Los Angeles herald., 1905-08-03
JEFF TELLS or
HIS FISTIC START
FIRST MITT EFFORT IN BOUT
WITH NEGRO
HANKERED FOR "THE GAME
Left Boiler Shop After Victory Over
Hank Griffin and Joined Jim
corbett's Training Camp.
Father Objected

There are many fighters who owe
their fistic experience to mere acct.
dent, and naturally the source of theii
start Is of no little interest to the large
army of fight followers all over the
world. Jim Jeffries might have beer
an obscure boilermaker but for the fact
that he was twitted into taking up the
profession because a negro once re-
fected on his pugilistic prowess. jeff
ries was a mere lad in his teens at that
| time, with no other thought than of
being mechanic or possibly the proud
owner of boiler factory some day.
Jeffries always was a husky fellow
and possessed OF muscle in plentitude.
He told the story of how he actually
became fighter the other day with
considerable pride to an admiring group
who prevailed upon him to deve into
memory's archives .and put an end to
the numerous airy fancies of eastern
scribes.
Il liked to box as long as 1 can re-
member" he said. "The sport used to
have a great fascination for me. Many
a time / used to sneak off to some
quiet spot and have a tilt with the
gloves with my brother Jack. Dad,
who was always of Puritanical turn
of mind, was naturally opposed to me
doing any boxing. He thought it was
mr. Nx-l I,o
myself enjoying friendly bout he used
to take me to task and chide me. Now,
| have a great respect for my father,
but l could not see any harm in the
exercise. But he pleaded so long that
finally made up my mind that would
obey his wishes and quit. And 1 did.
But before long fellow by the name
Of Hank Griffin came to town. Griffin, |
as you are aware, is a negro and he
had the reputation of being strong and
clever. Some folks looked upon him as
a bully. They said he was anxious to |
pick quarrel. At any rate it was not
ong before I came across Griffin, and |
we had it out.
Il can recall it as if it were but |
Yesterday, how 1 left the factory with !
the best intentions in the world. Griffin |
thought he was invincible, and 1 said |
10 myself if he was he would have to |
show me. so a match between us was
arranged. There was nothing on the |
side. 1t was simply to show the fellow |
Up that l consented to meet him. We
ought with small gloves and | won in
ess than fifteen rounds. Whew! it
certainly was a slashing bout and L
made hit with my chums by bringing
he negro to his level
Il guess you know the rest I got
lred of working in the factory and
'ent to San Francisco. There / made
he acquaintance of Billy Delaney. De-
aney was handling Jim Corbett then
nd was looking for some good man to
ssist Corbett in training for his fight
18th Bob Fitzsimmons. Delany thought
nat l would make good workout
artner for Corbett, and l took the
'b. l got a lot of experience in the
aiming camp and have been in the
anne ever since"
And that is the true tale of how ,
eff started upon his successful sprint
'ter the championship
Nothing definite has as yet been de- =,
ded upon for the next card of the :
acific club. An effort will be made to =,
1t Jimmy Britt to go on with Herrera,
1T there is little danger of the native
m seeing anything in the match. Bat {
elson will also be sounded, but the
dications are that frankie Neil, the :
lntam champion of America and {
AIRY Tenny will be the next to hook '
} in Los Angeles. Some little man
i'll also be uncovered who would make
worthy opponent for Fighting Dick"
Wand