The Washington times., 1902-01-18
FIGHT TURNED
INTO A FARCE.
Maher and SharkGy Fool
Three Rounds.
NOT A BLOW EXCHANGED.
Referee stops Contest Amid the De-
risive shouts of Philadelphia IN
ed During the Day-Kept Their
Word Not to Violate the Peace.

PHILADELPHIA. Jan. 17.-Referee
William H. Recap, in the middle of the
third round, stopped what was to have
been six-round contest between Peter
Maher and Thomas Sharkey, at the Indus
trial Athletic Club tonight. Not single
punch was exchanged.
The men had been arrested early in the
evening on a warrant sworn out by Mr.
Bonnitz, who charged them with a con-
templated breach of the peace. They
were put under So, ,OO0 bond as a guarantee
that they would not break the law in any
manner. and they kept their word.
\ DissrncefuI Fiasco.
1t was the most disgraceful iasco ever
foisted upon the much enduring and long
suffering sporting Philadelphia COM
munity.
AS soon as Sharkey and Maher put up
their hands it was apparent to the spec
tators that they were up against a fake.
From that on until Referee Recap stopped
the farce in the middle of The third round
there was continuous chorus of catcalls
and cries of Fake Take them off,
and SO on.
W
In the hubbub which followed Sharkey
endeavored to address the spectators but
he could not he heard ten feet from the
ringside. The men were undoubtedly
afraid a the outcome of the legal pro-
ceedings which had been brought against
them, and were really afraid TO take any
chances.
That there dicfin md
ing between them before the bout began
there can be no doubt for they insisted
upon getting their share of the gate
money. 20 per cent of the gross receipts
before they went into the ring. But for
this it is not unlikely the money would
have been withheld from them.
Spectators Smash Chairs.
After the bout some of the enraged
spectators reaped what little satisfaction
they possibly could cut of the chairs and
benches.
The appearance of the principals in the
big bout was delayed for nearly an hour,
owing to their refusal to go or until the
house had been counted up and their
share OF the gate receipts had been
turned over to their financial NAL ayers.
Tom Sharkey was the first to snow up.
He entered the ring at 11:32.
He was followed a minute later by Ma
her. Sharkey was attended by Bob Arm
strong, Jim Buckley, Dave Sullivan, and
Alvin King. Peter Maher was looked after
by Peter Lovrie, Tim Callahan, and Mike
Campbell William H. Recap, who had
neen mutually agreed upon by the prin-
cipais, was the referee.
The Farce Apparent.
First round-The men shook hands at
11:40 o'clock, and, after receiving instruc-
tions from the referee, the bout began at
B. 11:4- The sailor was the more rugged
looking OF the two, and there was consid-
cradle fddling, and then they went to
very light clinCh. 1t was evident that
neither man proposed to extend himself,
and the spectators Immediately bowled
''feke" and started to leave the hall. Ii
was rot evena good fake. Sharkey slapped
Peter and Peter slapped Sharkey, and by
way OF variety they hugged each other
When the gong sounded neither man was
visibly winded.
Apologize Sparring.
Second round-Sharkey made an apollo
getic left hand lead into Maher's wind,
and Maher retaliated by slapping him on
the back of the neck. The crowd kept up
terrible din. The boxers simply danced
around the ring, slapping each other with
open hands. but at the same time keep
ing a straight face that was surprising
Toward the end of the round Sharkey
made several wild swings that were full
OF sting, but he very thoughtfully took
care that the punches did not come any
where near landing on Maher's body.
Entirely CONGREGATIONAL.
Round third-The early part Of this
round was entirely conversational Not
even a good slap was landed from the
start OF the round until the referee de-
clared the bout off, stating that he did
not care to referee a contest that was no
contest.