South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-05-26
"KnoCkouts"
BY Ed. W. Smith.

Here's a story about a boxer who
got knockout punch % years ago
and can still feel il.
The boxers name is Eddie NIyer
and he is a brother of the once IA
nous Billy Myer. originally known
as the ''StreatOr Cyclone" Billy got
an international reputation because
of his wonderful 64-rOund battle with
Jack McAuliffe at North JudsOn, Ind,
but Eddie was almost as good a bat
tier even if he didn't get such a wide
reputation.
Aft Kennedy. the grand old pal. was
manager of the Myer boys and every
body likes him. Thus it was that when
Eddie was hooked up with George
LaVigne. the Saginaw steam roller,
and the battle was scheduled for Dana,
Ill, 1 was among the Chicago news
paper men who hoped a train 10 see
the engagement.
The date was Feb. Il. 1898, and the
contest was Of the real bush order. IL
took place in an opera house and
wasn't started till the wee small hours
Of the morning. after everybody had
played the bar heavily.
The StreatOr people were betting
fools in those days and were willing
TO bet the bankroll on Ed just as they
always bet wildly on Bill.
The contest was supposed to go TO
a finish. or until one or the other ad-
rnitted he had enough, or was forced
to; small gloves, too, so you can inn
agine a lovely time was anticipated.
You must know, too, if you didn't
before. that George L.aVigne was one
of the greatest lightweights that ever
lived and some OF the old timers even
insist now that his equal never lived.
Naturally he was a faVorite IL the
betting. which was mighty brisk, be-
~ Of III ID.
Michigan friends with him and they
haw scads Of it.
For 20 rounds it was about as
pretty a little glove argument as man
could wish 10 see Ard it was fairly
even. too. which shows how good
Myers was that Saturday morning.
Along about that time the Myer
people began 10 lay wires TO have the
contest stopped Eddie had hurt his
hand in the third round on Lavigne's
hard head. and il began TO pain him
so his fighting was affected. There
was "A world Of money bet and the
Streator folk we're for saving it.
Their action was a bit tardy, how
ever I remember well a little bit OF
repartee between the fighters as they
stepped out for the DIST round La
vigne remarked pleasantly:
Looks TO me. Eddie, as If Wei be
fighting here till tomorrow night
Not If YOU ever land one or those
haymakers on me" Myer retorted-
And i'm the very next round LaNlghe
landed a right swing on Myers leIl
temple that knocked the Streator ooy
fat Eddie fell on his face and JUS
failed to beat the referees count. ne
was up in Il seconds but was a.
and tired and it was just as wen nc
didn't make it. ,s..
Only the other day met buuIe anu
discussed the battle with MIN
often / can feel that blow now
he said. especially II / eaten cold.
Then the spot where he hit me gets
sore and aches like fury.
Eddie further insists that mere
never was such a puncher as Lavigne
and expresses the belief that ne easlly
was the greatest man OF his time III
not Of any time
THAT was one Of the last OF the old
time bush fights around here and Tor
a very good reason The prosecuting
attorney -ot some evidence very quiet
lv after the battle and started after
tho lighters. II cost Myer an even
$1,000 10 square il with the law ana
T.avigne was soaked $500.
Today the lighters are frm frien0s.
Tavigne is managing a hotel bar IN
Detroit and Ed and Billy Myer are
prospecting in this city. Ed rs work
ing for liquor concern and Billy Is
in the carpenter contracting line