The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-04-03
Heavyweight Battle
Should Not Be Close
Damon Ru.yea Claims Willard Does
Not Start to Compare with
Jack Johnson.
BY DAMON RUNYON.

by bAMON INSA~ SAN.
Havana, Cuba. April 1t seems to be
generally accepted by nearly all the
Americans in Cuba as an almost fore
gone conclusion that Jess Willard will
beat Jack johnson. Yet, on the strength
of their workouts today, with johnson In
good condition, it should not be even
close.
There is as much difference between the
men as between a skilled workman and
an apprentice.
As old as he Is. JOHNSON has forgotten
more of the method and manner Of the
Queensbury code than Willard ever will
learn.
willard may have acquired a few
gymnasium tricks that make him shape
up a little better to the eye than ever
before and he is certainly in grand
physical condition, but. in the main.
he is about the same gangling. ungracefui
fellow that was known to the New York
ring followers a few months ago.
His improvement strikes one a. large
~ superficial. He still boxes from an
awkward straddle-lesged position. with
his mouth hanging open. bis right hand
drawn back as IL about to throw a rock.
He still flares up occasionally as IL in
an excess of fury. charges in and roughs
il with his sparring partner and then.
at the height of the milling his good ma
ture reasserts itself and the bland face
cracks in smiles. He seems to have
developed a good snap to his left hand
punches, but he never has much Of an
idea Of what will be at the end.
The champion slammed his sparring
partners. Colin Bell. "Steaboat Bill"
Scott and Dave Mills around until he was
sleek with perspiration. He went eight
minutes with Bell at top speed. without
stopping and displaying all his clever
ness.
Apparently for Gibbons benefit. John
son laughed and kidded throughout. ask
ing Gibbons such questions as 'How's
that, for a fat man."
His torso, from the hips to the Shout
ders is as level as the tanks Of a fatted
steer. but he had his sparring partners
smashing him in the stomach as an
answer to a remark OF a spectator about
his waist line
Johnson's doctor claims that his pulse
never shows any indication that his wind
is affected even after the most gruelling
workout. but it was noticed that when
the champion talked to spectators after
the drill today he seemed to be making
an extra eXertion to breathe through the
nose. with the muscles Of his stomach
throbbing like man under some stress.
Tom" Flanagan was around today
hunting some even money and claiming
that should be the logical price because
Johnson is an old man.
Despite the strong tip that is out on
Willard little money is in sight on
either man. 1t is hard to explain the
wild rush of sentiment to Willard,
save on the ground of his condition.
1t is said the promoters are sure
they can show the pictures in America
IL Willard wins. despite the laws on
the subject.
The usual talk of fake" that has
preceded every big fight. Is heard.
There are weird tales Of early morn
ing training by johnson. followed by
Incidence in the public workouts to
beat down the betting price. but if
Johnson is doing any early morning
work it does not show in his appear
ance.
Big crowds of men and women saw
the fighters today.
Victor MunioZ, the famous sporting
editor of the Ell Mundo. says the
Cubans arc taking a great interest in
the fight. but that the crowd would
have been twice as large had 1t been
held on Sunday. Indications are that
not to exceed 5000 Americans from
the State will be here. if that many.
1t is said that Harry Frazee. one Of
the promoters. has announced that he
will hire a special train from Key West
Il Willard wins.