Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1918-06-03
One of Last Fights in the
"Good Old Days" of the
Hemped Arena.
C0RBETT WON IN 20 ROUNDS
Bout Started Corbett on
Career Which Led to
Worlds Title.

va INV BoOu Olu uayS DeIOre the
sport became tainted by the blight
or commercialism, will be Interested
in knowing that this week markg
the twenty-ninth anniversary of that
memorable battle between Jim Cor
bett and Joe Choynski, which has
become recognized as one OF the
most notable events in the history
OF pugilism-
1t was a contest that marked the
close OF the old ring traditions, and
the beginning of the era OF money
/ iust BY Fighters of high and low de-
gree.
The story OF the fight on the
barge between corbett and Choynski
mas become one of the classics of
the ring, 1t was a contest between
TWO men, physically perfect. who
were moved by the strong instinct
or achievement and for the fame to
be won, and who were not infm-
encod by the financial aspect that ia
so pronounced In fistlc affairs OF
today.
Details Interesting.
preliminary details leading up TO
thlS match VIII be interesting, in
comparison with the methods fol-
lowed by modern boxers.
Corbett and Choynskt had been
rivals ever since their boyhood days
once they met in an open field to
settle the question OF physical su-
premacy. but an unsympathetic con-
stable OF their Village interrupted
hostilities.
Time passed, each grew more pro-
tlcient in the profession of pugilism.
While employed as bank clerk In
san Francisco Corbett devoted his
spare time to work in gymnasiums.
rms truly was q labor OF love with
ninh Tor Pompadour Jim from kid
Gays was an advocate Of the stren-
uous lite. Choynski. on the other
hand. occupied himself as a physical
instructor, engaging in boxing
matches whenever opportunity Of
fered
Long Rivalry Between Two.
Always there existed between the
pair feeling OF rivalry and OF am
biion unsatisfied. Eventually
Choynsh hurled definite challenge !
at Corbett, attaching TO it an offer |
to bet $1,000 on the side. Nat Good /
win was the hacker OF Choynski in |
this Among Corbett's friends was
Porter Ashe, wealthy resident of |
California He agreed to post the |
money for Pompadour Jim.
It originally was planned to have
only ten witnesses on each side, but
this finally was abandoned as the |
demand grew for the privilege OF /.
seeing the battle.
Early In the morning OF Decora- /
tion day, 1889, the rivals were
brought together. The battle ground /
was barn in village some few
miles from San Francisco. In spite
of. the fact that every effort was
made to keep the affair a secret, the
authorities got wind OF the proceed-
lngS and after considerable search
they finally located the fighters and
the few witnesses. The place
promptly was raided and the fight,
which had gone four indecisive
rounds, was stopped forthwith
Agreed to Resume Bout
By agreement between the scrap
pers and their hackers It was de-
ci led 20 resume the match as soon
as proper plans could be arranged.
The only stipulation was that the
fight must take place within the
week.
Details were left to a committee
OF friends of both Corbett and
Choynsh and this group completed
Its task exceedingly well as later
events proved. In order 70 outNyit
the vigilant officers OF the lavLlt
was decided to stage the scrap on a
barge which was towed out at night
and moored in San Pablo bay which
Is continuance Of San Francisco
bay. about thirty miles from Frisco,
The spot was selected with careful
forethou6ht There is a point in
San Pablo bay where four counties :
OF California meet, and It was at I
this place the barge was moored. I
This was deemed quite a strategic
move. because II by chance the au- / :
thoriues of any Of the four counties (
interested learned of the affair and
attempted to stop 1t, the barge could
nave been towed Just a few feet ,
away and into another county. How !
ever ait THIS was unnecessary as the 9
dIFah ahSemeQts were conducted so !
secretly that the authorities never ;
learned OF II until 1t was all over. :
800 Persons Saw Battle.
Approximately three hundred ner-
sons we're on the barge when tho Y
fight took place on June 8. Law +
yers, doctors brokers, business men r
capitalists and young society leaders G
made up this assemblage. /
In Corbett's corner was Billy De {
laney his trainer; Porter Ashe, his
hacker, and Thomas II. Williams,
who afterward became king of the [
turf in California. Choynski was /
handled by Jack Dempsey, the IA {
nous fighter Of that day; Eddie e
iraney we'll known as referee, )
ind Actor Nat Goodwin Patsy
Hogan offiicated as referee.
A tense silence came over all when ]
'orbott and Choynski were called to
he center of the ring for final in
trucdons, As they threw aside their I
wraps and stood forth in battle ar
ay a murmur Of admiration went
- from the spectators. Both were !
n the heighth of physical perfec- !
ion. though Of widely different
ypeS.
Choynski had tho pleasant, good
likable face of u boy just
,ut Of school His muscular devet
,pment was of the heroic ordAr. y
lis muscles stood out like knots on
lis arms. his chest OF huge Develop |
nent gave him the appearance OF a
modern Samson.
Corbett, on the other hand, was
perfectly symmetrical, clean limbed
IS a woman. giving in repose no In
lication OF the marvellous union OF
JTengJh and agility That he pos
iessed. His finely chiseled face and
L.