Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-09-11
NELSON CHAMPION.
KnocksOut Britt in 18th Round-'
EdGraney Acts as Referee.

his wavering confidence with cheerful re-
marks but Britt appeared to realize that
he was beaten.
In the 18th, Britt took beating with
gameness.
The 1ith round was the most exciting
one of the fight. Nelson, knowing that
Britt was firing fast. had before him the
determination to end the battle. In hve
seconds he had Britt staggering about
his guard lowered and all but out. Time
and again Nelson planted left hand blows
on Britt's face. driving him against the
ropc. Oyer-eagerness on Nelson's part
prolonged the fight beyond this round.
Seeing his brother beaten down. Willie
| Britt shouted, Swing. Jimmy. swing"
Setting himself to meet Nelson. Britt
swung his right hand with all the
strength in his body. The blow landed
and Nelson was not only STOPPED but
seemed to give ground. Britt pressed the
advantage. With his feet set apart to
steady himself once more. he met Nelson
with full-arm swings. finally forcing the
Dane to cIinch. The gong sounded while
i they were standing head to head, slashing
at each other with both hands. Ten
Thousand men rose and cheered the box
ers. The desperate struggle in the 18th
round compelled both men to slow up in
the next two rounds and no decisive work
was done by either though Nelson show
ed more strength whenever they came to
a clinch. The 18th was Nelson's by n
good margin.
The 18th round proved the end of Britt.
A detailed account of that round. which
lasted about two minutes. shows little
difference from the preceding rounds.
| Britt was tired but seemed willing.
Nelson forced him about the ring and
gave many body blows. always boring in.
He cornered Britt and drove him against
the ropes Britt squrmed out and sent
in terrific left to the stomach that ap-
peared to hurt Nelson. Nelson covered
his body and Britt swung for his face.
Quick as a fash Nelson sent in a short.
sharp left-hand blow to Britt's stomach.
He gave way and stepped back. crouch
ing to deceive Nelson and give himself
time to recover. Nelson saw the damage
his blow had inflicted. however. and
pressed on.
He forced Britt into his own corner and
there in rally that lasted only a few
seconds the end came. Britt went down
suddenly Nelson's says it was from a
blow on the jaw.
Britt had no clear idea after the fight
what put him out. but in the opinion OF
those who were close by. it was the blow
in the stomach that took all his remain
ing strength and he fell from exhaustion.
When Britt fell in his own corner, nat
on his face, there was a momentary hush
and the voice of the official timer was
heard distinctly counting of the seconds.
Britt turned on his back and lay gasping.
his bloody tongue protrudfng from his
mouth.
Five seconds had scarcely been counted
when there was a roar from the crowd
which saw that the little San Francisco
boy could not rise.
Nine. ten." shouted the timer.
Graney pointed to Nelson and the roar
from the crowd increased.
Then there was a rush of spectators
into the ring. most of them eager to get
close to the new champion. A few faith
full ones however. gathered about Britt.
who still lay gasping for breath. Finally
he recovered sufficiently to regain his feet
and was led from the ring by his sec
onds. ,sTsVDT
Nelson remained inside the ropes sew
eral minutes longer before he could break
away from the crowd. He walked rap
idly out of the arena and then to his
quarters 200 yards away.
| Contrary to expectations, the crowd of
5000 men and score of women at the
ring side. was orderly. The stubborn &C
ton Of Nelson's manager which left the
public in doubt up to the last minute,
probably is responsible for the crowd fall
ing below expectations and made the to-
tai receipts about $4,000 instead of S7oOOu.