The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-06-29

tive assurances were given today by
Jim Corbett that his unruly charge
would box between a and 5 o'clock
this afternoon.
The Former champions surrender to
the wishes of his trainers was the
tai kof the town today. 1t is safe to
say that the ringside at Moana Springs
will be jammed with people when the
! announced bout takes place.
For two days the assembled host of
fight followers has known bitter dis
appointment because of Jeffries de-
termination not to work out before
them. His first boxing bout on Mon
day came so early in the mroning that
it took even the newspaper men by
surprise. On Tuesday a swarm OF
people was on hand before Jeffries
was up, but their enterprise got them
nothing as he refused to work at all.
A few of the hopeful ones journeyed
out to camp again, this morning, but
there was no sign of a workout and
not until Jeffries agreement to box
for the governor became known did
anyone feel assured that they would
see the challenger in action before he
stepped into the ring on the Fourth
of July.
Governor Dickerson. was informed
by Captain Cox of the state police of
Jeffries' decision. He greatly enjoyed
his visit into Jack Johnson's camp,
and had much to say today of the i'm
preston of physical fitness made upon
him by the present champion He as
sured Captain Cox that he would be
at the Moana ringside today.
My visit to the training camp of
johnson yesterday was the first time
that L had ever seen big boxer in the
course of preparation for a contest
said Governor Dickerson. Il was great
ly interested in the exhibition. With
my party 1 watched Johnson go
through his PAGES and 1 must say that
the work of the negro was a revela-
ton. 1 never knew that q man of
Johnson's size could be 50 wonderfully
clever in defending himself. My i'm
preston of the fighter is that he is the
embodiment of strength, agility, ag-
sressiveness and, perhaps, most of all.
good nature. He went at hts work
willingly and his sparring partners
were as playthings in his hands.
Not being judge of the physical
condition of athletes, 1 cannot give an
expert opinion to Johnson's fitness
for his meeting with Jeffries but so
far as my opinion goes, it may be said
that Johnson is an excellent specimen
of physical manhood.
HE amused me greatly. His wit is
keen and L rather enjoyed a tilt of
repartee in which he and 1 engaged
plimenCed him upon his ability as q
toxer he said:
Mr.. Governor. 1 would like to box
with you some time to show you how
easy II Is.
Il promptly assured him that if we
were ever matched by a designing per-
son, the match would officially be call
ed off at once"
Ricl1ard Is to Stay.
Promoter Tex Rickard is not
greatly concerned over the mo-
nentous role he is to play on the
afternoon of the Fourth and he asserts
with convincing earnestness that ne
has no misgivings whatever regarding
his ability to referee the big fight
why, 1 haven't given the subject a
single thought he told a group of
newspaper men last night. THE job
will be a snap. With seasoned fighters
like Jeffries and Johnson to deal with,
it will be the easiest thing to take care
of the referees end. 1 have been as
sured by both that they are entirely
satisfied to have me in the ring and
they will do everything they can 20
smooth the way
Some one asked him II he ever had
presided over - big fight event before.
Nothing very big the promoter
answered, but don't think for a min
ute that Pm not wise to every angle OF
prize fighting I've followed it prac-
ticaIly all my life and If there is any
body that knows any more about the
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