Los Angeles herald., 1907-08-24
OLD SULLIVAN AND
KILRALN ARE BUSY
GREAT MANY OLD FRIENDS IN
SALT LAKE
Ex-Champion Now Weighs Three Hum
dred Pounds-Roasts Ring
Stars as They Are at
Present Day

van and Jake Kilrain arrived in the city
yesterday afternoon and both ex-heavy-
weight champions were kept busy until
late in the evening meeting and enter
tanning old friends. This is tie first time
Kilrain has ever visited the city, but
Sullivan has been here several times be-
fore The first time he visited Salt Lake
was in 1888 when he boxed in the Walker
opera house; then he was here again
in 1886. 80, 81 and '96.
Sullivan will be 40 years old next Oc-
tober, but he does not look it, and he Is
one of the best-natured Irish Americans
that ever trod the soil. He is full of
jokes and Notwithstanding a four-days
trip from Alexandria, La, direct to this
city, he was good-natured and full of
good advice. He is also a member of the
temperance union, having been on the
water wagon for over thirty months. He
weighs 800 pounds and has an arm as
large as an ordinary mans leg. He says
that he still possesses the Knockout
punch and claims to be the best man
in the world at his weight. He has done
no fighting for fifteen years.
SuIivan's Opinion
In regard to himself. Sullivan said
But I've always found human nature
to be pretty much the same the world
over My theory is that one man is as
good as another as long as he attends
to his own business. There was never a
fish caught but that there was another
just as good in the sea. I've been on
earth a good many years, but I'm wear
ing the same size hat / always wore"
He meant what he said and he spoke
with an earnestness and conviction. The
most-talked-of man in his day, the idol
of hundreds and thousands. sought after,
praised and banqueted, he is the same
honest, simple, plain John l.. as in the
days when he stood ready to defend his
title against all corners under any rules.
Time has changed him in many respects.
His hair has silvered, his smile is more
reassuring and perhaps less seldom seen,
but the bright light is in his eye, and
every nerve and muscle is as steady and
as strong as it ever was. If any one
doubts this, Sullivan is willing to thrust
his fist through a hardwood door one
and one-half inches thick If the. doubter
is willing to stand on the opposite side
of the door. No one who has watched
him box at the theater doubts 1t, for the
scientific men who are in the game today
watch John L. at his work-or 1t might
be play-and get pointers every time.
Sullivan presents a most interesting
character study He has a pleasing per-
cordiality that Is not affected,
His handclasp is hearty. decidedly so,
and he impresses one at once with the
feeling that all the fame and otoriety
his years of championship gained for him
meant little to him. what is the title
Of Champion" he asked. why discuss
It? Why seek it? When I was in the
ring, meeting all comers, l fought when
ever l was challenged, and I'll tell you |
| fought for the money"
He grew reminiscent then and recalled |
many instances of his career. He started
to fight, not to box, when he was a
young boy in Boston. He fought in the
professional class at 49, and at 10 was
champion. His greatest battles were in
the sos and he gained the title under
the London prize ring rules. which pre-
scribe that the fight shall be on the turf
and no gloves allowed. 1t is under these
rules that he is still champion. No man !
has ever cared to go against him under |
them. When Sullivan went against |
Corbett it was for the biggest purse |
ever actually hung up The prize, or
purse. was for $4,000 side and a side |
bet of $4,000. Sullivan stipulated that |
he whole amount should go to the win |
Ter. as in all his battles. Sullivan de- |
,lares and greatly regrets that there is
great deal of fake connected with the |
lighting of today-the matter of purses, |
he actual terms of agreement and many |
,ther points considered. But no man has |
.ver yet accused John L. Sullivan of be-
ng a party to anything that was not |
Ibsolutely on the square. The champion |
las reached the reflective age of life and |
lis views of matters of current history |
ihow familiarly with the subjects and |
lear logical reasoning. He discusses |
var with England. Russia's war with |
Japan. matters of finance and policy and |
III similar subjects with as great IA |
as the Nelson-Gans fight. The !
after, by the way. terminated just as he |
Predicted. He offers no criticism Sulli- |
-an is a man of tenderest sympathies, |
ond Of children and a respectful admirer |
# true. good women. His liberality has |
made him poor man, for he has given |
lway fortunes. He is making money |
low and is saving some of it, There's |
fascination in the life." he says, "and |
I go 1 meet my old friends, |
Yes, like it,
Kilrain is just as interesting to talk to |
is Sullivan. and is also big, good
latured fellow. He is not as heavy as |
weighing 220 pounds. and is four
months younger than his great opponent. |
His flesh is solid and he is in the best of
physical condition.
These two famous fighters will appear |
-onight at the Salt palace and give an
exhibition in boxing for three rounds. |
They will remain here for the week and |
will box every evening. Sullivan said |
ast night that he might remain two !
weeks, having come here more to rest |
up than for anything else His next stop
will be Chicago.