The Minneapolis journal., 1903-03-31
SPORTS.
ON EVE OF BATTLE !.
McGovern and Young Corbett Ex-
press Their Confidence in Out.
a. -
come of Fight.
Denver Lad Likely to Enter the
Ring at Frisco the
Favorite.

William Rothwell, better known as
Young Corbett, and Terry McGovern will
meet tonight at the Mechanics pavilion
in San Francisco in fistic contest for
the feather weight championship OF the
world McGovern, who formerly held the
lightweight championship. is confident
that the honor is to become his, while
the present champion Is equally certain
that his former victory will be repeated.
The fighters have made the following
statements for publication: Z
Il am as good right now as ever was
In my life and I cannot figure that Nc
Govern has improved any In the last year..
I defeated him before in exactly the way
I said I would and can see no possible
reason why I should not do so again.
When get on the scales to-day will be
close to the limit, but I will be strong.
There Is no intention on my part to boast.
Judge me by what I do and let 1T go
at that. If Terry can win over me there
will be no howl coming from my side OF
the fence. never did believe In making
excuses after a. battle. l will have none
to offer If I lose tonight.
WIN. Rothwell." (Young Corbett) ,
II feel much better now than did at my
last contest with Young Corbett and ex-
pect to regain, the title lost at that time.
I have worked hard and faithfully for this
hood, who has trained me since my first
fight, says he never saw me in as good
condition. + know for a fact that Cor
bett will weigh at least six or seven
pounds more than myself when we enter
the ring, but that will not make any differ
ence. He defeated me fairly and sduarely
at our former meeting and II he can do the
trick again will take my hat of to him.
Terry McGovern."
Betting on the event In Frisco became
fairly active yesterday with McGovern at
Corbett's supporters there was no great
amount Of MCGovern money. The Coz
bett people showed a willingness to take
all bets offered at 10 to basis. 1t is
estimated that more than $4,000 was
actually bet in Frisco but 1t Is expected
that the total will be swelled to something
like $4,000 before the fighters enter the
ring to- night.
Judging by the tendency Of the odds
and the talk of wise betters who stake
large sums. McGovern's admirers Will be
able to place all their coin at even money
and unless signs fall Corbett will have the
call by nightfall at 500 to s96 or a shade
better. @'
Eddie Graney, who will referee the
fight, last night sent the following to Lou
NJ. Houseman. sporting editor Of the Chi
cago Inter Ocean: :"
San Francisco March 30.-I have seen
both men and have found them in grand
condition. Both are very confident. They
have agreed to protect themselves in the
clinches and do not desire to be. pulled
apart until it is necessary. In the event
that doctors are called into the ring to
examine either Corbett or McGovern in
regard to a foul and that they pronounce
the man struck fairly I will give the deci-
sion against him. But I apprehend no
trouble in this quarter as / think both
boys are square. honest fighters and will
not resort to trickery.-Eddie Graney.'
Application for seats show that the
crowd at Frisco will be as large as that
which witnessed the mill between Jenries
and Fitzsimmons. Large parties are COM
ing in special cars from cities like Salt
Lake City. Reno. Seattle, Portland, Los
Angeles and Tacoma. Both men are ac-
knowledged to be in the best condition,
though Corbett is still a trif1e over weight
and may have more throuble than he
thinks in getting off a lot of superf1uous
flesh. The effect Of his hard Sunday work
was shown this morning. when Corbett
weighed 1923, having taken off one good
pound in twenty-four hours. Corbett
worked very hard yesterday and expected
this morning to be down to 127. Drinking
~ much water and ale at meals has pre-
vented him from losing weight as he
should have done. ...~
After breakfast yesterday Corbett went
on the road in heavy rain, and did six
miles at a lively clip At noon lunch was
light, but sufficient to keep his strength
Then he rested few hours and went ir
for indoor work :.,.
Il will do some road work this even.
ing he said. when I get through
think I will weigh between 127 and 12S
Tomorrow morning I will probably take
another short squirt on the road and theI
will be at the limit. You may say tc
those who have been worrying about my
ability to save their fight money may res
easy. I have come very close to the mari
without weakening myself and the little
flesh that remains to be taken off viii
make no difference whatever" =;
The followers of the Corbett camp ART
advising eastern friends to lay theil
money on the young Denverite. This i!
of the best indications. of their con
-fidenCe in the man.
The talk consequent upon dispa tches in
tmating that the fight was to be "faked'
has died away. In sporting circles it il
given no credence, for the desire of eacl
of the fighters to master the other is be
lieved to be sincere. The fraternity
looks for a history making go between
the two featherweights. ...,
Terry MCGOvern, who is well unde
weight, is taking life rather easy. Yes
teTuay morning ne dlQ no work to Speal
of. He spent most Of the time lyin,
around headquarters chatting and joking
with his trainers and guests. The mono
tony was frequently relieved by receip
of letters and kilograms from easterl
friends. All these nissives bore goe,
wishes and encouragement and naturall
they made Terry feel good. His fac
beamed with contentment. Vs.. s!
If ever I wanted to whip Corbett,'' h
said that time is now" -.
Despite his condition it is evident tha
McGovern looks for fight that will ca,
for all his speed and power. He is m k in
no boasts, and his manager, Sam Harris
as well as his trainer, Charlie Mayhoo6
say little as to the number of rounds /
which they think Terry can do the tricl
They are, however, confident that he wi
get the decision. s...-
McGovern is a pronounced favorite i
the local betting, and there is compare
lively little Corbett money in sight. Yes
.terday Frank Mccormick and some of hi
friends raised a pot Of $1,000. which wa
bet on McGovern at 10 to 8, George
Hammond putting up 5000 on Young CO,
bett. Another pool Of $1,000 was poste
at the same odds. but no Young Corbe,