New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-17
Markings OF A
REAL CHAMPION
IN jim COFFEY
A Miracle Man. Traiue,
Could Develop His
Best Qualities.
SHOWS BOXING Skill
IN BEATING SMITH
Errors of Judgment PardcnabI.
as 1t Was the First Big
Bout of the Irishman.

Is there a man who is capable a,
working the wonders with boxers ,h,,
Percy Haughton works with footb,n
players and George Stallings work..
with the Boston Braves last summer,
If there be, will he communicate with
Billy Gibson, manager Of Jim COsev
who defeated "Gunboat" Smith al Mad.
son Square Garden on Tuesday night,
A golden harvest is waiting 10 be oath,
cred by such a miracle man." and all
that remains is for some one TO maks
the discovery
Ray Gaskins, a boxing enthusias,
asked this question as he left the Gar
den on Tuesday night. He said that in
his opinion Coffey was the ideal white
hope" and that with more polishing he
would have little trouble in defeating
any Of the white men in the ring. Ne
went further 10 state that, under
proper handling, the day was not far
distant when he would be able TO cone
with the "black destroyers" who have
strewn the ring floors with the forms
of their opponents.
Mr.. Gaskins is not alone in his opn.
ion. There is no doubt shat CoFey il
bounding along famously. He displays
lack of judgment, especially in fol.
lowing his openings, and is not aggres
sive enough to suit some of his critics
Certain It is that Coffey failed to FOL.
low several chances 10 score heavily
against Smith, but it may be said IN
extenuation that this was his first real
test. He was practically a novice
against a tried campaigner. And Smith
with his terrific wallop, must be held
dangerous.
Coifey entered that ring with his
plan of action carefully formulated
He realized that his chance 10 win
rested in his ability TO outlook his op-
ponent, and he waged the battle &C.
cording to his plans. Cofey did not
fight that battle for the night. H.
was building for the future, and the
victory won over the hard hitting
"Gooner" will not only add to his pres.
tige, but the psychological effect will
be great. It must follow that Cofey
will reason to himself that he is nov
established in the ranks Of the heavy.
weights. Future opponents of The
IriShman will find him an altogether
different man from the Jim Coitey o.
former days.
II is easy to pick flaws when one is
seated outside the ropes. far removed
from the swish of flying gloves, but il is
a vastly different proposition to stand
in the battle kings ringlet of light
There were several occasions notably
two-when it seemed that a well placed
punch would have finished Smith.
On those occasions Coifey hesitsted
and his opponent lasted. II nigh,
have been, too, that Smith was not so
badly hurt, and escaped a crafty laid
plot. Smith recovered with remark
able speed on each occasion.
Then there are the bright spots to be
considered Coffey flashed not little
boxing skill and fair attack. Hisleit
hand scored frequently. and he showed
a punch which few big men have the
courage to use-a straight left to the
wind. This punch invites a right-hsRd
counter that frequently causes rather
numb sensation. lie was uncertain N
his right-hand punches and hesitated
to start them, but on the whole il may
be said that he showed to coed advan-
tage and made a favorable impression
Last, but not least. he won, and We
tory stands for something.