The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-04-30
NEGROES As FIGHTERS.
Many Champions Among Them. but No
winner Of worlds HeavywelEh 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 remains
that no negro heavyweight ever held the
championship Of the world. Probably the
only fighter Of this race who came near 10
such a distinction was Peter jackson. But
John l.. Sullivan, who then wore the crown,
blocked Jackson's ambition by refusing
20 give him a battle. There have been one
o. two instances where colored scrappers
have fought 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 b i'm ana
after many efforts he gave up the task
After much discussion Sullivan had con-
sented 70 fight jackson on the basis OF the
winner taking all the purse. Parson Davies,
the negro's manager, wired 20 sullivan
that
20 Jackaon's liking that he could con-
slider the match made, and further agreed
20 De init the eX-champion 70 name all
the other conditions Of the proposed bout.
Just write your consent on the back
OF a telegram, wired Davies 20 sullivan,
and the latter complied. But when Il came
to a final issue Sullivan was found want
ing. The despatch, Il Ia said, Is stu IN
existence, probably in the possession OF
Mr.. Fulds president OF an athletic CLUB m
San Franoisco, who offered purse OF
S2O. OOo for the contest at the time, Sulli.
Van although he drew the color line had
no lust cause to do 40, for II IL on record
that he was once stripped TO meet George
Oodfrey in Boston, when at the last mo-
ment the police interfered.
Next TO Peter jackson, George Godfrey
NAV be said to have been the best modern
heavvweiRht tho ring ever produced. God
FREY. who died few years ago stood feet
ioH inches and weighed In condition about
no hounds Godfrey was stumbling
Hook in John l. Sulliyan's path and was
anxious TO meet the Big Fellow for the
Among the smaller brigade the negroes
may be aid 10 have been WY oontpioooue.
Three have held the worlds title al their
va risus weights. George Dixon was the
bantam and featherweight champion OF
the world for nearly ten years, snd Only re.
linduisbed his laureb 10 Terry Acoovem
When Il was evident that the noted ne gro was
on he dSoline. Joe Cana, The present bo der
of liqhtweiRht honors, has been on top for
a number ofytaTsand Joe Waioott has never
bsen directly beaten for his belt OF weller
WeiRht champion. Waloott may now be con-
80 rcd out OF the hunt because Of an injury
~ one OF his hands, which he received IN q
shootinr scrAps about q year 40. Waloou
rad Ambitions 10 become the beavyweight
isader He tired hh skill against Joe
Cho vnski as a starter and triumphed, knock.
ing ths Hebrew out In a eboIt night. Maloou
ttc,,s sfortina writer dubbed him doe
~. Giant KH6r' Walcott b this day re-
Ssrie himself a. the heavyweight cham
sion heosuee Choynsd fought a draw with
iesriss. and be beat tlIe formfr.