The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-05
WILLARD Wins IN THE
TWENTY ROUND

iUbUl Ulhlu NUONU
csstinsea Fron First Page
the ring boxes were arranged set down
on the hat track and more circus seats
were in the field.
What It Cost to See Bout
Ring side box seats sold for $e5,
slope seats cost $40, while $lS was
paid for grandstand seats. From SIS
the prices of other seats fell TO $s for
general Submission, but in addition to
the fight prices all spectators were re-
quired to pay 81 for the privilege of
witnessing the racing at the conelu.
sion Of the fight.
The ring for the historic battle was
Is feet inside the ropes. The platform
measured a2 feet 1t was of sturdy
construction, being strongly braeed
beneath to withstand the weight of
the pugilists, Willard being probably
the largest man who ever entered the
prize ring for championship fight.
Fight win Be In Movies
Two hours prior to the time at
which the fight was set the ring was
being actively completed. The heavy
hemp ropes were wrapped twice with
black tire tape. Great care was taken
III preparing the floor beneath the red
canvas covering and a score of regular
red blankets were placed there as pad
ding.
From two platforms moving picture
machines were focused on the ring.
Five machines comprised the battery,
IN "A ri nj
be held in reserve.
There was great excitement about
IL O'Clock when il was discovered
that no one had thought about the
bell to be rung at the starting and
stopping of the rounds. Two messeng-
ers were dispatched on the journey to
Havana to purchase gong.
Troops to Preserve Order
Cuban troops began to reach the
track at half past ten o'clock, several
companies of infantry and two troops
of khaki-clad cavalry being then ON
the scene.
At half past eleven clock, one hour
before the fight was scheduled to start.
total of several thousand people had
arrived and found seats, but the more
expensive locations contained but few
spectators.
The first notables to reach the ring
side seats were the Mayor of Havana
and the Speaker of the Cuban House Of
Representatives.
Matt Kinkel, of Cleveland, the al.
ternate referee of the big bout. came
In few minutes after the Mayor and
at once began to help with the final
arrangements,
BY this time a number of soldiers
had taken up their positions around the
ring enclosure. As matter of fact,
soldiers at this hour seemed to cousti-
tute half of the crowd.
Many Women Among Spectators
The ring was finished shortly before
noon. While the strongest, it was also
the greatest ever erected for a worlds
championship. The band in the grand
stand entertained the crowds The first
tune it rendered was "By the Beauti.
full Sea- which set the American con.
tingent whistling. :
Late arrivals at the arena told of
many automobile wrecks along the mar.
row and crowded road from Havana.
but up to noon there mad been no Sc.
rious accidents.
There was a liberal percentage of
women among the spectators. Most of
them occupied box seats, many of them
being Americans.
No Big Betting at Ringside
No big betting was reported at the
ringside, but the betting machines were
quite liberally patronized in amounts
from 50 to $40, the players picking the
winner and the round
Before the ring was completed the
big gong had arrived and was placed in
position.
Bob Vernon, official stakeholder and
timer for the fight, took his place at the
ringside at noon. Otto Floto, timer for
Willard, and Sam Bennett, timer for
johnson. sat ON either side of Vernon.
President Monoeal, of Cuba. arrived
a few minutes after noon and took a
seat in a box in front of the grand
stand about 100 feet from the ring.
He was preceded by the commanding
officers of the Cuban army and the Gu
ban navy.
At that hour the crowd was pouring
in rapidly and finding seats with little
confusion. The Cubans showed much
excitement, even in anticipation.
johnson arrived at the track at
1925, but did not appear until later.
His wife came to he ringside, accom-
panied by Tom Flanagan, who has been
acting for johnson.
At half past twelve Announcer Jim
Mace exhibited johnson Is receipt for
$4,000, the balance due him on the
purse, and the meaning of these papers
was explained to the crowd in Spanish
and English.
Guard Against Stealing Movie Men
The race course where the fight was
held is surrounded with green hills,
some of which are topped with tower
ing palms. The fight management, see
ing the possibility of moving picture
machines, equipped with telescope lens,
operating from the hills, had guards
stationed at all the vantage points over
looking the fight arena.
At IL O'Clock the sun and clouds
were still fighting for supremacy. In
the sky several very dark cloud banks
were hanging over the sea and offer.