New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-07-06
Beckett Rival
OF Dempsey as
Quick Finisller
By Arthur S. Draper

LONDON, June II (By MaiD.-Proof
Of the tremendous revival in sporting
interest was furnished tonight at
Olympia an arena with a seating ca
pacity exceeding that of Madison
Square Gardcn-where Joe Beckett dis
posed Of Frank Goddard in the second
round Of 4 twenty-round contest for
the championship Of Great Britain.
They stage big fights in big way al
the Olympia, where the rimgside costs
$50 and the cheapest place high in the
gallery sells for SIJ0.
Beckett is former member Of the
Roya. Air Force, whose home is in
Southampton. lie is supposed to have
gypsy blood in his veins and his
swarthy skin would support the state
nrut, though his light, curly hair and
rather round face make him the typical
south OF England lad. Beckett is just
over six feet tall and weighs about
10 pounds. Deep chested broad
shoGldcrcd. thick in the forearm,
Beckett looks more like iong-distance
swimmer than the heavy pugi-
lists Of the Jt,irics or Sharkey type.
Though he had a victory over Bonn
bardier Wells it WAS considered some
thing Of q fIkc. There was suspicion
that Beckett, like Wells. had a weak
streak in his makeup-yellow We call
it-ard that he would crumple up under
punishment.
Goddard, his opponent, is n giant Of
a man possessed Of almost superhuman
strength and 5uperabundance Of
confidence in his ability to withstand
punishment. Comparative figures show
that Goddard has a physique superior
in some respects TO that Of Jefrles
when he fought Ftzsimmous back in
1890. Goddard had defeated Beckett in
seven rounds; he had won other bouts
by sheer strength against the superior
boxing ability of his opponent Among
the British boxing experts there was a
feeling that in Goddard Britain had
found the future heavyweight cham
pon of the world.
sat at the ringside'closc to Bcckett's
corner. noted the care with which he
bandaged his hands and his nervous
ness while the announcer introduced
II. Descamps. Georges Carpenters
manager. who had come over to arrange
the meeting between the winner and
the French champion at the Olympia
in September. Beckett has brains as
well as a pOWcrtul punch IN MS right.
He had his campaign well thought out
and it was plain before the first round
was well under way that he had de-
cided success must come quickly.
Beckett was intent on carrying the
fight to Goddard and in n moment they
were at close grips. Beckett ripped up
several uppercuts; Goddard jolted
Beckett on the nose. One OF those
uppcrcuts surprised Goddard; he was
annoyed, puzzled. slightly dazed. The
round was in favor Of Beckett; the bell
came as a relief.
Beckett received a lot of advice &c
tween the rounds; he was told to push
the battle hard. He did. Refusing TO
play for safety he went at Goddard as
If he intended TO make the second the
last round. He scored with left hook.
Goddard staggered to the ropes; he
rested on the ropes In Goddards corner
but Beckett pursued him mercilessly
with right and left hooks. Goddard
crouched to the boards lie rose at
nine, only to fall again under n terrific
right. That was the end after five and
onc-half minutes OF fighting.