The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-07-29
JEFF POSTS FORFEIT
Shows Willingness to Defend
Worlds Title.
NOT UNJUST IN HIS DEMANDS
Champion VIII BE Ready TO Tackle
Negro for % Bout Between Twenty
and One Hundred Rounds Before
Club Offering Largest Purse, and
Best Situated, I'm Reasonable Time.

New York. July 2S.-James J. Jeffries.
setting forth that he is still the cham
pion OF the world. came to town to-day
and posted $500 as an evidence of good
faith and forfeit 10 bind a match with
Jack johnson. In outlining his position,
Jeffrles stated that he agreed TO defend
his title of worlds heavyweight cham
pion against Johnson in a boxing con-
test" to be held before the club offering
the largest purse and the one best sit
uated" to promote the battle; that he
agreed to fight anywhere from twenty 10
100 rounds. and that when the final ar
ticIes Of agreement are signed he would
post an additional 5000, which Johnson
must cover and also agree TO let the So
600 posted remain as a side bet. Jeffries
also declared IN tentative articles of
agreement, which were signed by himself
and Berger that the final stakeholder
should be any responsible man, prefer
ably John T. Clark, OF San Francisco.
Now Up TO Johnson.
In a subsequent interview the boiler
maker said that he hoped Johnson would
cover his forfeit at once and sign articles
at the appointed time.
Il am going to san for Carlsbad on
August g." he said. land l win begin
training over on the other side. When 1
come back In the fail 1 will get down
10 hard work and will be ready 10 enter
the ring three months after that have
made good my promises 10 the public
so far and l am going ahead with my
plans. / weigh 25 pounds now, and
never felt better in my life.
II do not intend 10 take any chances
with this fellow Johnson, so 1 will be
absolutely At when l begin the battle
and I'll win. too. Ny money is up, and
I have made a square proposition 20
johnson that he cannot very well avoid.
He has been posting forfeiJs periodically
for some time, and has talked so much
about fighting me that / see no reason
why he should not come to the center
quickly with HIS forfeit money"
Receives Congratulations.
Jenries was busy receiving the con-
CALCULATIONS Of an army Of friends after
he had posted his forfeit. and he seemed
to be as happy as a schoolboy. There is
no immediate cause for anxiety in the
camp Of the big Californian, however.
for johnson will have 10 dispose OF
Ketcheu before he gets into the ring
with Jenries; and Ketchell, IL must be
remembered. Is a decidedly mussy per
SON
Several DAYS ago II was currently re-
ported that Johnson was fiat broke: at
least. he said so himself. But he has
plenty Of wealthy sporting men Of color
sole rrrfnH .Nrsrf. Nr4
be posted. unless he strikes snag In the
shape Of a demand on the part Of JEFF
fries that. as the real champion. he must
receive the lions share OF the purse
Johnson. IL must be remembered, IS re-
garded as the champion. too, and as such
e IS safe 70 say that he Will not allow
Jeffries 70 get away with the long end
OF the argument.
It IS already predicted that Conroth. OF
Colma. will offer $4,000 for the fight. and
II Will be up 20 the principals 70 agree
between themselves how this money
should be cut.
In a long statement to-day Joe Wood
man, manager Of Sam Langford. says. IN
part:
"Ketchel and his manager. Willis
Britt. assume too much when they try
to dictate that they should receive four
Gfths OF a large purse for a meeting with
Langford A moments thought viii show
the absurdity Of KetchelTs demand for
guarantee Of $4,000 Of a $4,000 purse 70
box Langford, regardless of the result
Langford had established a reputation
as a high-class boxer and fighter when
Ketchell first broke into the game.
Ketchell earned much Of his game by
stopping Philadelphia Jack O Brien twice.
but LangfOrd's record is even better.
Langford IS handicapped by his color,
and has the good sense 10 know his place
as a cOlored man.
"Langford VIII fight Ketchel for the
middle-weight championship for the best
purse offered. with a winners and losers
end. on any terms Ketchell may dictate;
or Langford will meet Ketcheu at any
weight for any number Of rounds before
any club making the best offer The
Fairmont Club. of New York. is anxious
to get Langford and Ketchell, and IL the
club can secure Ketchell the match will
be a certainty. It is a difference Of Opin-
ion that makes the boxing game so good.
and while take no exception 10 sport
ing writer's expressing their belief in
Ketchells ability 10 beat Johnson. Papke,
Langford. or any one else, do ask them
10 be fair enough 10 say that Langford
Is willing 70 meet Ketchell as quickly as