Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-03-01

view Aol nj 10 d ldCl worthy or
note that in most walks of life in
which individual achievements stand
out boldly and above the ordinary the
Afro-American Is to be found among
the foremost. Some have won fame in
literature, some as educators and 9th.
ers are noted for special skill in the
various professions. For the oppor.
tunity afforded to engage in business
along many lines large ma jority are
successful.
But the specific purpose of this com.
ment, is to call attention to a quartet
of men whose physical prowess has
placed them in the lead of all others
in their profession without regard to
race or creed. They are Jack John.
son, Sam Langford, Joe Jeanette and
Sam McVey. These FOUR men are the
leading characters in the heavyweight
division of pugilism. In the common
commercial parlance We would say
they have cornered the market.
Jack Johnson, the acknowledged
heavyweight champion pugilist of the
world, Is the center of attraction at
the present time in view of the fact
that he is matched to fight Jim Flynn
some time in July. Flynn is said to be
the champions most formidable white
opponent who has the nerve to sign
articles of agreement to face johnson
in the ring.
Jack Johnson was the first OF his
class among the colored fighters to
appear upon the scene after the pass
ing of Peter Jackson. His career as a
prizefghter began in Chicago in 1899.
He has had a most interesting career
His physical strength, coupled with his
knowledge, experience and skill, makes
all aspirants for the heavyweight
championship title stand in fear Of
him. He is yet young, ambitious. art
full and fearless. II he continues to
use good common sense he will long
be the worlds champion, the pride Of
his race in this particular and the Idol
of sporting men the world over.
OF the other three it can be said in
brief that Langford received his first
lessons in boxing from Jim Walsh in
1901 and has been In the fighting
arena ever since. McVey appeared
upon the scene two years later, and
in 1904 Joe Jeanette offered himself
as a fit subject to receive punishment
from fistic encounters. Johnson, Lang
ford and Jeanette, the notable Die
trio, have fought each other many
times. Sam McVey for some reason
has resided in Paris and other parts
of Europe most of the time.
A summary of events in which the
four men have taken part reduced to
common denominator would read
thus:
Jeanette and Johnson have battled
seven times Joe won once on 1oui'
and Jack won one decision The other
fight was a draw, and no decisions
were rendered in the other five. John
son has boxed McVey twice. He bea'
him on both occasions. Jeanette me'
McVey four times. The first battle
went ten rounds to mo decision
Jeanette won the decision in the ne1'
one over a twenty round course Ut
third contest lasted fifty-one ROUNDS
McVey being knocked out. Shorty
after they fought thirty. rounds ne
decision was draw.
Langford and Jeanette have me'
about eight times, with varying re
suits. Generally Langford won, ou'
Jeanette had an edge the last time
they clashed, which was in SeptemDef'
in New York. Langford and McVey
have come together twice. Last Aprn
they fought a twenty round dra" III
Paris. Recently McVey got decls'ou
over Boston Sam in twenty ROUNDS d.
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