The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-03-28
Jess Willard Still
Champion; Moran
Outpointed


night before 10000 spectators. which
made up the largest crowd that ever
saw an indoor pugilistic contest in New
York State.
The champion s best fighting was
done from the third round on, despite
the fact that he broke his right hand
during that period, according to his
manager, Tom Jones. A small bone
on the back part Of the hand was
fractured when he shot right smash
to Moran S jaw. No one in the vast
audience knew of Willard's mishap
until the battle was over.
The bout was surprise, inasmuch
as both men battled as hard as they
could from gong to gong. Moran was
the rgeassor i'll all but two rounds and
he frequently rushed the champion to
the ropes. However, his timing was
poor, and he exhibited but little box
ing skill. Willard landed three punches
to every one by Moran, but the Pitts
burger seemed to have more power
behind his wallops.
Willard failed to show the won
derful boxing ability with which he
has been credited, and Moran had no
trouble breaking through his guard.
The champion took seven out of ten
rounds. Moran won the third on points
and the eighth and ninth We're draws
Jess Willard was the first to enter
the ring, climbing through the ropes
at 9:37 o'clock.
He was accompanied by his mana
ger and Chief Second Jones, Walter
Monahan, Jack Hemple and Ray Ar
cher. Willard appeared to be excep-
tionally cool and at ease, and stepped
across the ring to shake hands with
Frank Moran, who arrived three min
utes later. Moran was seconded by
Willie Lewis, Frank Kendall, William
McKennon and Joe Kelly.
The time-keepers were: for NJ, ran:
Geo-ge Considine: Cor Willard: l. rry
Weiss. and for the club: Dr. Muth.
Willa"d wore soft bandages, which
were wrapped tightly aorund his
knuckles. Moran's IS bandages, in sharp
contrast, extended well above his
wrists. Willard was clad around the
loins with heavy red worsted tights
While Moran wore dark green trunks
of a similar texture
While the two heavyweights sat in
their corners, Bob Fitzsimmons, J. J.
Corbett, Kid Mccoy and John l.. Sui
Gvan were introduced in turn, the
last of the quartet being given a tre-
mendous ovation.
All the former ring stars shook
hands with the principals of the big
bout
During the ceremonies Moran ap-
peared annoyed and nervous over
the delay, while Willard leaned back
on the ropes and smiled a non commit
al smile. He frequently looked across
the ring to Moran s corner, but the
challenger appeared to avoid the
champion s eyes. At 9:49 Referee
Charley White entered the ring and
called the two heavy-weights to the
center of the ring to pick their five
ounce gloves.
The official weights were announced
as follows: Moran, 2O1h pounds; Will
lard, 2591a pounds.
Referee White ordered the princi-
pals to the center of the ring at 9:45
for final instructions.
Round One.
Willard jabbed three blows to the
body, which Moran blocked. Moran
hooked left to Willard s jaw and
took three left jabs to the face in re
turn. Moran swung right and left
to Wizards neck and received hard
right in the body. Moran missed
right and went into clinch and Viii
lard tore loose and landed a right
and left to the head Willard smash
ed him terrific left in the face, daz-
ing the challenger. Moran swung with
right and left, but Willard laughed
as he blocked carefully Willard IS
round.
Round Two.
Willard took the aggressive. Moran
came back, the pair exchanged blows
for blow. Moran broke and backed
away. Willard followed Moran slowly
around the ring and drove right
hook to Moran s eye, battered him
IN the body. Moran was helpless
against Willard in clinches. The
champion staggered Moran with left
to the face as the bell rang. Willard IS
round.
oRund Three.
Willard smashed a right INTO Moran s
body, doubling Moran up. Moran s
savage swings could not reach VIII
lard's jaw. Willard jabbed Moran
with his left almost at will. Moran
grew shaky under the punching. VIII
lard ducked two right swings and
laughed. Moran swung a left to the
body as the bell rang. Moran s round.
Round Four
Willard stabbed Moran in the face
fEun 1of%