The San Francisco call., 1913-12-08

of San Francisco and Tommy Murpl
the sporting public of this city has
holder will surely be returned victor
2 to /, with thousands of dollars '
practically none to be wagered on
All indications point to the lens
enter the ring at the Eighth {
ing. Ritchie seems to have taken
shouters, who were much in ev1de
or been converted to the Ritchie
cause
Ritchie never ruled the town as
he is ruling it today In fact. no San
Francisco champion since the days of
Jim Corbett has managed to win the
confidence of the people of his native
city as Ritchie has won it in this in
stance. He's the hero OF the hour In
all quarters.
That the odds are false is the
opinion of the old timers who have
been following the game closely for
so many years. They are willing
enough to admit that Murphy should
be worth 10 to on the short end,
but at the same time they are not
throwing their money in to wager
upon his chances.
RITCHTE A : TO 1 SHOT
The wagering is still at even money
that the champion stops the chaI-
lenger. There was plenty of action on
this layout, but once more the Ritchie
money came stronger than the Muir
ply end of It, which indicates that
they probably will yet wager that
Ritchie wins within 15 rounds.
r~fn hot
interest in the great battle continues
unabated. It's the topic of conversa-
ton in all circles all over the city.
While most Of the fans concede Ritchie
the victory. they are willing to admit
that Murphy is going TO give the little
title holder the battle of his life
Therefore, 1t is strange, indeed, that
so few of them care to risk their
money on him. They are giving aim
moral support only.
Nobody who has watched the rivals
at work in their training quarters has
the slightest doubt that each Is
fit and ready And they have not done
near as much work as fighters gener-
ally do for such an important ring
event Each has shown a tendency TO
work out Just enough to keep on edge.
Each has been fearful that he might
grow stale at the eleventh hour.
SnHpCnGS ana Wy N4AO 49,
have been conspicuous by their abb
sence Neither has given vent to his
feelings in an oratorical way. There
is an air of confidence around each
cam- and the handler of each man
looks upon his charge as sure WIN
ner But they are not making any
nrophecies as to the outcome and they
have not done any mud singing.
ALL UNDERSTAND RULES
The champion did not even care TO
take I'D any of Referee Jim Grimm
time Yesterday when that noted ring
official visited him at Colma for the
purpose of talking over the rules as
is always customary in such events
We'll. Willie, I would like to have
q few words with you about the way
Won are going to fight" said Griffin
es Ritchie lay on the rubbing table.
Il think that everything Is all
right. Mr.. Griffin" smiled the cham
pion. Murphy knows the rules. so
DO YOU and so do I. That's good
enough for me. We ought to get
along without any trouble"
That's the way 1 like to hear you
talk" cut in Griffin, as he shook the
hand of the little champ and took his
departure.
The champion performed before a
record crowd at the camp. He stepped
seven rounds. two each with Phil
Noonan and Jimmy McVeigh and three
with that hard nut, Kid Exposlto-
During the course of the mixups
Ritchie handled himself with his usual
grace and speed. He appeared to be
right in every instance. There was
nothing lacking in his efforts.
Although he weighs slightly over
1876 pounds. the champion really
stands out like a welter weight. His
face is full and his broad shoulders,
muscular arms and large hands have
the effect OF making him tower over
Murphy. But so long as he makes
the weight he should worry. There is
no doubt that he will make 135
pounds without the slightest effort.
CROWD WATCHES MURPHY
There were nearly as many people
at the Murphy camp over in San Ra-
fael. They came from all sections for
= peep, at the last heavy workout of
the game little lad from Gotham. He
game them a good show, too. roughing
and boxing and stepping away from
his two sparring mates, Eddie Miller
and frankie Edwards. He looks Just
as good as he ever looked for any of
his mills here.
Judging from the way he has been
tearing into his conditioners in the
gymnasium, the Harlemlte INTENDS 10
play for Ritchie's body when they get
together next Wednesday evening. He
always has been noted for his ability
as an in1ghter and plodder. He used
these tactics when he beat Abe Attell
Ad Wolgast and frankie Burns in this
city.
Many OF the fans are puzzled as to
Murphy's style. Some of them believe
that he will take a desperate chance
and play for a knockout. Others are
of the opinion that he will stall and
protect himself and thus endeavor to
stick the 20 rounds and in this way
save the money for those who are
wagering that the champion will fail
10 stop him.
All that is wanted now is a fair
night to insure a wonderful crowd.
orders for choice seats are coming in
from all parts of the state and Pro-
moter Jim Coffroth is still willing to
wager with anybody that he will have
moonlight on Wednesday evening just
as he had sunshine on Thanksgiving
afternoon. Those who have the good
of the sport at heart are all pulling
for the promoter.
MILITIA GUNNER MAKES