The Washington times., 1911-02-13
LONDON BECOMES
MECCA Of FIGHTERS
Big Men There Promoting
Game AS England HIS
Never Known 1t.

London has become the mecca fol
half the big fighting men of the world
From Australia and America those OF
the big fellows who have proved handy
with heir fists have made the journey
to that country to engage in what Is
likely to prove one of the biggest tour
naments that England has yet known.
The boom in boxing has not been eX-
aggerated, and If evidence is required
of this a visit any afternoon or evening
to one Of the many halls which cater
to the enthusiast will supply more than
sufficient proof.
The boom is in large part due TO
Hugh D. Mcintosh, the Australian pro-
moter, who, in partnership with Jimmy
Britt the ex-American champion, has
already put forward a series Of contests
which are in themselves indicative OF
the fare to follow. In London alone II
is estimated that there are nearly 10000
men who are either directly or lndi-
rectly making a living out Of the box
ing game.
Matinee Bouts Held.
The majority of the South London
music halls run matinees once or twice
a week, while at the Ring. Kings Hall.
and Wonderland huge performances are
arranged at least a couple of times
week. In no instances are the prices
small, vet IT is a remarkable fact that
oua almost every occasion the places are
filled.
For the coming battles. however,
something will be attempted which Will
be in the nature OF new Introduction
to England.
their own managers and sparr1ng part
ners. and It is the intention to establish
a number of training camps which Will
he conducted on lines similar to- those
which became a feature of the prelim-
inaries at Reno.
Charges for Admission.
Small charges will be made for admis-
sion. In the afternoon the boxers viii
90 through a performance with their
partners, while each day bulletins will
he issued giving the weights of the
men and all the necessary details. Peo-
nile in general will be given an excellent
idea how present-day boxers get INTO
shane for their big fights.
That much money is at present being
made NAV be taken for granted, but
there are two sides, for, as usual, the
number Of small fry greatly outnumber
those who have made regulations.
the smaller bouts are engaged for
few more shillings, and. as a rule they
are much mere battered than the men
in the tig fights for the big purse. The
anxiety of these youngsters to win sup
niles an almost pathetic tale, for to
them as much as to the big men a de-
feat is of consequence.
How long the boom will last Is, OF
course, a matter of uncertainty, but 1t
is at the moment much bigger than
the wrestling boom of a few years back.
crowded houses are the rule, especially
in the afternoons, but it Is a fact of
interest that in-Qne or two ne1ghbor-
hoods of London boxing has not proved
an attraction.
Are Cleanly Conducted.
So far no attempt has been made to
stop the contests, but it would not
create surprise if by and by some objec-
tions we're raised. 1t need only be said,
however, that the fights are invariably
conducted in an excellent fashion, and
at least in one case women are espe-
c,ally invited and are provided with
reserved seats, which, III addition, are
screened.
There is an absence of brutality, the
majority Of the contests are distin-
guished by the extreme fairness of the
men in the ring, and in many ways the
snort is conducted in a much better
fashion than several other kinds which
could be mentioned.