The San Francisco call., 1910-06-26

CLT WILL challenge Sullivan" This re-
mark was made by James J. Corbett to party
l. Of friends in Chicago just before Christmas,
1891 Corbett had come with the idea of
making theatrical engagement and at the time had
not fully determined to enter pugilsm his career
lie had been talking of his encounter in the previous
May with Peter Jacksona battle that spite of the
No contest" decision, had stamped Corbett as a
fighter far above the ordinary caliber
Since then have been heard to say that Cor
bett his reputation from none but old and de-
crept men Vet it should be remembered that it was
after his fight with Corbett that Peter Jackson
to England and from Frank Savin won the most SEN
satonal fight of his entire career.
When he entered the ring with Corbett Jackson
the greatest of all negro pugilists had bad ankle
But Corbett also suffered under severe handicap He
had been i'll and i'll when he entered the ring
More than during the fight he received medical
treatment Yet had he been restrained is GER
tain he would have knocked out Jackson.
Billy Delaney. the foxiest ring general that ever
developed pugilist, knew that a draw with Jackson
was sufficient glory for Corbett, in whose corner he
and he refused permit his principal even when
Jackson SO leg weary that he could hardly stand
to take chances in exchange of heavy blows
Corbett always liked John l. Sullivan and to this
day speaks of him of the worlds greatest pug
hssa harder hitter in Corbets opinion than either
with his friends in Chicago the young pugist said:
Yes, think | can beat Sullivan but if he waits Scr
me TO challenge him he retain the championship
for life Should he lose the title will be an inmedi-
ate challenger The only way to bring Sullivan and
me together IS 10 persuade him to make the first
move If he does that he will find me ready and wait
ing for him"
This conversation considerably emphasized and
much distorted repeated to Sullivan and finally
brought forth the sweeping challenge to the world
that IS here quoted. An attempt had been made to
sidetrack Sullivan and to regard him as a retired
champion This injured his theatrical business and
hurt his pride It. should be said for Sullivan that he
FAR underestimated Corbett's powers. He regarded
him clever boy without ability to put force behind
his blows
~Corbett can't punch hole through pound of
butter" of Sullivans favorite remarks 1t is
record that he uttered it after his fight
with Corbett in New Orleans
James J. Corbett had flashed across the pugilistic
horizon like meteor. Though in California he was
regarded the greatest of all amateurs little was
known OF him in the east until he met Jake Kilrain in
six rounds in New Orleans in 1890 Kilrain had been
whipped by the mighty Sullivan after tremendous
battle The idea of unknown beating him was con-
sidered absurd. Yet Corbett stepped into the ring
and from the first sound of the bell made Kilrain look
like novice He went through the six rounds with
out mark on him, while KIlrain crawed through the
ropes cut and bleeding the result OF of
bruisng blows.
Corbett was ever student of pugilisrn From his
earliest encounters schooboy he made every fight
answer the purpose of lesson. He always ready
10 put on the gloves with amateur professional.
When he found man with blow that to
him Corbett made study of the blow, improved upon
and appropriated it his use. SO it happened
that when Sullivan visited San Francisco in June
1891 Corbet eagerly accepted the suggestion that he
and the champion should appear IN mimic bout at
the Grand opera house.
The two men appeared before tremendous crowd
Instead of wearing ring costumes the two puglists
were IN evening dress Not hard blow struck
and not attempt made by either to break the
agreement Yet il tryout of the champion and
for the benefit Of Corbett
lust before the close of the sixth round in that
mimic encounter Corbett feintng hddling and swing
ing his heavy covered fists, drew Sullivan into mix
up blocking blow and raised his right arm holding
himself poised if about to sling right upper cut
TO Sulivans face. The opening there and Corbett
It, made mental note OF 1t and long afterward
repeated the operation though the second time he
failed to withhold his fist and swung the blow flush
TO Sullivans face TO the undoing OF the Boston
The articles of agreement for the first championship
battle under Queensberry rules entered into
tbout any of the quarreling and pickering that have
marked the agreements of more recent years Each
anxious for the contest; neither desired an
advantage for himself, and each willing to meet
the other half way in concessions The result the
agreement for the great battle before the Olympic
club of New Orleans, September l. 1892 the purse
being S25000 the stake $4,000 and the champonshi
OF the world the great goal
There those who have said Corbett was filled
with fear when he went to New Orleans for his meet
ing with Sullivan Such statement is utterly erro
neous The youngster filled with confidence II,
had his battle completely planned in his mind and
IS fact that he the fight just he had planned
forcing Sullivan to the final count round earlie
than he had expected
TRAINED ON THE CARS
In the baggage car attached to the train which tool
Corbett to New Orleans gymnasium had been ftte,
M There Corbett continued his training as he spe,
he 4