The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-12-22
OLD RED ROBERT
IS HEARTBROKEN
Says Age Placed Him in a Posi-.
ton Where Victory Was
: Impossible. ...
journal Special Service.


San Francisco, Dec. 22-Bob FitZsimmons Is
almost heartbroken over his defeat at the hands
pf Jack OBrien in Mechanics pavlhon. Ike
John l.. Sullivan, when that ring warrior Ieli
victim to JIM Corbett's lightning hooks and
labs and dazzling fcotwork, the Corntshman
feels that he fought once too often. 1t devel-
oped today that FitZSimnlonS had been strongly
advised by his friends prior to the contamination
Of his match with O'Brien to transfer his title
as light heavyweight champion to O'Brien or
offer it as stake to the Philadelphian in case
he met and defeated Marvin Hart.
RUBY Rob-" however laughed at them, say
ing that the only in the world who could
beat him Jim Jefries. His friends remon
strated but to avail. Fitz went ahead and
arranged the match with OBrien. He trained
faithfully for the contest-in fact those who saw
him prepare for previous battles declare that he
worked as hard as he did for his fight with
Corbett. He entered the ring confident Of vic
tory. and only realized that he was not the
man of old when he felt himself incapable Of
returning OBrien's jabs and swings with interest
as he was able to do his opponents in the past.
Roberts Version
To acquaintances today the veteran said:
sWhile I never was very weak during the con-
test, did not possess the strength that used to
rome to me when I warmed up, that is, after 1
had gone thru six Or rounds of pretty
fast work. Still felt that would beat OBren
down. I was all right until l caught that blow
In the stomach in the last round. and as
walked to my corner 1 concluded that it was
Rn up with me-
Fitz presented a pitiable appearance. His
eyes were slightly discoored, his lips puffed.
hose sore and swollen and cut showing here
end there as emblematic of OBrien's swift jabS.
tle was downcast and showed a tendency to
Rvoid discussion of the battle.
O'Brien On the other hand, was cheerful and
hardly showed a mark Of the most important
encounter of his career. The Philadelphia said
he had not decided any definite plans for
the future, but 1T Is believed he will take advan
tage Of the many offers that already have beer
made to him by theatrical managers and ac
cept engagements which will keep him on the
stage for six months at least.
Will Take on Hart.
His first opponent. probably will be Marvir
Hart. who challenged the winner of the Fitz
O'Brien affair. OBrien indicated to inquir
ers today that he would not ignore the Ken
tuckians def. 1t is not likely, in view o
O'Brien's contemplated theatrical tour that thu
pair will cross arms for eight months Mt least
Sporting men are inclined to ridicule O'Brien
claim to the heavyweight title. They argu,
that when champion retires from the rim.
he generally ctnfers the honor the man whom
he regards the best fighter In the world bar
ring himself. While Jeffries has announced
that he would never again engage in fight h.
did not transfer his title to anybody. Therefore
1T is contended, O'Brien cannot lay claim to tn
worlds heavyweight championship.
He Won the titles of middleweight and light
heavyweight champion of the world by defeat
ing F1tz, but he has ground to support hi
claim to title for which he fought.