The Arizona sentinel., 1910-07-07
Ring History Repeated

4io6 $ GU HCClIO, U coIJ T, CCoi . d l So sem blance to the defeat of the once great John L. Sullivan at New Orleans in Septem Der, 1892.
 The brilliant Corbett was then in the very zenit h of his prime, and the rapidity. of his move lnents, his wonderful cleverness in feinting, jabbing and footwork dazzled the old champion and made him look like a mere anna teur in comparison with his own futile rushes. Sullivan had been the greatest fighter of the age uuder the old rules of slugging, but in front of man of Corbett's superior attachments in modern pugilfsm, to say nothing of his youthfulness, the old open-air gladiator was mere novice, and unquestionably would have been beaten had he, been in his prime.
 The affair at Reno had many of the same aspects as the form CT historic one at New Orleans. There was this difference: lief fries never had the supreme self assurance and egotism of the "Onfy John L." and with his ex- tremely sensitive irature and his more accurate knowledge of the modern game of pugilism became mentally depressed and doubtful of his own ability on the eve of battle. Johnson had temporary stage fright, but Jeffries was mentally benumbed; he was de feated before entering the ring. Practically dragged from his retirement by the public clamor to enter the ring and regain the championship for the white race by whipping black man--a fighter Of such marvelous pro- proportions, skill, science and strength as has never been com bineG in any other pugilist in the history of the ring, the magni- tude of the undertaking appalled, him and rendered him untit.
 After reports of the Reno fight indicate that Jeffries in the
 final hours was brought to a full realization Of the iob he had on hand, and he coRld well ina zine his own Humiliation in case of defeat, and as the crisis ap- proached he became moFose and deeply depressed; he was in this cOnditiOn when he entered the ring. The possibility of defeat and its accompanying disgrace- as be woald feel it-preyed upon his mind and could not be thrown off. This comes from his train eFst and is no doubt absolutely true. Physically, Jeffries seem ed to be in superb condition, but mentally he was unfit to enter the ring. Of what avail was that massive strength without firm, intelligent decision and guidance, and the old fighting spirit of confidence. Possessed of his ordinary mental pose and confident alertness, 1t is certain the battle would have been Tong one and his black oppoaent would have borne terrific pun ishment instead of merely romp- ing through the rounds, cruelty and mercilessly chopping the white champion down until lie lay helpless and bleeding at his feet, tie colored champion not even extending himself or show ing a mark of the encounter.
 But woald Je6ries have won from the black marvel, even if he had been as good as when he conquered Sharkey, fitzsimmons or Corbett2 There have been ''expest" opinions as to this un- ansWerable question. En the opfnion of the writer, Jack Johm- soR, in his present condition, could have defeated the white cha ptow at his best, and that means that the championship is likely to remain with NIT. J. Arthur Johnson as long as he wants to retain it.
 In the meantime 1t is to be hoped that the so called square sports everywhere, wIll not curse the man upon whom they placed their money, and lost, but will