The Colorado statesman., 1912-03-02


New York.-It is a fact worthy of
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 majority 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
leading characters in the heavyweight
division of pugilism. In the common
commercial parance 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
prizefighter began in Chicago in 1899.
He has had 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. If he continues to
use good common sense he will long
be the worlds champion the pride Of
his race III 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 big
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
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 a foul,
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 beat
him on both occasions. Jeanette met
McVey four times. The first battle
went ten rounds to mo decision"
Jeanette won the decision in the next
one over twenty round course. The
third contest lasted fifty-one rounds,
McVey being knocked out. Shortly
after they fought thirty rounds. The
decision was a draw.
Langford and Jeanette have met
about eight times, with varying re-
suits Generally Langford won, but
Jeanette had an edge the last time
they clashed, which was in September,
in New York. Langford and McVey
have come together twice. Last April
they fought twenty round draw in
Daris. Recently McVey got a decision
over Boston Sam in twenty rounds at
Sydney.
lEI1nV nT TIT IElnllE