brilliant and courageous work,
Robert Fitzsimmons tonight forfeited his
last claim upon the heavyweight cham
pionship. He was knocked to the floor by
James J. Jeffries and counted out after he
had SO badly punished the champion that
1t was a foregonc conclusion among the
spectators that the Cornish man must win
Bleeding from a number Of gashes in the
face, apparently weakening, and clearly
unable to cone with Fitzsimmons's super
Tor skill, Jcfrles delivered two lucky
punches as fitZsimmonS paused in his
lighting to speak to him. and turned the
tide. The battle was brief but note.
worthy, and Will live in pugilistio history.
1t was late in the afternoon when the
great canopy covering the octagonal rins,
In which the battle took place was finally
stretched. The grounds were then cleared
by the police ana stragglers were elected.
Before shutdown long lines Of men formed
on Valencia street md Julian avenue. and
awaited the opening of the two gates.
There was no disorder until o'clock
when the crush became heavy but 240 po-
licemen handled the crowd well. The arc
lights over the ring were turned on at ! As
o clock, by which time the bleachers hold
ing 800 people, were filled. The usual
night fog did not prevail and although tho
air was chilly there was no discomfort.
Kid Eagan. representing the champion;
Clark Ball for fitzsmmons and Alex Greg
gains for the San Francisco Athletic club
inspected the premises at s o'clock and
agreed that all was in readiness for the
| fight.
The gates were opened at six O'Clock and
the ticket holders began to flock in. The
lls,., TT, II
last one resting against the improvsed
back wall or high board fence sloping
down to the ground level. The occupants Of
these seats really were afforded the best
view of all that occurred IN the ring. At
1870 the gallery was full and the doors
leading to the more favored sections were
opened and the sections Immediately be-
hind box seats gradually filled up. a num-
her of well known faces were among the
early arrivals. George Sler occupied seat
in the press row at the ringsde
In one of the boxes to the west If the
ringside sat Mayor Eugene Schmitz in
company with other city officials.
At s:45 the house was practically filled
The late Jack Dempseys belt, which was
brought here from Portland was brought
to the ring and exhibited for the purpose
of selling tickets for the benefit OF Demp-
seys widow
Volunteers were called for among those
active in the ring to-day to act as solicit
ors. Among those volunteering were Joe
Cans. Jimmy Britt and Young Peter Jack.
son.
At SIS p m. the crowd became dense
The aisles were congested and much con-
fusion ensued. This was soon straightened
out. however. when the principals of the
preliminary fight came on there was hard
~ a vacant place in all the $500 provided
seats.
ARRIVAL or THE FIGHTERS.
/ At 500 p m. Fitzsimmons arrived in a
/ carriage lie was cheered by the CrowL
/ that stood at the entrance. Fitz went i'm.
modiately to his dressing tent at the right
of the main entrance and proceeded tt
dress. He was accompanied by his man,
| agcr, Clark Ball, Hank Griffin, the colorec
| puglist, and one or two friends. The one,
champion declared that he never felt bet
ter and said he would win. Ho was in {
cheerful frame of mind and inquired abou
the crowd in attendance and other matters
incident to the fight.
About ten minutes later Jeffries drove NJ
and got out of his carriage, followed b,
his trainer, Billy Delaney, his brother
Jack his boxing partner, Joe Kennedy an
Kid Egan his secretary The crowd set u
a terrific roar at the sight Of the big fel
low. to which he responded by a wave o
his hand. Proceeding direct to his dress
ing tent Jeffries Immediately got ready t
don his ring costume. lie was not in
: laxative mood, but appeared calm an
confident. He inquired about the atten
dance and expressed satisfaction when toll
that the police was holding the crowd 1
good order
There was SO little ring side betting tina
, II was hardly apDreciable The order
were about the same that have preyaile
the last few days, 10 to 4.
PEW WOMEN PRESENT
A. Q.H tho orl,, nra,ir,irary e,,ht r,o
,ut on If was a % round AFFAIR het wee
, o ,lo,i ,,,taaIo u,oi,h,s D.ya p,rr,. a,