The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-26
Several Times Fitz Apparently Had
Gardner Almost Out, but He
Lacked His Old strength.
GARDNER NOT IN FITS CLASS
DEMONSTRATED THAT HE DID NOT
HAVE HARD PUNCH IN him.
Fftx Claimed He Broke KnuclkIes of
Doth HIS Hands Early i'm the Con-
fest-The Fight by Rounds.

SAN FRANCISCO. Nov 25.-Bob Fitz-
simmons proved tonight that he was not
a dead one" when he boxed and outgen-
eraled George Gardner for twenty full
rounds. Fitz was as awkward and as cum
ming as OF yore. and. apparently realizing
that he must foster his strength. there
was not q moment when he was not care
fitness psrsonified- While the old man
could avoid punishment from Gardner, he
could not knock his opponent out, although
he landed a number of vicious blows From
his performance tonight Gardner is not in
Fitz's class He landed on the old-timer
once in a while, but Fitz was always going
away from him and the blows were harm
less Several times Fitz apparently had
Gardner almost out but he was either too
tired or lacked his old strength and could
not land a knockout punch. Fitz was very
skillful in blocking and lodging Gardeners
blows and In the clinches and break-aways
was very careful The fight did not please
the spectators and the men in the ring
were frequently Missed when they went
through round without apparently trying
to fight.
Referee Eddie Graney. at the close of the
contest. said that 1t was the worst fight he
ever saw. He was forced to give the deci-
sion to Fitz because the latter scored the
knockdowns, but otherwise did no damage.
II was apparent that neither man was quail
ified to claim championship honors.
After the 1ght Fitz appeared to be over
5oyed at his victory. and claimed that the
reason he did not knock Gardner out was
that he broke the knuckles of both hands
early IN the contest. 1t was either for this
reason or because Fitz chose TO act mainly
on the defensive that the fight was not
finished long before the twentieth round
was over.
Gardeners eye was cut open and his nose
knocked askew, while Fitz bled a little at
the mouth Beyond that there was no dam
age done TO either man. Gardner Demon
strated that he did not have a hard punch
in him. Whenever he landed a swing it
had no force In II, and his left jabs had no
other effect than to make Fitz's nose and
mouth a bit red Fitz stood several times
with his guard open and allowed Gardner
to poke him in the nose, so Fitz could step
In and land short-arm Jolts. There were
occasional flashes when the Fitz OF olden
times appeared for a moment. But Ii was
only for a moment. He seemed TO tire
quickly, and after a short vicious rush.
during which he would land on Gardner
and take the grit out Of him. he would rest
during the remainder of the round.
The big pavilion was only fairly filled,
great contrast to the usual state of affairs
when Fitz has fought here before ''Lanky'
Bob has always been a great fayorite here,
and. although the contest tonight did not
fill the arena to its utmost capacity, Fitz
was installed favorite in the betting.
During the day he ruled favorite ut 10 to
3, but towards evening the rumor circu-
lated that he was not in prime condition
and Gardner went up to even money. Later
Fits admirers came forward with their
money and when the men entered the ring
the betting was 10 TO In Fitzsimmons IA
vor. 1t was noticeable that the usual num-
Der of outside patrons OF the prize ring were
absent tonight. The 5000 people were,
with few exceptions. from San Francisco.