Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-14
O'BRIEN IN 147
BATTLES, LOST ONE

One of the most interesting fighters
before the public is Joseph Francis Hagan,
known to the followers Of the ring as
Philadelphia Jack" O'Brien His home
is in Philadelphia, where he owns consid-
cradle real estate.
His habits are good and his private life
exemplary. Hagan assumed the name of
O'Brien because of the notoriety that at
taches to prize-fghters, and he wished to
spare the feelings OF his mother and six
sisters.
o'Brien's next fight, that is attracting at
tentfon from one coast to the other, will
be with Robert Fitzsmmons in San Fran
cisco. Several days ago o'Brien. talking
to a group of friends. said:
1T has taken me nearly eleven years
to fight my way up as far as I've got on
the pugilistic ladder of fame. I am now in
the prime of life and will celebrate my
twenty-seventh birthday on January 81
My first match was with George Rus
sell in 1886, in which l beat him in six
rounds. 1t was amateurish affair, but
when 1t was over l decided to become
pugilist. My first appearance as pro-
fessional was against Isidor Strauss of
Philadelphia, in a six-round bout, the re-
suit of which was draw. This gave me
some confidence in my ability, and that
feeling has never left me.
Il have taken part in LAT bouts as a pro-
fessional, in which only one has gone
against me. This was when Young Peter
Jackson knocked me out in thirteen rounds
at Frisco on February IA, 1900.
In England in 1901 l met all corners. l
fought sixteen battles. knocking out my
opponent in nearly every one OF them On
May 90 1901, defeated George Crisp, then
the heavyweight champion Of England, in
eleven rounds, and secured the heavy
weight title.
English fighters are slow In COMPARE
son with Americans. Our ideas of training
are much more modern. l doubt il they
will ever produce another Charlie Mitchell.
1t was by going out Of my class In Eng
land and winning from men much heavier
than myself that got the courage to fight
the big fellows In this country.
81 have never had a manager, although
have representatives to look after my in
terests. make my own matches and be-
llevs in the saying. A match well made
is half won.
II attribute my success to leading an ex-
emplary life and good matchmaking. /
don't have to train much. as l do not
drink believe In taking daily exercise
In this way one does not lose his ambi-
ton. outdoor exercise. such as walking
and Jogging, Is preferable.
I'm indoor work I use dumb bells and
chest machines. have plenty of boxing.
but always with men smaller than myself
as it enables one to become quick in his
movements. A smaller and lighter man
than yourself keeps you busy wardng OFF
blows, and you have to move around much
faster.
IT eat anything In the line of vegetables
and meat and consider tea and coffee as
excellent, but cut out pastry
Extreme caution In the use of the hands
is most essential-that is to be accurate
with your punches and not land them
your opponents head or on any spot where
you are apt to be the one injured / once
broke q knuckle through my eagerness to
put out an opponent. l piled my punches
into Wednig during the last two rounds
Of one OF my battles. but 1t was the blow
on his chin that sent him down and out
and cracked my knuckle.
It am not a slugger. depend for VIC
tory upon speed, science and footwork. I
have never taken any pleasure In punish
ing man. With me boxing Is business.
L am in 1t because can make more money
in that way than In any other.
There are physical dangers to speak
of in boxing IL a man is in good physical
condition-and he should never enter tie
ring unless he is. The danger comes In
leisure moments Then 1t Is simply a ques-
ton of strength of mind and will power to
resist temptation The more famous a
boxer becomes. Of course. the greater the
temptation and the greater the amount OF
courage 1t takes to resist. "