The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-05-21
FIGHT IS A DRAW.
johnson Fails to Punish
O'Brien Severely.
HONORS EVEN ON BOTH SIDES
Philadelphian's Quickness of Foot
and Cleverness In Ducking
Saves Him In Several
Close Calls.
HONORS EVEN ON BOTH SIDES

was crowded to see Jack Johnson, the
new champion heavyweight, in action
for the first time since he took the
somewhat dubious title from Tommy
Burns in far off Australia last Decem-
ber. But their interest in the big col
ored fighter scarcely exceeded that in
Jack O'Brien, the favorite son, pitted
against Il man vastly his superior in
weight. 1t was crowd tensely eX.
pectant that filled the arena of the
National Athletic club. There were
seats for 3.7O0 persons, and 500 others
choked the narrow aisles. Special
trains brought big delegations Of spec
tators from New York, Washington,
Baltimore. Pittsburg and even Chi
cago.
There was little or no public betting
on the fight at the ringside. The fact
that no decision is allowed on six
round bouts in this state was respon-
sible, of course, for this. There was
some private wagering, however that
O'Brien would have the advantage on
points. On this he was favorite ut
odds Of 3 to 4.
When johnson shouldered his way
through the crowded aisles and climb
ed into the ring his reception was not
enthusiastic. and there was even some
hootng by the galleries. O'Brien
came on a minute later, and the crowd
cheered him frantically. He grasped
Johnson's hands perfunctorily and
took his corner A telegram was read
from Billy Delaney challenging John
son on behalf of AL Kaufman for Il
fight at San Francisco.
II weigh 162 pounds said O'Brien
while the gloves were being drawn on.
Johnson looked forty pounds heavier.
Stanley Ketchel came forward to be
introduced. He shook O'Brien's hand
ard wished him success, then crossed
and greeted Johnson.
O'Brien looked' to be in splendid
shape. johnson appeared rather bulky
about the waist line, but his splendid
muscles stood out in arms and Shoul-
ders.
First Round.-When the gong sound
ed Johnson rushed O'Brien to the
ropes. O'Brien came back with left
rushed O'Bricn eff his feet. O'Bricn
put left to the face lightly, but John
son only grinned and forced O'Brien
to the ropes. showing him to his knees.
They feintcd and fiddled carefully.
O'Brien trying to draw Johnson on.
Johnson put left on O'Briens face,
and O'Brien landed left to face in re-
turn. O'}rien wss in and out like Il
flash. and Johnson set himself for Il
counter, but it was smothered. O'Bri-
ems quickness of foot stood him in
good stead against Johnson. The round
was even.
Second Round.-O'Brien led for the
face. but was blocked, and Johnson
lifted him off the floor in the clinch
that followed. The crowd hOoted
Johnson, but he only smiled and rush
ed O'Brien to the ropes. Marvellous
( ducking saved OBrien from damage,
and they spared cautiously. O'Brien
! caught Johnson with a stiff left on the
face three times, and the crowd cheer
ed frantically. Johnson rushed him to
the ropes, landing left on the body
| lightly. Both appeared winded, and
Johnson waited for O'Brien to lead.
Johnson went after O'Brien like a
whirlwind, but quick footwork took
the Philadelphia man out of harms
way. O'Brien did the cleaner work
in this round.
Third Round.-Johnson missed left
and took light stab in the face in re-
turn. O'Brien was in and out like a
fash. landing left on the face, but took
a stiff left to the stomach at close
range. Johnson forced O'Brien, sham
bling after him rather slowly and awk-
wardly missed two lefts and a right
for the head. Johnson set himself for
O'Brien's lead. but was slow in coun-
tering and took left stab on the nose
Johnson went after him viciOusly and
left had O'Brien's mouth bleeding.
johnson appeared somewhat winded
at the end of the round. which was
about even, with O'Brien's work show
ing cleaner.
Fourth Round.-O'Brien put left to
face and took right on body, and they
spared cautiously. O'Brien caught
Johnson jarring smash on the face
with his left, and Johnson's mouth
showed the effects. Johnson slowed
up and waited for O'Brien to lead. The
crowd yelled for O'Brien to "come and
show him up" but johnson only grin
ned and walked in. He caught OBrien
glancing right on the head and a
left on the body, but O'Brien was go