The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-18

PHILADELPHIA, July 1S-"Bob'
Fitzsimmons. once the holder of the
middle-weight and the heavyweight
championship, made his last appear
ance in any ring as a contestant at
the Washington Sporting Club last
night, where he practically collapsed
after a round and a half OF boxing-not
fghting-with Jack Johnson. who
claims the colored heavy weight cham
pionship.
There were hundreds of Fitzsimmons'
friends among the $500 men and one
woman who looked on at the pitiful
spectacle Of the so-called grand old
man" Of the ring trying TO stall through
six rounds OF fighting with a man big
ger than himself. who is just in the
prime of his athletic career.
Fake and Farce.
AS a fight the affair was fake" as
q boxing exhibition it was a farce
Before the men entered the ring it
was rlimored that Fitzsimmons hal a
very sore arm from a blow received
during his training. This was confirmed
after the men entered the ring. Fitz-
simmons being received with deafening
cheers. while Johnson scarcely got a
bit of applause. When everything was
in readiness, Referee keenan, announced
that unless FYtzsimmons would consent
10 physical examination to disprove
the story that bob" had a broken arm
he would refuse TO officiate.
Wanted to Be Stung.
Fitzsimmons, in reply, made a speech,
in which he admitted that his arm was
asrNr. = 49, -
that he was willing TO take a chance.
and some Of the spectators yelled for
the bout to go on. Billy Mccartney,
manager of the club. settled all ques-
tions by jumping through the ropes and
announcing that he would referee. He
sent the men off in double quick time
For four minutes and half the crowd
saw the two big men wander around the
ring. 1t was quickly seen the Fitz' S
right arm was useless. He held IT close
TO his chest and moved it feebly up and
down whenever he saw a blow coming.
Out Without a Blow.
1t was apparent that the big negro.
Johnson, was inclined TO be mercifuI,
and. unlike ordinary ring contests.
where a crowd has paid from 81 to s.
INTO
the whim OF the colored man and failed
20 urge the men on. After the first min
ute OF boxing no one looked for any
thing resembling a fight. Fitzsimmons
kept dancing away and when Johnson
got close to him made passes with his
left arm.
Once when they came together in the
second round, Fitzsimmons was hurled
10 the hoor, the fall taking much Of
the strength out of the odd man" The
end came few seconds later without
a blow being struck. Fitzsimmons fall
Ing 70 the floor after a collision with
johnson and being in such a HELPLESS
state that Referee Mccartney sent the
men to their corners.
Many times have followers of boxing
been handed a lemon" but this one
will become historic in ring annals here.
Fftzsimmons, in the language Of the
day, certainly handed IL to- his ad-
mirers and his many personal friends
who were at the ringside some OF
whom had Travelled from New York
In the expectation Of seeing him give a
beating to Johnson. There was no ex-
cuse Cor him going into the ring when
he knew he was physically unable TO
defend himself
The manly thing for him to have done
would have been to call the affair off
when he found that his right arm was
helpless. Instead, he apparently made
no effort to have the match postponed
and he permitted the public to pay
from 81 10 $. which are exorbitant
prices in this city for a boxing bout,
to see him with the expectation that he
would be able TO give johnson good
contest
Passes in Disgrace,
Fitzsimmons thereby ended his ring
rsreer with crepe on his colors.
Johnson escaped censure because OF
his apparent effort to be merciful. after
Fitzslmmons had made an appeal to be
permitted to fight"
Referee Tommy keenan, came out OF
the affair with colors flying. He proved
bis honesty and his willingness TO pro-
tect the public. II was a delicate sit
TIA ton for any man TO be In, but
Keenan, as he told the crowd had a
reputation 20 sustain. and he did the
only thing that a referee. who tries
b. play fair and 10 stand between the
boxers and the men who support them,
.ould do under the circumstances.
Club May Be Innocent.
As for the Washington Sporting Club.
mere was some censure, but a general
disposition among those present to bring
n the Scotch vedict OF Not proven"
The management went to big expense
IN getting the men together. and II is
doubtful Il the officials knew that any
hing was wrong until after Fitzsim-
nonc entered the club house. Then they
,ould have called the show of, and stood