Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-07-04

Reno. New. July 3.-James ]. JEFF
ries and John A. johnson, through The
Associated Press tonight, delivered
| their last messages of confidence In
their fitness which they will give be-
fore they shake hands in the ring to-
morrow afternoon.
BY JAMES J. JEFFRIES.
when the gloves are knotted on
my hands tomorrow afternoon and l
stand ready to defend what is really
my title, it will be at the request OF
the public who forced me out of re-
tirement I realize full we'll just what
depends on me and l am not going to
! disappoint the public.
AS to my condition. just how I feel
on the eve of the battle. there's no use
going into detail. That portion of the
white race that has been looking to
me to defend its athletic supremacy
may feel assured that l am fit to do
my very best.
Il want those who fancy my chances
to know this much; If had as much
as slight pain, a sore finger or the
most trivial thing imaginable that
might annoy me, I would Immediately
insist on postponement. Fortunately
will surely beat Johnson. I would not
have signed to fight at all unless was
| reasonab bly, certain of victory. 1t is
impossible for me to say just how
will fight this colored man. My method
Of fighting will develop as the actual
scrapping Is on Neither can I say
whether the bout will be short or long.
Sufficient to say that any time I hit
foJI n
and that will win just as quickly as
/ can"
BY JACK JOHNSON.
when | go into the ring on the
Fourth of July to fight Mr.. Jeffries. l
will do so with full confidence that |
am able to defeat him at the game OF
give and take. | honestly believe that
| in pugilism ! am Jeffries' master ana
| it is my purpose to demonstrate TINS
| in the most decisive way possible.
| think I know JeffrieS thoroughly as n
, fighter and. with this knowledge reas-
surfing me. I am more than willing TO
defend the title of champion against
| him.
II have trained faithfully for this
fight There cannot be the slightest
doubt that my physical condition Is
such that it could not be improved.
The conditions under which I have
trained and the routine have followed
have brought me to state In which
will be able to exert every ounce OF
my strength and bring into play every
point about boxing that know. My
original intentions regarding my
training have been carefully carried out
and I could not hope for better results
Critics and others who have seen me-
agree that | am conditioned to the
notch--where | could enter the ring
at moments notice.
| ut has never been my policy before
battle to discuss the method / will
employ during my fight. In this fight
more than in any other, it is impos-
sible to tell in detail just how things
will go. I am going to win. I will be
there, fighting at every turn. l don't
look forward to tight pinches. but
think my superiority over Mr.. Jenries
eliminates the need of any thought OF
such things. There will be no tagging.
The fight in all probability will be fast
Throughout every round. no matter
how far it goes. | am prepared for a
long contest. If the fight is not quick
lily ended, and it does without saying
that a short fight would be playing IN
to my hands.
Every fighter on the eve Of his fight
declares that he hopes the best man
wins. I am quite sincere when / say
that / do If Mr.. .Jeffries knocks me
out or gains decision over me, will
go into his corner and congratulate
him as soon as I am able. My con-
gratulations will be no fake. I mean
it. If Mr. Jeffries has 1t In him to de-
feat me. I think I can modestly say
he is entitled to all the congratulations
he may receive.
Let me say in conclusion that be-
lieve the meeting between Mr.. Jeffries
and myself will be a great test of
strength, skill and endurance. The
tap of the gong will be music to me"