Evening star., 1908-12-23

SYDNEY, Australia. December 11.-Ioni-
my Burns practically finished training
FOR his battle with Jack johnson next
Saturday I'm stiff workout in the gym
nasium yesterday afternoon. At the con-
clusion of two hours and half, during
which time he hammered the bag. skip
ped the rope and went nine fast rounds
with three sparring partners, he declared
ile felt fit to defend the heavyweight title
against the giant negro. Today he will
take short run in the morning, and will
indulge in shadow boxing in the after
noon. Friday lie will devote entirely to
resting up from his somewhat strenuous
grind.
Jack johnson PIT in a hard days work
at St. Joseph's Bank Hotel, Botany, but
that the colored challenger would be put
through the PAGES again today. A jog
Friday morning will round out the con-
ditioning program for the negro.
McdIow Baths, where Burns is training,
was crowded all afternoon with an en-
fhusiastic band of admirers. The Cana
dian champion added many a penny to
his hoard as result OF the general in
terest In the approaching mill. Burns
Is not an oddity to Sydney fight fans.
who have kept tabs on him since he began
training. But each incoming train un-
loads its quota OF outside enthusiasts
gathering for the festival, and these were
all eagerness TO get line on the merits
OF the men.
Money Flows to Burns.
Many journeyed TO Medlow and others
10 st. Joseph's to watch the prospective
sfadiators. Burns had been charging a
shilling admission to the gymnasium. but
he doubled the rates yesterday because
OF the unusual demand. and let them al
most fill his training quarters.
The champion appears to be In excellent
condition. Il have never been in such
line shape In my life said he as he con-
long breath. Il have not trained down
so fine as usual, as think pound OF two
additional weight will stand in good
stead but have been careful to preserve
my speed and endurance. I will weigh
under 1s5 pounds when 1 step into the
ring with johnson, and he will find me the
liveliest 1SJ pounds he ever met. My
hands are In great shape and / am con-
1ident will win inside twenty rounds.
Il have said all along would either
knock out Johnson or make him Jump over
the ropes. and intend to make good.
nave wagered heavily on my chances and
will finish Johnson as speedily as possible.
] am goins right after him. He said I
was yellow. You'll soon see if he Is right"
Johnson was in no wise overlooked. His
Botany quarters were congested all after
noon. anS those who saw him work were
Impressed more than ever with his
chances. Johnson had not the forethought
of his adversary. He didn't raise his
rates. AS a result he played to the big
Sest house of the season.
White Man the Favorite.
Johnson will have considerable advan-
tage in weight over. Burns. The latter is
a decided favorite, however, despite this.
There seems to be a general impression
that the negro is not possessed OF a stout
heart. Those who have seen him pummeI
I.ange and Joe Grim cannot understand it.
Johnson seems a marvel Of speed, and he
is possessed Of great hitting ability. Many
will take chance on him on account or
his fine showing Of the past few days.
That many will be disappointed Satur-
day Is a surety. Despite great care on the
seats have found their way into the hands
OF spectators. Only the reserved chairs
have been disposed Of as yet. but the rush
on these shows that general admissions
will be at premium on the day of the
big battle. Excursions by water and rail-
are to be run from all parts OF the ada
cent territory: Several thousands OF visit
ors are already in town, and more are ar
irving hourly.
The hitch over tho referee is likely to
cause trouble. With the fight only three
days sway. the principals have yet failed
20 compromise on an official. Burns Il
holding out rigidly for r. L. Baker. john
son says he has given way in every other
detail even to the division of the purse,
which Burns "hogged," but he will not
give way on the referee matter. II the
pugilists do not come to terms very soon
Hugh Mcintosh, the promoter. will usurp
the right to appoint an arbiter.