Los Angeles herald., 1907-01-19
BAKER SAVED
BY PONCE
IN EIGHTH
Abe Attell Still Holds
Title
Proves Peer of Feather
weights
Displays Superiority over Class by
Defeating Challenger for the
championship-Jack Cox
Is Knocked Out


his magnificent little body, crushed a
clever opponent away last night and
no call came for a ninth round. A
sponge went into the ring.
When Jim Jeffries raised Attell's arm,
the closing scene of a dramatic act
which had held the crowd spellbound
occurred. Clear the decks for action
would result in mildness compared to
the thrilling spectacle of the seventh
round whose gong saved Harry Baker
at the count of nine. Attell was cap
tain and he ran the ship.
Harry hung helpless over the ropes
when the gong changed. What pre-
ceded set the great throng wild with
excitement. The seventh round opened
with Attell strong as a young bull and
playing at Bakers body.
Several seconds of sparring ensued
when Attell forced the slender Baker
boy toward the ropes. OF sudden
Abe's left shot out and caught Harry
flush on the jaw. Baker fell like a log,
his head striking hard on the canvas.
AS Harry lay stretched on the floor
the crowd noticed a white haired man
steal along the press box and lean
toward Baker. Like a flash Attell
aimed right at the snowy head The
man was Dewitt Van Court, Bakers
second. Can is crafty however, and
was watching Attell as he stole for
ward. The blow went wild.
AS Abe whirled with the force of his
own swing Baker regained his feet |
Big Jim Jeffries had counted six over
his prostrate body. Staggering and |
weak Baker reeled toward his own
corner. Enraged at the interference
of the second Attell flew at the help |
less man and beat him to the floor.
Again Jeffries stood over Baker, who |
clung to the convas on one knee. At
, tell was preparing for another spring
directly behind the fallen man. Baker
slowly reached his feet, his head bent
over in pain. Attell from the rear
sank his glove into Harrys back and
tore at his head Down once more
went Baker, this time completely out
side the ropes.
Gong Saves Baker
The mighty figure of Jeffries stopped
over him with his hand rising and fall
ing in token of the passing seconds In
the meantime Attell watched Bakers
corner like hawk. 1t would have
Jared badly with a second had he come
too close to the ropes The one lesson
had been sufficient, however, and At
tell stood alone while the crowd gazed
at Baker. AS Jeffries called nine the
gong sounded and Baker was saved.
Saved for a moment
Those in the house realized that
Harry had gone. Attell flew out of his
corner for the eighth and Baker faced
him gamely 1t was to no use. What
followed proved slaughter. Attell ap-
peared goaded to a frenzy and literally
tossed his man at will Baker covered
and endeavored to keep his feet. Cries
of Stop it, jeff" came from all parts
of the house. Probably Jim meant to
do so, as he started toward Harry. But
hat c11I -,
the ropes.
Jeffries held Attell's arm on high, and
the championship had been retained.
Baker was in no wise injured, and
scarcely had Attell's admirers reached
him before the game little loser was
chatting in his corner You did the
best you could, Harry" poured in from
all sides.
yes, did the best I could" said
Baker, but you see what that best is"
The lightning act between Attel and
Van Court resulted in considerable
criticism for Abe, and many were
anxious to condole with Van. Van
Court, however, would not stand for
sympathy. He said;
"Why, don't blame Attell. | had no
business to do what | did and would
have done the same as Abe if I had
been in his place" Van Court was
among the first to reach Attell's dress =.
Ing room.
Before the veteran instructor had
time to speak Abe reached his hand
from n rubbing table and said:
II apologize for doing that Mr.. Van
Court, but L couldn't help it,"
AttelI Strikes at Second
why, you did just what was right
Abe" said Van. We haven't a kick
coming. You are the champion beyond
n n I nj I lDt K,-1,1
can beat you" The incident was
closed. Van Court had meant to tell
Baker that he had nine seconds for
rest.
II there was any doubt regarding the
former decision given Attcll by referee
Eddie Robinson Abe dissipatcd it be
yond a doubt last night and demon
strated that Harry Baker was power
less before him when the champion
stood at his best.
Beyond expectations of Attel him
self was the outcome which resulted
last night. Attell had warned those
who would wager on a knockout not to
do so, He feared Baker might not open
up and did not care TO predict knock
out
Let ii be said TO Bakers credit that
he fought. The only instance of cover
ing came when Attell had smothered
and beaten him to helplessness. Hary
gave everything that was in him and
that is about all a man can do.
1t was simply an instance of the
clever boxer and yet rugged fighter
meeting a clever opponent who could
not withstand the strength to which ht
was opposed.
Although Baker showed clever he did
not trouble Attell once during the bat
tle He was unable to land at close
quarters and the long range blows had
no effect whatsoever upon the sturdy
Attel. Harry did not give evidence OF
wanting to cover but was pOwerless.
Attell was cunning to a degree last
night. Brimful of life and stamina
his brilliant, blackish eyes shone with
sheer enjoyment with the knowledge OF
his fitness. For all the world at times