The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-25
JOE GRIN, THE WONDER.
Italian PugiIist whom Champions Cannot
Knock Out.

Just now that portion of the sporting
fraternity which fancies prizefghting is
much interested in the doings of new
astic star. Joe Grim Of Philadelphia. Up
to six months ago Grim. who is an Italian,
was but little known. Three years ago
he was a struggling bootblack with stand
on Broad street. Philadelphia. To-day he
attracts thousands of people, and earns
over 81 600 whenever he appears in the
ring.
Grim is far from being great pugilist
hut he can take pounding that would sub
due a dozen ordinary mortals without
ainching. lie is satisfied to take dozen
lunches TO deliver one If he can, and seems
To he in his element when he is being
no,,nded and smashed all over the ring
Grim boasts Of the fact that he has never
heen and cannot be knocked out.
During the past six months Grim has
faced in six-round bouts, nearly all the
noted scrappers in and out Of his class He
has exchanged knocks with such fighters as
Bob Fitzsmmons, light weight champion
Joe Cans, Jack b nnett. Joe Walcott, Peter
Maher. Kid Carter and George Cole. All OF
these brnisers are known for their strength
and hitting abilities A well-directed punch
| from them has often sent ambitious pugl-
| lists into Temporary oblivion. and defeat
Grim has tackled them all and was still
nm and doing at the finish, ready to continue
the fray, if necessary.
In appearance Grim is an ordinary look
inp individual, and would failto pass muster
"a an athlete. He was born in Naples
q wears ago. He is the youngest OF family
~ seven BOYS, all husky chaps and heavie
than himself He came to America ,hi iau ~
wars ago with his parents ahd settleo al
| yb;iadeinhia Before he became boot
HACK he worked in the Cramp shipbuiding
vards Grim weighs about 1853 pounds
~ r;pned. vet all Of his rivals, With the
exception OF Cans, had the better OF II ln,tne
| way OF weight. When Grim began hls
| hoying career he was in the lightweight
| division.
While Grim WAS fulfilling an engagement
NJ The London Theatre on the Bowery, he
told The SUN reporter how he became
pugilist; ;,o ,ho uams nv accident" ex-
pIained Grim. "You see my Doot plack
stand was in that par, OF fmii MAJ ~ ral
where bunch OF sporty boys USED 10 re-
aide They patronized me, ana one nay
lew Baily. one of the matchmakers OF the
Roadway A. C., asked me II wanted to
make a few dollars by boxing AZ ms clup'
/ never had a glove on in my NE before
but AZ needed the money ! said yes,
weighed about 1870 pounds then, and Mr.
Rally matched me against Jew hyall' VINO
| fought Terry McGovern few weeks ago
tried my best in that fight. All my friends
were in the house, and in order To make a
good showing ! sailed in, hitting any oln
way. Well knoo ked Ryall out, hyhai
had "a fine reputation then, and naturally
the victory helped to give me boost. lheG
/ met Mi Michasls, another local hoy, ana
Although | was foored al least nineteen
times won out on points, From that nmt
until / became known ] engaged IN at least
three fights a week ] went To Allentown
and Atlantic City and fought 10 finish u
private for as much money as could se'
Ia this way ] was able 10 pr X UP some,
thing about boxing, and naturally az
went on ! learned more and more about
fighting. g.,
After defeating most Of the small fr,
1 strliok out for higher game. Jadk Ben
nett was tho first good man ] met They
thought he would do me up In "A hurry
But 7 fooled him and stayed the limit
! Then came George Cole of Trenton, "hl
has fought all Of the orss ~. He could not
| knock me out After this | went agains
| Kid Carter Jack o BrieD Charley Nckseyer
] Joe Cans, Peter Maher aud Bob FltnSifn'