Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1909-10-16
I'LL IS READY
FOR BIG FIGHT
Thousands Thronging CoIma. Where
Championship Battle In the Ropcd
Arena L. On.

san Francisco. oct l6-AI roads led
10 Colma today. with an chances for
a hitch In the great championship battle
between Jack Johnson the negro heavy
weight titleholder and Stanley Ketchel.
the middleweight leader. apparently set
az rest by the assurances Of the princi-
pals and their managers, the attention OF
the fight loving public this morning be-
came focused upon Promoter Coffroth's
arena IN the suburbs of this city.
EXPECTS $4,000 HOUSE.
Mission street. the great thoroughfare
leading TO the rngside was alive with
gaily colOred automobiles Colma- bound.
FOR the spirit OF the portola festival al
ready has spread over the city and the
fight today is looked upon az a fittiug
curtain-rsiser to a week Of excitement.
Street cars decked IN bunting and flags
long before the noon hour carried heavy
loads Of men ON their way 10 the
bleachers. Before the gates opened at
II o'clock there was a long line in watt
ing There was every indication that
Cofroth would come mp TO his cKpecta-
lions Of a $4,000 house. Sporting men
are here from am parts Of the country.
No work was done iu either camp yes
terday. johnson showed himself IN the
downtown streets. driving his automobile
and smiling his golden smile He talked
with easy assure nee and appeared 20
have no shadow of doubt that he would
pass the crisis IN his career as a. fighter
with flying colors. ketchel was out for
a short run on the road. His manager
said he was not doing any worrying over
the outcome, Both men are reported 20
be I'm the best kind Of shape. The fight
enthusiasts and trainers who have watch
ed both men AZ their work expect 60
witness a great battle.
Johnson's chances are told Ia his SUI
perior weight and reach, while ketchel
has hard blow and a gameness that IS
devoid Of fear.
STATEMENTS OF PUGS.
Statements made by the principals on
the eve Of the 20-round battle Indicate
the confidence felt by each.
Il expect to win. Of course" said
ketchel. II haven't a bit OF fear or
johnson. although appreciate his ability
as a fighter I will go after him in
what looks the hest way, but ] never
plan fights IN advance. am in the best
shape that I ever was"
II will win this fight and then J win
go after Jefries." said Johnson. IF
can get ketohel In the first round am
going 20 do so. I am sure 10 knock him
out for ! want 10 make people under
stand what "a chance ! have 10 whip
Jim Jefries"
As there is no weight-makiug condi-
ton. the fighters are expected TO enter
the ring al 3 o'clock sharp. The prelim-
inaries started at 1:t5 o'clock
SUPPORT FOR KETCHEL-
When the two champions enter the
ring their difference IN weight Will be
around p pounds. ketchel weighed l''
pounds when he got up Friday MORN
ing and his manager expects that he VIII
reach the $50 mark today, because ~ the
rest yesterday. Ketchel thinks he VIII
weigh IN al 17s pounds. Johnson's man
aver said that he was willing 10 have
Johnson weighed In the ring and that
the figure would be between l98 and i@
pounds.
To- a fayorite with even money on j
rounds There Is a healthy ketchel sup
port.