The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-03-31
Corbett's Daily Letter
 On Great Sport Topics
Rv JAMES J. CORnETvr

'' CONBET'T
 Pacific coast, went east His handlers
 were anxious to bring him into the pugi-
 listie spotlight. They tried to match
 him with some of the prominent eastern
 heavyweights, but failed. In this emer-
 gency some one suggested that Shar- gey's greatest introduction to the east ern fighters could be secured through
 the medium of an exhibition bout with Sullivan.
 John L., approached on the subject, agreed to the bout.
 Although the exhibition was scheduled for only three rounds of one minute each. the garden was filled. Bob Fitz- simmons, Peter Maher, Frank Slavin.
 Jim Hall and many other pugilistic sat l tellites of that day were there Sprin- kled throughout the audience were some of the most prominent men in munich pal, professional and commercial life along the Atlantic seaboard It was a
 multitude that went to give a welcome and a final sendoff to the champion | of champions
 When John L. walked into the arena
 a wild ,cheer for the great fighter broke | forth. : A few seconds afterward Sharkey i Jumped through the ropes. The sailor | threw aside his wrappings and revealed one of the most powerful physiques any man ever carried into the prize ring.
 Meanwhile, the crowd was speculating 1 as to what was beneath the robe of John l.. It didn't have long to wait.
 The idol of American sport lovers shed his bsthrobe-and a chorus of "ohs'' swept through thee rowd.
 | John L. had carried into the ring that
 night close to 300 pounds. Rolls of fat hung down from his belt. He seemed
 soggy and pudgy and a thousand miles
 removed from any appearance of a ring
  key, another at John Land then it
 began to feel sorry for the "noblest Ro- man of them all'' But it's sympathy was entirely uncalled for.
 Just before the bout began the throng 1 demanded a speech. John l.. complied with:
 ! "It is not necessary for me to make a real speech. for the referee has told | you that this is to be only an exhibition i bout. I have had my day, and I am now almost too fat to fight But came here tonight to box Sharkey, so you I people could have chance to sec what
 the young man can do. He wants to get up to the top and he deserves all
 sorts of luck.''
 As the gong called the two men to action, Sharkey rushed forward in his
 aggressive fashion-and bumped into a
 surprise in the shape of a jab to the l face. Sharkey rushed again, only to
 meet the same fate. John LA was too
 ponderous to wage fast battle, or to
 do much jumping around So he just stood still and plunked Sharkey every
 time the sailor got within range. The | old gladiator was fat of body, slow of | legs, but he showed that his arms had l not lost much of their lightning speed ] of the other days.
 | Through the first round and into the second some folks felt that Sharkey was stalling so as to let John L. make a
 good showing. Then the idea was dis pelled It was evident that Sharkey was
 doing his best-and getting the worst Of it. John l.. had no trouble biffing | the husky sailor every time he came in 1 close, and the crowd went wild with delight at the sight of the ''old man" beating up a youngster.
 | Soon after the exhibition John l.. said: I'm 8 now and I'm rather heavy So I'm laying away my gloves for all time. John L., as a fighter, is through" (To Be Continued Tomorrow)