Evening star., 1918-04-04
CHARLEY MITCHELL
DEAD IN ENGLAND
One-Time Noted British Boxer
Passes Away After a Pro-
tracted Illness.

LONDON, April 4-Charles W. Mitch
ell, In his youth one of the most noted
boxers in the world. died yesterday at
Hove after a protracted illness result
ing in locomotor ataxia. He was fifty
seven years old. While never officially
champion of England, Mitchell was
recognized as the greatest British box
er of his time.
Mitchell was born in Birmingham,
England, November "a, 1861, and was
a student of the Mace school of boxing.
He early developed unusual cleverness
with his hands, and although at the
outset of his career he seldom weighed
more than l35 pounds. he never hesi-
tated to engage heavyweights in battle.
A most remarkable performance of
the Briton was his defeat of Caradoff.
known as the Belgian Giant, who scaled
224 pounds. The bout took place in
Antwerp in 1881, when Mitchell was
twenty years of age, and the young
Englishman, who weighed but 133
pounds, beat the burly Belgian in four
rounds.
After winning a heavyweight tour
nament STAGED by Billy Madden at
Chelsea. England, one of Mitchells vic
TINS being a 240-pounder named Jack
knifton, Mitchell set sail for America.
He arrived there March rs. 1888.
Met John L. in 1888.
John L. Sullivan was at the height of
his popularity. and Mitchell lost no time
in challenging Sullivan to a bout for the
title according to London rules. Sullivan
refused to make a bare knuckle match,
but consented to a glove bout in Madison
Square Garden. The men met on May
a C,rlIi live Il
Mitchell 143 pounds.
Mitchell knocked Sullivan fiat in the
first round and was holding his own in
| the third round when Police Captain Will
liams stopped the contest. Although
Mitchell had given Sullivan a beating, the
referee declared the American the win
ner. and it SO appears in the records.
Sullivan twice tried to throw Mitchell out
of the ring.
After besting William Sheriff. the Prus-
sian. in six rounds at Flushing. l.. l., on
October 2, 1888. Harry Hill the referee,
gave the decision to Mitchell and then
| changed his ruling to a draw. Mitchell
| outboxed Dom McCaffrey in New York
city on October 13, 1854. and the referee
gave the decision to the Pittsbursher.
Mitchell boxed a four-round draw with
kilrain and a siX-round draw with Jack
Burke. but won both on points.
These contests clearly showed the class
OF the Briton. who not only was clever
| boxer, but hard, accurate hitter with
either hand.
Toured Country With Kilrain.
Failing to get on match with Sulli-
van for the title. Mitchell returned to
England on July Is. 1886, but came back
here the following April and toured the
country with Jake kilrain. Mitchell re-
turned to Europe September "a, 1887, and
three days later Sullivan sailed for Eng
land. On the arrival of the American
champion match was made. and the men
met at Chantilly, France. March 10. 1888.
Sullivan weighed 200 pounds and Mitchell
166 pounds.
The contest lasted thirty-nine rounds,
at the end Of which Sullivan was beaten
man. Under London rules. 1t was permis-
sible for the principals to consent to a
draw, with the understanding that the
fighters should meet again at the call OF
the referee. 1t has been charged by those
at the ringside that Sullivan's hacker
Harry Phillips, convinced his man could
not win, purchased draw from MITCHELL
handlers Mitchell was eager to resume
| the battle at a later date. but Sullivan
sailed away.
Mitchell again appeared in America
after the battle with Sullivan, and sec
onded Kilrain in his Richburg fight with
| the American champion.
MitchelPs last ring battle was that with
Corbett at Jacksonville, January 25, 1894
and the Briton, who had lost his form
and did not weigh more than $50 pounds,
was stopped in three rounds.