The Washington times., 1914-07-08
WELSH EARNS DECISION
OVER RICHIE BY HIS
FAST RING GENERALSHIP
American Colony London Greved at Loss of Title by Caor
man. But All Admit Justice of Referee Corr-Defeated
Offers No Excuses for His Work.

LONDON, July S-Unprejudiced ex-
perts today agreed that Freddie Welsh,
beyond a doubt, earned the decision
which he was awarded over Willie
Ritchie, and which carried with it the
lightweight championship of the world.
Although all resident Americans and
tourists who witnessed the fight were
bitterly disappointed that Ritchie should
have lost his title on a decision, it was
admitted that welsh had piled up such
a lead in the early rounds of last
nights fight that 1t was impossible for
Willie to win unless he administered
q knockout
Ritchte rallied remarkably in the last
four rounds. but even his stiff punches,
always carrying more sting and inflict-
ing greater damage than Welsh's. were
not sufficient to offset the Welshman's
earlier points and strategical defense.
My greatest concern was to avoid
Ritchie's right punch said Welsh to-
day. He has improved greatly in de-
livering this blow, and. therefore, 1
played safe from start to finish"
Richie took his defeat gamely today.
7 haven't any excuse TO Offer the
former champion said.
7 was simply beaten by a quicker,
cleverer man." Ritchie concluded.
No date has yet been fixed for the re-
urn match which Ritchie, with far
sighted caution stipulated in the fight
articles should be granted.
Here is the way they performed
First Round.
Light sparring opened tbs bout Then
Ritchie landed a straight left to the
Jaw. Brisk in-hghting ensued, welsh
leading and landing the most blows.
AS the round ended Ritchie landed
several heavy blows to the oody.
Nelsh's round.
Second Round.
Tame session Eitchie missed a
hard swing and fell into a clinch. be-
ing cautioned by Referee Corri for
holding. Welsh landed many jabs in
the clInches and was entitled to the
round.
Third Round.
Ritchis started off with a left swing
10 the head, but in a clinch his oppo-
nent landed frequently with both bands
to the body. Welsh landed three left
Jabs, Ritchie returning with a left to
the jaw. Welsh landed a right to the
Jaw. Ritchie again cautioned for hold
Ing. Welsh's round by a shade.
Fourth Round.
Welsh tried for the body but was
held by the American. Ritchie landed
Q couple of left hooks to the body. do
the SsW. Jared the weIshman. Fast
sparring completed the round. which
went to Welsh by a slight margin.
Fifth Round.
Ritchie landed a left to the face, l
Welsh retaliating. Ritckje landed
straight left to the jaw and a hard
right to the body. Ritchie forced the
for holding. Ritchie's round
Sixth Round.
Ritchie's left eye was swollen and
american devoted his attention to !
Welsh's eye. missing several straight
rights by harrow margins. Welsh had
70 use all his footwork to keep away
from his opponents singing blows. |
Round even.
Seventh Round.
First half dull Then Ritchie started |
70 force the fight, landing two stiff /
ietts to the face. When Welsh came /
: ack, Ritchie covered up and was en-
titled to the round.
Eighth Round.
Another dull round, mostly clinchirg
lard blow OF the round, a right to the
bOdy- Welsh's round.
Ninth Round.
Welsh led with a left to the cheek
and repeated II without a return. Welsh
Epeeded UP and danced around the
Aneiican. landing tab after pab Ritch-
es swings were falling short The
.est minute saw furious mitigating by /.
Welsh and he earned the round.
Tenth Round.
Again Welsh led with a left To the
] ace. coming back with frequent labs
q nd hooks to Ritchie's law Ritchie !
anne within a hair Of winning the
out with one of his terrific right
swings, Welsh eluding il by duckInp
.nto a clinch. Welsh's round
Eleventh Round.
Welsh opened with a left to the law
Iitchie kept pegging away, trying 70
nd his right, but unsuccessfIIIIy
Itchie appeared stronger than his on
onent. but was unable to land on him.
Eelsh's round.
Twelfth Round. !
Welsh landed left hook 10 Ritcbie's /