Los Angeles herald., 1908-08-01
BY JAY DAVIDSON

claim that O'Brien has on the pugilis-
tic world.
True, the pugilistic world does not
need O'Brien half as much as O'Brien
needs the pugilistic world. Yet, he is
an admitted contender for the crown
laid aside by Jeffries, and in the sport
ing world a champion is a champion,
and whether he be black or white, in
side or out, his real abilities must be
confessed, and if he can go to the front
he is entitled to the privilege.
Personal i'll will, prejudice and real
enmity individual, of course, should
not be permitted to bar any man from
his proper place in sports. Only preju-
dice, personal i'll will and enmity can
keep OBrien from getting that one
chance for his wrongdoings that he so
much desires at this time.
Was Caught-That's All
It was O'Brien's misfortune to be
caught with the goods on him, and
that is about all there is to the argu-
ment He makes no attempt to excuse
himself but holds that he was tried,
convicted and has been executed, in
measure He feels that he has paid a
severe penalty for his misdeeds, and,
inasmuch as he is recognized as
champion in the middle and light heavy
weight divisions, he desires to get back
in the fray.
There are numerous good matches in
sight for him, and he is not asking for
any particular one He naturally pre-
fers Burns, but it is not deemed best
at this time to rematch these arch enc
mics. Ketchell, Kelly. Flynn, Barry
or Al Kaufman are fighters of promi-
hence that he will tackle, If given an
opportunity. Ketchell or Kaufman
undoubtedly will be the opponent Sc
lected for him for his first local fight.
Kaufman is anxious to fight O'Brien
again. The Philadelphia is the only
fighter in the world who holds a VIC
tory over the native son, and Al wants
chance to wipe it out. When the
subject of fight was mentioned to Billy
Delaney a few days ago he seemed
anxious to send Al up against O'Brien
again. believing that the boy wonder
will be able to wipe out his only de-
feat when they meet.
o'Brlen is Good Card
Despite all that O'Brien did while
mixed up in the expose of the Burns
OBrien affair, he still is a good card
any time, anywhere and against any
fighter in the world. He classes with
any of the fighters in any division now
in the ring. While probably bit too
light to rank as a heavyweight, his
great cleverness, speed and wallop
make MIN d CONTENDER LOT Tie H6dNy-
weight title, and there is none to deny
that he will make things interesting for
any of those who are aspiring to the
abandoned crown Of Jeffries.
O'Brien is tied up with a vaudeville
contract until after September 1, but
will be free then. He writes that he
will require at least one month in
which to get into condition to put up
a good fight, and, therefore, suggests
that if he is given match the date
be set along late in the fall, probably
in October or November, the latter
month preferred. He says that he will
come to Los Angeles and train faith
fully, and will go into the ring and
fight any man on earth.
O'Brien has served his term of PEN
ancc, and when he comes to the front
like a man, acknowledging his wrong
doing and pleads for forgiveness, the
least that can be done is to grant his
appeal. Give him the chance he asks
for, and if he fails to make good put
the non erasable label on him and the
entire world will know him, but If he
is sincere in his desire to make amends
and get back in the game, no good
sportsman will withhold him that per-
mission.