The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-29
SAY FITZ HAS LOST
HIS KNOCKOUT BLOW.
Corbett Is Believed to he Fitx's Log
ical OppOnent-YOung Corbett and
HanlOn in Training.

Bob Fitzsimmons is now the light heavy
weight champion Of the world. having won
that title by securing the decision over
George Gardner at San Francisco last
Wednesday night. Much has been said
about that fight. 1t will be remembered that
before the battle such well-known boxers
as Corbett and Jeffries, both of whom
ought to know Fitzsimmons's ability, de-
clared that Fitz would be winner, but
that he would have to win inside of ten
rounds, as he was getting too old to go
much longer distance. F'itz showed that he
could go the distance. but just how hard
Gardner made him fight is known only by
the experts who witnessed the battle.
Since the contest many reasons have been
given by experts for the rather remark
able fight. Some have viewed it with
suspicion. while those more charitable have
regarded Gardner as having only small
amount of courage, and still others have
said that the contest clearly demonstrated
that Fitz has lost his punch, and is no
longer a dangerous pugiist.
From this distance it looks as If FitZ won
the battle on his generalship. as he has
evidently lost his power of delivering
Knockout blows. On the other hand, 1t
more punishment than men who have gone
down before Fits terrific jabs and swings.
Gardner had every chance to win, but ne
was unequal to the opportunity.
There are many aspirants to the title
just won by Fitzsimmons. but who will
be the Cornishmans next opponent has
not been determined. Reports have been
circulated that Corbett and Fitz would
come together within the next few
months. If they should meet the contest
would attract great interest. but not as
much had Fitz made his victory over
Gardner more decisive. There are many
who now believe that Corbett would win
against Fitzsimmons should the two fight.
The next big fight of any consequence
will take place in San Francisco on Dec. 20,
when Young Corbett and Eddie Hanlon
battle for the featherweight championship
of the world. All arrangements for the
have opened their training camps. The men
will meet at 129 pounds, the battle to be for
twenty rounds. 1t is a rather high limit
to place on the weight especially in view
of the fact that the fight is TO be adver-
tised as being for the featherweight cham
pionship. but a few pounds above the limit
seems 10 make no difference with those
who arrange such bouts. Young Corbett
will receive a percentage of the gross re-
ceiptS win or lose. besides the winning or
losing end of the purse. 1t is expected the
fight will attract $4,000 house.
Boston ring followers pick John (Twin)
Sullivan as the next middleweight cham
pion, in view of his recent good showing
| against Philadelphia Jack O'Brien in a six
round bout in Philadelphia Sullivan wants
| to arrange a match for a longer distance
| with O'Brien. He is so confident that he is
willing to back himself to the extent of
$500 that O'Brien cannot stop him in fifteen
| rounds. He feels that he can win If O'Brien
! will make the weight 154 pounds at 3
| O'Clock on the afternoon of the contest.