The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-08-26
Johnson Starts Training in
EmeryyiIle Gym

Jack Johnson kept one promise made
since his arrival He started to work
at Dave Cockerilrs Emeryville train
ing quarters yesterday morning. In
order TO make sure that he would be
on the job, the big black champion
crossed the bay Tuesday night, and
early yesterday morning he was out on
the road for a six mile spin. His
appearance at Emeryyille attracted at
tention. and the natives were out with
their stop watches timing johnson as
he tore around the racetrack. 1t looked
like the good old days when the rail-
birds were in action.
In the afternoon johnson went to
the gymnasium and donned the big
mitts for four rounds with Bob Arm
strong. the once great heavy weight
They did not go at it very strong, but
did enough to timber up. AS both of
them are extremely clever boxers the
bout proved an interesting one, and
each moment of it was closely watched
by the crowd, which was on hand TO
take a peep at Johnson in his initial
workout
Naturally the big fellows wind is
none too good. He weighs about 225
pounds, and he hopes to take off at
least 20 pounds before he enters the
ring with Al Kaufman Admission day
at the Mission street arena. Johnson
is looking for another sparring part
ner to work in conjunction with Arm
strong. He says that he will box every
Of Tor n. l.
meeting with the big blacksmith
Johnson is still anxious about his
racing automobile. The car has not
put in an appearance yet and the black
champion is at loss to figure out
whether or not 1T has been lost strayed
or stolen. Unless the machine shows up
soon it is likely that Johnson will aban-
don his training and start out on a
quiet hunt for it.
The auto craze has johnson stron ger
than it ever had any of the other fight
ers. Since his arrival he has been tear
ing all over this city and Oakland, ac-
companied on many of his rides by
Commissioner Tom Corbett. Corbett
and Johnson loom up well in the big
red racing car, and if the game keeps
on Tom may order one for his own use
shortly.
nelson VIII leave New YORK
for Hegewisch this morning, and after
a short stay there. he will come to this
city. This will be good news for the
local fans, for every time that the
lightweight champion puts in an APP
pearance there is something stirring
The chances are that the Battler has
an object in view this time, though he
does not go into details in the special
wire which he sent The Call last night
1t is not likely, however, that Nelson
win fight before November. though
there is chance that he will consent
to do whirl at the Mission street
arena during the Portola festival, pro-
vided that suitable opponent can be
dug up for him in the meantime.
Since his clean cut decision over Dick
Hyland last Friday evening, Johnny
Frayne, the local lightweight has been
in demand. His manager, Heine Ra-
fael has an offer to box Leach Cross
before the Fairmont club in New York
next. month for $4,000. Though this
offer is tempting. Rafael has turned it
down for the present.
Frayne has the Nelson bee buzzing in
his bonnet, and If he can get on with
the Battler during Portola week, his
dream will be realized. He says he is
willing to go over the % round route
with Nelson, and now it is up to Bat.
to give his consent. A meeting between
this pair would prove a big card for
the holiday festivities.