The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-28
INJURY TO JEFF'S LEG
NOW AR0USING INTEREST
Fears Expressed That Accident May
Delay Battle, Now Little More
Than Fortnight Away.

There IS one feature in connection with
the recent injury to Jeffries's leg. due to a
secretly pleasing the friends of Jim Corbett.
and this is the rage into which the cham
pion flew when Corbett mockingly asserted
that JEFF was attacked with cold feet and
was trying to back out of the battle.
No one really believes that Jeffries is any
thing else than wiling to fight next month
motive. which is clearly to make the cham
pon mad. His success in exasperating the
big fellow. however. has been apparent
that Corbetts friends have high hopes he
can follow the same tactics in the ring next
month.
When Corbett. entered this battle he an
nounced that he could easily outpoint JEFF
fries; that. failing in everything else. he
could so exasperate the champion by jab-
bling him for, few rounds as to make the
pig man W th ana careless IN IN the ring ne
on arousing the big mans ire.
If he can do so by merely making a
Jeffries's injury, his chances for irritating
the champion throughout the fight are
strong. Ever since Jeffries went into train
ing reports have constantly emanated from
his camp of his constant surliness. He
, seems to have been in an irritable mood
ever since he took up work.
His supporters believe that much of this
is due to the self-complacent Corbett The
former champion carefully studies out all
announcements he makes. apparently with
a view to working Jeffries up to fever heat.
He is succeeding beyond expectations. Cor
bett Is no doubt chuckling over the fact.
to be little question Accounts from Frisco
agree that the leg is badly affected, al
though it is thought that the soreness will
pass off in a couple of days. 1t is to be
hoped that this Will prove. true, as a post
ponement of the fight would be disappoint
ing in the extreme.
August Is. as was originally planned. When
the articles were signed the date was pur-
rosely left open. SO that satisfactory day
could be selected later. 1t was generally
thought that the latter part of the month
would be best. but 1t was finally decided
to shift the date forward
This leaves but little more than a fort
night before the event. If Jeff's injury is at
all serious this will be too short a time
for him to round into shape. 1t is to be
hoped that the trouble will prove slight
Postponements seem the order of the day
In pugiism. for this city at least Follow
Sullivan battle. comes the hitch in the
Attell-Regan fight. Regain is in frst-class
shape: and is thirsting for battle. He does
few more days to train. OTHER than the
dread that Abe will not be in shape for the
second dat decided upon.
Regain is hopeful of winning the hattie
In this he is backed by the wishes of near
" all the ,pugilistc contingent who have
f9aght till, II this his city se is not popular
has strong following among the specta-
tors 1t IS s2id that Abes undue conceit
has made him offensive to others i'm the
ring ~
Regain, on the contrary, is well liked by
every one who has come in contact with
him. He is quiet and retiring little fell
low. and has no stronger friends than those
he numbers among his -pugilists The
mum Der of scrappers who rendered their
services to help him work proves how they
feel toward him.
This contingent is undoubtedly hopeful of
witnessing Abe's downfall when the pair get
together. Regain is developing his speed to
its highest point with the intent of meeting
Abe on his own ground. If the latter re,
turns in good shape the fight should be a
flrst-class spectacle
Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan is out at Clay
ton, is Regain. Tommy is quietly and
steadily working ahead for his battle with
Corbett. The latter has q fight scheduled Cor
tomorrow evening in Philadelphia with
Jack ONeil, but it Is an open question
whether the champion will appear Dave
Sullivan may be sent against O'Neil in his
place.
Harry Pollak. representing the champion.
will be here in a couple of days He has
already agreed on August 10 for the battle
This would place the event on Monday
evening. Haughton is DESTROYS of having
It take place on Thursday. the regular fight
night of the club. and an effort will he
made to so arrange matters
Sullivan Is in good shape at present and
hopes to be in the best trim of his life wien
he meets Corbett. The hot weather has NOT
affected him and he Is said to be working
in a most satisfactory manner.