The Alaska daily empire., 1918-04-19
bhnL.asMnepHn MJanlcS J.COrbeH


Champions come and champions go but never will there be another who was loved so genuinely by sporting public as was John l.. Sul livan. No beaten fighter in the en- tire history of pugilism ever was given an ovation such as was ten dered the mighty warrior on the , night in New Orleans when he sui fered the first and only defeat in his spectacular career.
 When my final right handler sent John l.. down for the long count cheers broke forth. They were for me. Friends of mine in the audience were widest in the outburst but ev- en the staunchest of the Sullivan admirers joined in the chorus that hailed me as the new champion. It was striking evidence of the fairness of fight fans.
 Hardly had the referee touched me on the back in token of my victory, than I rushed over to where John L. was lying on the floor. He was not unconscious but was dazed and phys ically helpless With John LIS sec onds, I helped to lift him up and to carry him back to his corner. We placed him in a chair and John Us Handlers began working over him so as to restore his weakened physical powers.
 Even in that moment of my wild joy over having battered my way to the absolute pinnacle of pugilism, couldn't help but feel a wave Of sympathy surgng through me for John L. The king of pugilism had been dethroned! The idol of my boyhood sat before me, a beaten battered warrior, And I had been the instrument that brought it about. Somehow or other I couldn't recon cile the facts.
 murmered to Jehn l.. some words of confidence. Just what they were cant remember nor can anyone else. Intoxicated with excitement my speech was not connected. But John L. understood and when l reached down and grabbed his hand he returned the pressure.
 The haze was clearing from the brain of John l.; a little of the strength was returning to his once powerful legs. With came the realization to John L. that he had been beaten; that the fight was over and defeat had come to him at last. And then, in those moments of his greatest anguish, John l.. showed the stuff that was in him; showed a gameness in defeat that was sublime Waiting until the cheering for me had died down, John L. struggled tc his feet, grasped the ropes and fac ed the crowd A hush at once fell over. the audience.
 John L. opened his lips to speak but for moment no words would come. A sob came into his throat. He checked it back and then he spoke.
 "Gentlemen, I fought once too of ten but I am glad the championship was won by an American |s Then as John l.. turned back to his corner the demonstration for him began-the widest, most won derful ever given a fighter. The ovation that has been given me was big but it was only whisper in com parison to the tumult that was rais ed for John L. Every man in that big arena jumped to his feet, raised his voice and clapped his hands. Louder and louder became the salvo of applause-a thunder like that of Niagara
 It seemed to go on indefinitely. Time and again, the cheering died down because the crowd had lost it's breath. But no sooner had it re- gained it than the ovation was re- newed and in seemingly greater vol ume. It was thrilling, an awe in- spring demonstration.
 John l.. was beaten, yes. And through his downfall fortunes of men in that audience who had wager ed on him had been swept away. But even in defeat they loved him and accorded him a vocal reception the like of which never has been heard in America; the most wonder ful testimonial that ever was given to show how John l.. was idOlized