The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-04-30
NEGROES As FIGHTERS.
Many Champions Among Them, but No
Winner OF worlds Heavyweight Title.

Winner OF worlds Heavyweight Title.
Whatever may be the final decision on
the color line In pugilism-l question
which was revived recently, when Jack
johnson Of California tried 10 inveigle jim
Jefries into meeting him-the fact renal rs
that no negro heavyweight ever held the
championship OF the world. Probably the
only fighter OF this racs who came near TO
such distinction was Peter jackson. But
John L. Sullivan, who then wore the crown,
blocked Jacksons ambition by refusing
10 give him battle. There have been one
o. two instances where colored scrappers
have fou zht for the championship Of Eng
land. This happened many years ago,
though. OF late whatever glories the negro
has attained in the prize ring were won in
America.
Peter jackson was beyond doubt the mos
70 midable modern heavyweight fighter
the roped arena has ever known. He was
possessed OF skill, endurance and the
requisite height and reach. jackson longed
TO win the highest position that the ring
AFFORDS. But his color was against him and
after many efforts he gave up the task.
After much discussion Sullivan had con-
sented to fight jackson on the basis Of the
winner taking all the purse Parson Davies,
the neRro's manager, wired 70 sullivan
that the NulnNI~ldkt-dll NlhuoN Won AAhNA
to Jackson's liking that he could con.
slider the match made, and further agreed
TO pc init the eX-champion 10 name all
the other conditions Of the proposed bout.
Just write your consent on the back
of A telegram, wired Davies TO Sullivan,
and the latter complied. But when IL came
TO a final issue Sullivan wac found want
ing The despatch, IL is said, Is stu IN
existence. probably in the possession OF
Mr. Fulda, president OF an athletic club IN
San Franolsco, who offered a purse OF
500 for the contest at the time. Sulli-
van. although he drew the color line, had
no lust cause to do so for Il il on record
that he was once stripped 70 meet George
Godfrey in Boston, when at the last mo-
ment the police interfered.
Next 20 Peter jackson, George Godfrey
may be said TO have been the best modern
heavyweight the ring ever produced. God
frey, who died few years ago, stood ) feet
1917 inches and weighed In condition about
block In John l. Sullivan's path and was
anxious 10 meet the Big Fellow for the
title.
may be said to have been very oonspicuous.
Three have held the worlds title at their
va risus weights. George Dixon was the
bantam and featherweight champion OF
the world for nearly ten years, and only re-
lnqiished his laurek 10 Terry Mc0ovem
whom Il was evident that the noted negro vas
on the decline. Joe Cans, the present ho der
OF lightweight honors, has been on top for
A humber cf yCaraand Joe Waloott has never
been directly beaten for his belt OF weller
weight champion. Waloott may no " be con-
sidered out OF the hunt because Of an injury
10 one Of his hands, which he received In
shooting scrap pc about a year ago. Nalcou
had ambitions 10 become the heavyweight
leader. He tired HE skill against Joe
Choynsd az q stare and triumphed, knock.
ing the Hebrew out In a short fight. Walcou
foit very proud Of this feat and some face
tious sporting writer dubbed him doe
Ire Giant Killer' Waloott b this day re-
gards himself a. the heavyweight cham
mon. because Choynshd fought draw with
Jenfriss, and be beat the fofmrr.