Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-16
wREsTLERs AFTER JEFFR1Es.
Gotch and Hackenschmidt to Face
Champion Boxer.

Despite the denials from various sources
the impression is growing that the next op-
ponent of Jim Jeffries may come from the
wrestling mat. The apparent improba bilty
that the ring can furnish the titled holder
with a worthy contender has caused match
maker and promoter to look elsewhere for
a trained athlete to give him a chance
with a heavyweight champion. The
wrestling mat appears to furnish the only
opportunity in this direction. While it is
far cry from pugilism, the only big men
available at present in athletes are in the
latter division. The training of wrestler
is entirely different from that pursued by
the boxer, but the experts in both classes
are capable of sustaining great physical
exertion and enduring bruising personal
conflict. So
In scanning the wrestling horizon for
possible opponents for Jeffries, two wres-
tiers stand out in bold relief from their con-
temporaries. They are Frank Gotch of
this country and George Hackenschmidt.
known as the RUSSIAN Lion" Both of
these athletes have publicly announced
that they are seriously contemplating en-
.ering ring career. Hackenschxnidt who
IS now touring Australia, meeting all
corners on the mat and who is expected to
reach this country in a few weeks, said
recently in Melbourne: az am learning box
ing already, and when l get to America L
will challenge Jeffries for battle
Billy Muldoon, former wrestling cham
pion is another who believes that il is not
an impossible step from the wrestling mat
to the ring. He whites of Frank Gotch' s
chances as a pugiliSt as follows:
Il see no reason why Frank Gotch, the
champion wrestler of America, cannot be.
come successful boxer and have as good
a chance to reach the championship al
boxing as any other man of his physical
ability. The fact of his being a champion
wrestler should not be a detriment to him.
On the other hand, that fact is one to his
advantage. For instance, it has been
proved by his success in wrestling that he
has wonderful endurance, the necessary in
telligence, good judgment and physical
strength, stamina and tenacity to make a
champion; he also has the advantage of
having experienced the punishment that
one is sure to have to contend against in a
championship contest which makes one IN
different to pain and fatigue.
Boxing calls for an entirely different
muscular training. In boxing the muscu-
lar strain is all upon the extensor muscles.
In wrestling the demand for endurance
and strength depends entirely upon the
fexor muscles For that reason, II TINS
man takes up boxing he will have to give
I'D wrestling for if the fexor muscles are
kept abnormally developed, as they gen.
orally are in a wrestler they will inter-
fere with the proper development OF tne
extensor muscles. In other WORDS, Gotch
should give up wrestling ana pesih iiiS
preparation for boxing by sparring with
everybody who is willing to put the gloves
on with him. He should not try to hit hard
at first, depending more upon ms quick
ness, Judgment of distance ana 1ootWork.
1T would take year or more OF con.
slant practice with different boxers OF
style and different sizes before he would
be fiji to go against the second-class men,
Then if he succeeds in whipping these men
he can take a shy at championship