The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-09-10
Terrific Smash on Jaw in
the Eighteenth Round
Downed CALIFORNIA;
Pugilistic Idol.
FINE FIGHT THROUGHOUT
One of the Best Exhibitions
Ever Witnessed on the
Pacific Coast = Decided
Victory.

RINGSIDE, COLMA. Cal. Sept o.
With terrific right and left punch to
the jaw Battling" Nelson. OF Hege-
wisch, ILL.,. this afternoon defeated Jimmy
Britt. of San Francisco. the pugilistie
idol of-the Pacific Coast, in the eighteenth
round of what was conceded by all who
witnessed it to have been the fastest
prizefght ever witnessed in this vi
cinity.
Up to the time that the finishing blow
was struck Britt had had the better of
the battle. although the Dane had land
ed many telling blows. and until Nelson
got through Britt's guard with the two
blews. behind which Were power enough
70 have felled an OK. it looked like any
body's battle. The fight was on the
level: OF that there can be no doubt,
although for many hours the tongue OF
scandal had been busy with statements
that everything had been fixed for the
buncoing of the sporting public.
Plenty of Action.
From the minute the men came to-
gether until Britt tried to rise TO his
feet as the fatal ten counted by Sub
stitute Referee Eddie Graney. there had
been action of a kind to delight the heart
of every person who has warm blood
coursing through his veins, and this, too,
despite the fact that among the sport
ing public Britt had been conceded to
outclass the Illinois lad and ruled fav-
orite in the early betting at odds of 10
to Z.
There was a most unseeming wrangle
over the question OF a referee. which
lasted for more than an hour. Britt
and his managers demanding that James
J. Jeffries act. and Nelson and Manager
Nolan positively refusing TO permit any
Native Son. to be the third man in the
ring For a time it seemed as though
Britt would get the decision by default.
but Manager Coffroth, OF the club,
knowing that such a fiasco at this time
would be the death blow Of priZefght-
ing on the Coast. used his influence 10
such an extent that Britt finally gave
way and consented to Eddie Graney. OF
Chicago. in place of Jef-
Articles of Agreement.
The articles OF agreement provided
for a purse of so. 600. with the privilege
of taking So per cent CT the receipts. and
$4,000 for the picture privileges. the
whole TO be divided GO per cent to the
winner and 40 per cent to the loser. The
estimated receipts were $4,000.
The men were to weigh in at 1S3
pounds, and did so at 10 O'Clock this
morning at Corbett's place Boch we're
under the required weight limit.
While the discussion over the refcree
was on Britt put in an appearance.
climbing through the ropes in the ring
at exactly 1:52 o. m. Not in many years
has a pugilist received the ovation that
marked his entrance to the arena, in
which he was destined later TO taste
the bitter cup OF defeat He was follow
ed by Spider Kelly, Sam Berger, Tiv
| Kreling. and Frank Rafael. who were
acting as his seconds.
Agreed to Graney.
Announcer Jordan, five minutes later.
| in his paegaphonic voice. informed the
assembled sports that Britt had con-
seuted to Eddie Graney officiating. and
Immediately there were large shouts for
the Chicago sportsman There was a
long wait. however. as Graney had first
positively refused to oi5ciate, declaring
that ii would look as though he was try
ing to do jeff and It was not until
the big fellow had personally assured
him that under no circumstances would
he act that Graney finally went up to
the platform.
The picture men got busy and set up
the latest improved paraphernalia. which
was destined to reproduce on the largest
films ever used every action of the two
contestants. At 2-36 Nelson put IN an APP
pearance. and was hCoted and jeered for
fun five minutes, He was followed by his
faithful manager, Nolan, Jack Coyle,
and Fred Sanders.
The uardeSs Net
Nelson was introduced as the hardest
nut in the business. and Britt as a
Native Son. of the golden West and
the pride of California Graney then
called them to the center OF the ring
for instructions. but apparently think
ing something else necessary. waved
them over 10 the ropes before the press
box, SO that the assembled newspaper
men could hear what he said. He told
them that they must fight straight
Queensberry rules. and that he would
, rot get between them unless they were
. holding This seemed 10 satisfy both
, and they went back 10 their corners fol-
, the few seconds wait.
1t was plain as they came togethe,
that there was no love lost, and III,
, first round. in place OF being devoted
, to feeling out, was a slam-bang con
, test from the start. with hOnors abou
even. Britt led first. bat the Battle
was there with the goods and sent bacl
a beautiful left hook 10 the face Mel
son got first blood with hard right t.
the nose. which the seconds We're no
able to completely stop flowing durins
: the initial interval %
Britt the Better
Britt had the better of the secon,
e round. although there was not mucl
i doing. The first knOck-down came il
the third, when Britt sent the Dane L
i; his launches With a terrific right TO tn
) jaw and incidentally brought the clare
in profusion with u right straight to tn
} nose. Both men Were covered wit