The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-08
NEWS OF THE FIGHTERS
FITZsIMMoNs Is STILL A 2-TO-1 FA-
voRITE OVER GARDNER.
Many Noted heavyweight Pugilists
I'm New York-Boxing Has It's Ups
and Downs I'm the West.

Bob Fitzsimmons is stsll a favorite at 2 to
round battle, which will be fought at San
Francisco on Nov. %. Despite his age the
authorities In pugilistic matters hold that
Fitzsimmons should win the contest. Since
his arrival on the coast he has been hard
at work at his training quarters. and those
who have seen hin box have been so i'm
TO carry of the honors-
While Fitzsimmons is spending his time
IN active training Gardner is by no means
negiecting to put himself into good condi-
ton to defend the light heavyweight cham
pionshSp which he won from Jack Root at
Fort Erie last July. Fitzsimmons's past
record and his well-known ability do not
seem to brighten Gardner in the least, as
the Eastern boxer Is confident that he will
be returned the winner.
Although Fitzsimmons is favorite In the
betting. Gardner is by no means lacking
for admirers. There are many who believe
that Gardner has n good chance to defeat
the Cornishman, and they are taking the
short end. Gardner Is many years younger
thar Fftzsimmons and is just now in his
prime. This is a big advantage. but the
Fitzsimmons blowers argue thai the for
mer champions great punching qualities
will Offset the advantage OF age.
There is no question but that Fftzsim-
mons has a wonderful punch. and outside
Of Champion Jeffries IS the hardest hitter
in the ring to-day. Fitzsimmons's last
showing. however. was rather d~isappoint-
ing when he failed to knock out Joe Grim.
the Italian champion, In a six-round battle
at Philadelphia. 1t is said that Fitzsim-
mons was taking no chances with his
hands, In view Of his contest with Gardner.
There Is no more cunning boxer in the pro-
the tricks OF the game. and he nay have
had some object In letting Grim stay-pos-
sibly to throw Gardner on. With Fitzsim-
mons's hands I'm good shape the battle will
nc doubt be an interesting one before the
decision Is rendered. m Jeffries.
who probably knows more about Eitzsim-
mons than any other boxer. picks Fitzsim-
mons as the winner. Jefries claims that
with a little training ~Eitzsimmons can get
back TO his old form.
With the possible exception OF Fitzsim-
mons nearly all the prominent heavy
weights were in New York last week, yet,
strange TO say. no challenges were hurled
ut Champion Jeffries. How odd this seems
when IL is m that Corbett and
Fitzsimmons were challenged every few
days by would-be asp.rants. Yet. with the
leading lights OF fistiana in the same city,
Jeffries Is allowed to rest peacefully with
out reading that a half dozen men are
clamoring TO get him inside the roped
arena. Never before has a champion been
allowed such peace Of mind. Although
ready to defend his title against all Corners,
Jefrries stands without receiving a legiti-
mate challenge. Sharkey, who fought the
champion twenty-five rounds at Coney
island. Is satisfied with looking after his
customers in his New York emporium. The
sailor finds this a more pleasant existence
than having his ribs caved in by a pile
driving left or right hook to the body.
eharkey's championship aspirations seem
10 have disappeared. and II would appear
that he Is through with the game. for some
time. at least. With the present top-notch-
ers he probably realizes that he would have
little chance to gain the championship. and
he Is patiently waiting for some one TO come
along 10 give JeffrieS a walloping. AL
though Corbett Is through with Jeffries. he