The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-16
.BRITTS OPPONENT
Is EN- ROUTE TO
THE COAST
BY r. A. Srr1yth

Wilde Fitzgerald, the Brooklyn box
er. has not put in an appearance yet,
but definite word has been received
from him that he is on the way and
will be here in ample time to train for
his proposed match with Jimmy Brltt
The latter is leaving nothing undone to
be in the best possible condition, ano
expects to render good account OF
himself He has been looking for
ward to match in this month for some
time, and has been gradually condi-
tioning himself.
This match assumes added Importance
owing to the boxing activities in Ne
vada With Nelson in Europe there
will be q field for some good light
weight to meet Cans, as with the camps
bidding against one another there Will
undoubtedly be a number of bouts put
on next year. The purses are so tempt
ing that any Of the boxers would be
glad to take a chance with the men
of the mining camps.
II has not been decided whether NOV
ing pictures will be taken OF the New
Years day fight at Tonopah. Miles
Brothers have bid on the proposition,
and Chicago firm has also made a
BID. The officials OF the club have
them under consideration. If the fight
should prove sensational one the
pictures would be good investment
II the fight should last as long as
the Goldfeld battle the pictures would
not be considered of much value.
The match in which Lew Powell was
TO figure as preliminary to the Cans
Herman fight VIII probably be called
of, as the club would not allow the
boxer from this city his transporta
tion to Nevada.
The promoters of the four-round
boxing bouts must take a firmer grip
on the game or the abuses which have
been creeping In recently VIII spoil
what has been n source of great profit
to them. The lighters seem difficult to
control. as they are quick to learn that
they are drawing cards and are then
a s ready to make demands as q petted
prima donna A favorite scheme re-
Gently has been to agree to fight for a
stated sum of money and then to de-
mand substantial increase on the
night OF the show.
The manager is placed in a bad posi-
ton, as the spectators have ~a-'"- =
and Will not stand for too many sub
stitutes on the card. After tnl ca Zen
ing all kinds OF punishment the man
ager finally gives in and the boxer gets
his extra allowance His success spurs
foundation is laid for a lot of trouble.
Some OF the managers are in favor of
blacklisting any boxer who resorts TO
these hold-up methods.
One OF the worst evils at the present
time is the appointment of incom-
I petents to the important position of
Judge. The decisions at many of the
recent fights have been jokes and have
not been based upon the performances
OF the men in the ring Competent
officials are available and the promot-
ers owe ii to the men who support the
game to secure the services of suck
men. II is not alone the fact that
there is betting on the fights that
makes this desirable, but also because
the spectators like TO see justice done
the boxers.
When they see one boxer easily out
point an opponent they do not like the
credit OF victory to go to the inferior
man. This has happened frequently of
late The referees nave not shown a
disposition TO act as is expected of
them. Frequently they could cast the
deciding vote for man, but have pre-
ferred to call it a draw to please both
! boxers.
! Some OF the road agents who accept
temporary employment as ushers could
be retired by the management to the
| advantage of the patrons. Possession
ways secure the seat II calls for unless
a fee is paid the usher. The. promoters
owe it TO themselves TO putfa stop to
such petty grating.
The practice has been going on for
years, but il has begun to assume
serious proportions recently. The ia
/ vorite plan OF the usher is to send q
/ ticket-holder 30 the opposite side OF
/ the ring and when he is unable &c
secure the seat his check calls for he
takes the nearest one available. Mean
while the usher has placed some one
else in his seat and has pocketed a tip
b.
The promoters could also improve
the service they render their patrons
by commencing their shows as near
S:30 o'clock as possible Sometimes ii
! is nearly an hour later when the first
! brace of boxers appear in the ring
Added 10 this initial delay there are
additional halts of unnecessary length
between bouts. AS the boxers are all
on hand one pair should be ready
when the others leave the ring. This
/ is a comparatively small detail, but IL
! would do much TO please the follow
! Of Tho