The Washington herald., 1909-04-18

Figuring on the assumption that James
j. Jeffries will finally agree TO meet
Jack Johnson. what viii be the outcome?
asks Billy Recap, the Philadelphia referee
Sports OF the country have seen The re-
tired champion az his best when be pol
ished OF COrbett. Fitzimmons. and made
such neat JOB Of Jack Munroe In Jig
time. No matter how much Jeffries trains.
he can never hope to be better than when
he was at his best five years ago. Now,
what about Johnson? The writer firmly
believes that no one has ever seen him
at his best. He did not have 20 extend
himself to beat Tommy Burns. The big
negro came nearer to showing his true
form right in this city than he has any
where else.
After giving a disgusting exhibition
against Sandy Ferguson. he was given
another chance TO show his worth He
was pitted against Black Bill, CT Mer-
chantville. who al that tirne-is54--was a
dangerous proposition. Johnson was told
that he must cut loose or he would be
driven from the city. The wailoping he
gave Black Bill on that February night
showed what the new worlds champion
could do when he tried. He did not knock
Bin out, but Bill was on the floor fourteen
times In the six rounds. and each time
as the result OF a stin punch. Bill weighed
19i pounds. was Of the Waloott type. and
hard man to knock out with one punch.
The final bell was a welcome sound 70
the Merchantyilie heavyweight.
The pictures Of the Burns-Johnson fight
N.F- T. =
they are being closely studied BY the
sports.
Most OF the milling was done in the
clinches- Burns showed his wonderful
speed In footwork and did most o. the
leading. He jabbed considerably. but his
efforts fell short What was expected by
the fans was not forthcoming. They had
looked for Johnson 20 use his left lab in
cessantly, but he did not He feinted
with Il time and again. but seemed set on
making good use OF his right. All OF his
effective work was executed with this
right when he caught Burns coming IN
and in the clinches Burns head was
seen 10 go back time and again from
JohnsOn's right-hand upppercuts. Burns
was badly marked Up. while johnson did
not appear 10 have a scratch.
AS there Is much interest taken in the
proposed meeting between Jeffries and
Johnson. the latteT's style Of milling. MS
aggressiveness. and all other points that
go 20 make up a champion were studied
closely BY the fans. According 20 many
remarks made by the enthusiasts the gen
eral opInien seemed 20 be that Jeffries
viii win by a Knockout II they meet. II
is hard % pass Judgment from this fight
-,
son was not forced ar any stage OF the
game. His wonderful speed was not evil
dent % a large extent. IN places he
showed flashes OF his true ability and
then made Burns look ridiculous When
he forced Burns several times he led his
left for the stomach in manner that
left a good opening for a man with
a powerful right. II was not a straight
blow. but a swing which started IN back
Of him. Burns blocked most OF them.
But II appeared that II Burns was on the
alert and punching straight he could
have stepped IN and probably "copped"
Johnson. Burns punched straight with
his left. but his right-hand blows. which
were few. were swings and the champion
had no trouble in stopping either with
HIS hand or shoulder. he also ducked
many Of them.
II is all up 10 Jenries whether there
viii be any fight, and the following in
tervlew with the former worlds cham
pion makes timely reading:
I've told you time and time again that
II can make the weight without killing
myself III fight Johnson. and II I fight
him III beat him." says big jim JEFF
fries to all inquiries.
He said & petulsntly. for the question
has been asked him before. That time
aud time again" showed weariness OF the
spirit
Just look me over" said Jeffries. You
can see the shape I'm in. You can figure
out as well as I can my chances Of get
ting rid OF this excess baggage I'm carry
ing around with me.
I weigh at this minute 302 pounds.
Can get of hundred pounds Of that