The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-05-04
REFORM WAVE
REACHES WEST
Boxing in State Of California
Is Doomed to Dis
appear.
REFORMERS In CONTROL
Sunset State Has Given Many Prom
inent Fighters to the Ring.
Promoters Are Busy.
REFORMERS In CONTROL

srecisI to The Washington Herald
New York, N Y, May S.-The Puri-
tanic wave OF reform that has peen
slowly but surely sweeping across this
great free and independent country of
ours has at last washed the sand-coVerea
shores of good old California Boxing
within her boundaries is doomed.
The only State where the boxing game
has been left unmolested. with the eH-
ception of Nevada. is today stirred up 10
a high pitch OF agitation over the ta''
that the reformers have taken possession
OF the capitol at Sacramento ana ue-
clare that the year 1914 Will see the Lds'
DAYS of the twenty-round bout
The DAYS of the finish fights that have
made the State famous are numbered.
Before the new year the last champion
ship battle will have been fought
The first wreck that these crusaders
have lef; in their wake are the resorts
Of the famous old Barbary coast. NOT
satisfied with their work in putting an
end TO these resorts Of amusement they
have trained their guns on the fight cluEs
oC San Francisco. Los Angeles, Oakland.
Vernon. Stockton. Sacramento. and ire
famous old Point Richmond arena. and
before they have completed their So
called reformation they viii nave as
abIed the sporting game in CALIFORNIA 10
such an extent that TO re-estaolish IL on
its same sound basis will be practically
out of the question.
Thousands Invested.
Aside from the thousands of dollars
invested in fight arenas that Will he
lost. the crowds that have Hooked INTO
the big cities Of the Coast seeking
amusement will turn their attention IN
other directions. The people Of Califor-
mia will he the losers by long odds
No State in the Union has contributed
so pIentifuIIy to the fighting world as
California
Champion Jack Johnson won consider
abIe OF his fame there. Jim Corbett was
a native son. Jim Jeffries made his
reputation on the Coast. Stanley ketchel'
the late undefeated middlc-wciGnt cham
MON. acquired both fame and title on
her soil. Battling Nelson was first in
PRODUCED TO the public and also won his
in this State
Jimmy Britt. native son. beat Young
Corbett in California Johnny hhnanc
heat the popular Abe Attell, native
son. in Los Angeles. Willie Richie.
CaIifornisn conquered Nd WolEast
after Nd had won the title from Mel
son at Point Richmond. frankie Nell
heat Forbes. while Young COrbett proved
tho victor over Terry McGovcrn. in their
famous second encounter. in California
Busy Day for Promoter
Deter Jackson. whom John l. Sullivan I
refused TO meet. because he was negro. |
gained considerable reputation on the
Toast. Jack Dempsey. than whom there
vas no more remarkable fighter. waged
many Of his battles there. Jack McAu-
life. as well as grand cid George Dixon,
both exhibited their hitting qualities TO
the fans of their section. Bob Fltz-
simmons started his career under a /
Western sun Joe ChOynski was a native
born. while Tom Sharkey gained his
irst prominence in the ftstic world out
here Joe Thomas. Tommy Burns, and
, hundred other champs are numbered
among the men that got their first boost
rom California.
With a view to a whirlwind finish.
lin Coffroth, Uncle Tom McCarey. and
host Of other promoters are arranging
series Of bouts in which several titles
will be at stake.
These promoters are endeavoring to
.et the John Hancock of Al Mccoy, u
he conqueror of George Chip, to a con-
ract to meet Billy Murray. and then .
ave the winner take on either Eddie Il
icGoorty or Jimmy Clabby for the mid
lle-weight title. provided they can ar
ange to have Jimmie or Eddie return
n time from Australia. II
Johnny Kilband. it is said. will meet
Abe AttelI or some other fast boy while
heavyweight battle. in which Jess
Willard and Gunboat Smith will make
heir appearance is likely. The program
will also include one or two lightweight
,attles with elimination contests among
'Ad" Wolgast. Freddy Welsh. Leach
ross. Charley White. and others sand
viched in