The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-16
Stories OfChampion's Poor Con-
ditiOn Given Credence.
FINDS TRAINING HARD.
Pulls Out on Deer Hunt to Re-
duee Flesh.
Jim COrbett's Wife Dreams of
the Battle.
Thinks Her Husband VIII Win
in the Thirteenth.

San Francisco, July 16.-Pugilistic
circles here are receiving all kinds of
shocks over stories of lack of condition
from the Jeffries camp that will not
down.
The most persistent of these reports
is that Jeffries is finding the task of
reducing a most trying one. and that
his efforts to acquire speed have all but
disappointed Fitzsimmons, Delaney and
the corps of trainers called into consul
tation.
The reason for Jeffries' trouble is, of
course. attributed to the rather free and
easy way in which the boilermaker
conducted himself after his last con-
test.
The critical ones affirm that Jeffries
is not the Jenries of old by 40 per cent,
and that Jim Corbett, after all, with his
wonderful skill, may avoid the deadly
piston-rod punches long enough to be
declared the winner on points.
Jeffries has been in a rather sullen
mood of late, and this adds to the dis
comfiture of his hackers.
So disappointed has Jeffries become
over his failure to get down to fighting
weight that he is preparing all sorts
of schedules for himself that ought to
take the place of a Turkish bath as a
weight reducer.
For the next two weeks Jeffries will
cover all sorts of distances over the
road, as well as engage in long bouts
with his sparring partners.
Jeffries is determined that he will en-
ter the ring in tip-top condition, even
though certain observant people assert
that he can sacrifice his weight only
by getting weak.
In any event, Jim Jeffries is worrying
no little bit over this coming contro
versy with Mr.. Corbett, and the sporting
fraternity hereabouts is inclined to give
the former champion look in, where,
two weeks ago they called it a cinch for
Jeffries.
Jeffries left today for a hunt Fitz
accompanied him, and. as they are both
good hunters. Delaney expects to have
venison for some time to come Jeff
and his party are invited to the lower
lake by a rich merchant, who has placed
his fine country seat at Jeff's disposal.
Delaney encourages Jeff to go on such
trips, as he believes it does him good.
and he des not want him to work too
much. t
MRS. CORBETT DREAMS.
'Jim Corbett will knock out Jeffries
and regain the championship of the
world in the thirteenth round
This is the prediction of the pugilist's
wife.
Il know Jim will win. because he's
the best man." Mrs. Corbett said. II
think he could go into the ring today
and whip Jeffries, he is in such excellent
condition. 1 don't intend that he shall
go back any, either between now and
the day of the battle. I am cooking all
his food for him myself. and am taking
pains that he doesn't get anything that
will do him the slightest harm.
There is one thing that worries me,
however" continued Mrs. Corbett. 1.-The
first time I had the dream. Jeffries in
the ninth round f1oored Jim with an
awful swing Jim had slipped while
feinting, and before he could recover
himself had been dealt the blow.
After I had this dream 1 told Jim of
it and made him promise to be very
careful during the ninth round and not
take any chances. This promise he
made. Shortly afterward when I had
the same dream again every round was
exactly as it had been in the first dream
EXCEPT the ninth round. That was alto
gether different, and although Jeffries
fought like a lion all the time seeming
w realizing that if he won it must be
in the ninth round. Jim kept his head.
ducked and sidestepped Jeffries' awful
blows and came through the fire smil-
ing and uninjured.
'sThis change in the dream has con-
vinced me that the crisis will come in
the ninth round and that Jim has only
to be on the watch out then If there IS
such a thing as Jeffries winning 1t will
certainly be in the ninth round, but l
don't believe he will win. I am con-
fdent Jim will be returned the winner
and that by a knockout blow in the
thirteenth round"