The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-10-11

Tom Sharkey never became the worlds heavyweight champion but he will always be remembered as one of the most rugged and enduring types the modern ring has ever pro duced. He was the one man rnat Jim Jeffries, in his prime, was unable to knock out. Their two battles, one for the worlds title, have never since been equalled as examples of un- ceasing hurricane action coupled with heavy punishment for victor and vanquished alike. The margin by which Jeffries emerged trium- phant in each instance was of such d hairline character that, today, opinion is almost divided on the ar gument that the sailor was the equal of the champion at the end of their desperate 25 round battle at Coney Island on the night of Nov. 3, 1899.
 Sharkey first attracted attention as a fighter back in '5f while in the navy. One summer night of that year a squatty broad-beamed figure dipped between the ropes of a lit the fight club in the San Mateo grass lands just outside of Frisco. In characteristic sailor fashion he roll ed" over to old Billy Jordan, the
 
 something in his ear. Jordon then explained Billy pointing to the stranger is MT. Tom Sharkey of the United States navy. He's looking for a fight. He isn't particu- lar who it's with Sharkey's g ready for a fight or a froltc'' de- meanor made a hit with rne crowc right off the reel. Speech. speech.' chorused the crowd poking fun a. | the intrepid tar. Sharkey twisted his hat and then filling his capacious chest with ozone beloved That's right. I'll scrap anyone. I don't care!'' And with a wave of his 1 brawny arms he vanished through 1 the ropes.
 1 Following few successru: minor bouts the promoters sent him against the wonderful Joe Choynski, per- haps the most dangerous light heavy i was a handicap affair. Choynsk agreeing to stop the gob within eight rounds or forfeit the decision.
 The manner in which Choynsk tack up his task of annihilating his man convinced the crowd tha | Sharkey's chances of staying the limit weren't worth three cents. He i banged the sailor from one end O. the ring to the other, the fans gasp ! ing with every blow as they expected i to see Sharkey crumple up and hi the canvas. But Tom refused to gt down-and Joe began to get weary trying to dismiss the obstinat chopping block. Finally Choynsk claimed a foul-a bit of strategy il which to obtain a rest-and ge away with 1t. Joe said that he wa. perfectly willing to go on with tn, bout in little while, vouchsafing th' information that he didn't "thinl Sharkey's foul was intentional
 Choynski, refreshed, took up hi task again with a gusto. He Hftet the sailor right off his feet ant through the ropes with a battery O blows. Sharkey coIIided with tn floor headfirst. No one ever expect ed to see the sailor appear on decl again. Some even thought he hat been killed so great was the crasl when Tom met the floor. To tn astonishment of all Sharkey sool strengthened up and grasping a pos, climbed as if going up the rigging into the ring. Choynskt slamme' him out into the crowd again. Thi time everyone, including Choynsk figured the sailor was out for goo and all. Joe smiling and talking t his rfngside cronies was just prepar ing to leave the arena when a shou went up. Choynski wheeled about just in the nick of time to catch tn furious sailors rush. Sharkey staye the limit and received the decision, a agreed, for his feat. Tom iron thence went bounding along on tn turnpike of fame.
 One of his greatest ring exploit was a four round exhibition wit the then champion, James J. Corbet kItn took the affair uxhtlx and Eafaas