New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-03
SHORT SHIFT FOR LEECH
Knocked Out by Billy Papke in
Second Round Of Bout.
BIG CROWD SEES BATTLE
Former Policeman No Match for
Man Who Once Held Middle
weight Title.

Scenes NJ tho memorable Sailor Burke
John McSherry bout which took place at
the old National Club q few years ago
were re.enscted az the National Sporting
Club Of America last night. when Billy
Papke. former middloweight champion o.
tho world. knocked ont Billy Leech, the
former policeman, in somewhat less than
two rounds.
Leech appeared nervous at the thought or
facing the old champion, end left what
ever science and knowledge he had OF the
ring in the gymnasium. GameneSs alone
he took with him. and this was not enough
10 count against years OF experience. IL
was case of the slaughter OF novice,
game and willing, at the hands OF ono who,
while far from his best, was too good 70
be beaten.
That Papkc did not win In the first round
was due to his bad judgment of distance.
He had his man at his mercy, knew II and
tried to win as quickly ms possible. but he
was as wild as March hare and missed
half dozen chances. Leech was on the
foor from a crashing right 10 the jaw, hut
before the referee could count him out the
bel, sounded, and he WAS saved for the time
being While victorious. PapSc showed
little to indicate that he will get serious
consideration in the ranks Of the present
day middleweights. He has gained moth
ing in science. is not fast on his feet and
would he an open target for a man with
a fast left, who could avoid his ponderous
right hand swings and beat him TO the
punch.
4 big crowd was on hand and packed
the house 10 the doors. Many were at
tracted by the appearance OF the man Who
first Knocked out the mighty Ketchel and
wor the worlds title. When Papke climbed
through the ropes he was well received
but when I.eech's head bobbed through the
ropes the crowd stood up and cheered him
TO the echo.
Both men weighed slightly over ls3
mounds and appeared to he I'm perfect con-
dillon for a gruelling battle The referee
called the men to the centre, and after
listening 20 the usual instructions over
the clean breaks and other details. the bell
changed and the massacre WAS ON.
Papke rose and sauntered across tho ring
into Ieech's corner. where Billy had TO be
pushed of his chair He was nervous and
badly scared. and already the crowd had
an inlling Of what was To follow. Papke
walked I'm quickly. and after missing a
light for the head and left for tho body.
smashed riEhthand loop punch to the
Jaw. 1eech staggered back into his corner
and hung on for his NE Patsy Haley had
d Job breaking the men, but he finally sue
ceeded, and Papke put over another right
TO the Jaw and followed It with left to
the body.
I,eech jabbed his left 20 tho face. and
drew a cheer by slipping = right for the
head Soon, however, Papkc swung for III"
lew. and the West Side lad clinched and
hung on. The Kevanee fighter forced him
10 tie ropes and then knocked him down
with a right 10 the jaw. He got NJ, and
as Papke went IN 70 finish HIM the bell
changed.
The end Of the one-sided sfair came soon
after the start OF the second round. Papkc
swung his powerful right and beech went
down fat on his back. With rare game-
ness. he got up without taking count.
hut Papke was merciless and sent him
down again. As the crowd howled. the
seconds tossed the sponge into the rims and
ended the unequal struggle.