Amador ledger., 1902-09-12
ATHLETIC CLUB BOUTS
Podesta Wins the Main
Event on a Foul.
Third Entertainment of Fistic Science
Given by Local Cuba Good
Crowd Present.


The third exhibition of glove con-
tests given by the Jackson Athletic
day evening, September s. There was
good, though not crowded house,
the heat as well as the near approach
of the 9th festivities no doubt having
something to do with the attendance.
The first bout was four round go
between Soldier Walker and Dick
O'Brien of New York. This was simply
friendly set-to for points. Walker
lowered fully six inches over his an
tagonist, and was much heavier and
longer in reach. DR.. Endicott referred
the bout. Both men displayed much
skill in blocking or getting out of the
way of each others blows. They were
jolly and good natured throughout.
The second preliminary was between
young Finley of Electra, and DaIporta
of Jackson, four rounds of two minutes
each. Finley seemed much more slimly
built than his antagonist, and was eyi-
IDENTIFY several pounds lighter. The
man from Electra, however, showed
considerable cleverness. He did nearly
all the leading. They started in at
furious gait, aud at the end of the
second round, both men were evidently
tired. In the fourth round patch OF
blood showed on Dalporta's right
cheek, and it was at first thought that
it was the effect of a blow. 1t proved
to be caused by an abrasion of Finley's
elbow. 1t was good exhibition; the
men were evenly matched, and the
bout thoroughly appreciated by the
audience.
| Next came the event OF the event, IA
twenty round go or fight to finish be-
tween Ralph Brown of Electra, the
victor in two previous contests before
the club, and Joe Podesta of Jackson.
The men appeared about equal in size,
| hight and reach, with perhaps a slight
advantage in weight in favor of Brown.
1t was Podesta's first appearance in the
roped arena, and his friends gave him
wild and prolonged cheering as he
entered. The veteran from Electra,
| however, was also well represented in
the sympathies of the audience. There
was some betting on this event at even
money; all the money that the
Podesta hackers could show being
quickly taken by the other side. 1t
was announced in behalf of Brown that
this was to be his last fight, win or
lose. Bob Johnson of Sutter Creek
was selected as referee.
In the first round the gladiators
started in to pummel each other for all
that was in them. 1t was give and
take, Podesta getting in the most licks,
but they either did not have much
steam behind them, or else Brown was
glutton for such treatment, as they
did not appear to phase him to any ex-
tent. 1t was plain that the mill would
not last long at such a whirlwind pace.
In the second round the slugging
business was resumed. Podesta about
the middle of the round showed blood
about the mouth and nose, while Brown
did not seem to be damaged to any ex-
tent, although both men appeared
tired at the close, Podesta slightly
more so than his antagonist.
The end came in an unexpected man
ner in the third round. 1t was con-
dition of the contest that there should
be no hitting in the clinches. In the
two previous rounds one or two trans
gressiOns OF this rule had occurred,
which were passed over by the referee,
as they had no bearing on the outcome.
Toward the close of the third round,
Brown, while he had his arm round
| Podesta's neck, struck him hard
body blow in the region of the solar
pleXus. The referee thereupon award
ed the fight to Podesta on foul.
| There was howl of dissent when this
outcome was understood, and the ring
was filled with spectators in a second,
most Of them wildly protesting against
the decision. 1t was conceded by near
ly every one that Brown had the better
end Of the fight on its merits, and
there was nothing to be gained by a
deliberate foul on his part. Neverthe-
less the decision stood, and Podesta
ranks as the conqueror of the hitherto
unconquered Brown of Electra This
unsatisfactory ending may result in
another match being arranged between
this pair of local lightweights.