The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-06-17
is
GAINING SPEED
Bio Champion Growing Stronger,
Faster and More Confident AZ
He Prepares for Coming
Battle.

IBy H. C. Hamilton, United Press
Staff Correspondent
TOLEDO, Ohio, June 17-Jess VIII
lard is growing stronger, faster and
Eore contented day by day. rs he pre-
pares for his coming battle with Jack
Dempsey.
Some time ago it was freely pre-
dicted that there was very good
chance for the challenger to enter the
ring with the champion at even
money betting for practically the first
time in the history of boxing. Tnere
isn't chance for this now.
Following yesterdays vicious work
cut Jess stock scared to height 1t
has never been before. The big pugi-
list simply annihilated his sparring
partners in the most ferocious train
ing battles seen in his camp since ne
reached here. Critics who saw him
from the very first day of his training.
declare he has improved 500 per cent.
Jess stepped so fast the sparring
Partners were sent at him in relays
first Hempel, then Heinen and then
Monaghan. On two occasions Helnen
took cracks that caused his knees 10
bend and Willard was forced to call
Oft the artillery while his target re-
cuperated Heinen is willing, fair
boxer and stiff puncher, out he is SO
fat and slow from lack OF ring
work that he is practically useless
right now Willard evidently took
notice Of this fact for he tore into
Ieinen with a vigor and vim that
brought gasp from his audience. He
eased up bit on Hempel but shot
heavy rights and lefts at Monaghan as
long as Walter would take them with
out running.
Dempsey's lay off from boxing is
turning attention to the Willard camp,
fol the public gets its knowledge OF
fighters condition from what he does
VIXEN fighting. even in training ring.
Jack was allowed to step four
round bout Sunday with Jamaica Kid
for the benefit Of the large crowd
vi ich flocked to see him, but the
boxing was slower than Jacks wont
end 1t was plain to be seen that re
was holding himself back.
Dempsey is determined that there
will be no more damage done to his
eye Therefore he is taking his own
advice to a great extent in keeping
away from boxing while training.
Probably Friday or Saturday he may
work with sparring partners. At pres
ent his work consists Of the most per-
functory gymnastic stunts. He does
lots of road work, taking long hike
IT. the morning and long walks at
night During the last few days he
has been spending considerable time
ir. the water. He is an excellent
swimmer and likes to get in the lake.
Information which has reached here
regarding special train rulings is to
the effect that the ban placed on spe-
Gals to the big fight provides only
that trains shall not be run from the
east. Trains from the west, 1t is
asserted, will not be halted. The
reason for this, it was explained, is
that troops are being moved westward
in large numbers.
The railway administration, 1t is
understood, would be willing and
even eager to fill the extra coaches on
their way back east.
So far, according to Tex Richard,
170 special trains have been provided
to bring spectators to Toledo for the
bout No Information has been re-
ceived from an official source that
these will be forbidden.
Bill Tate is going from Camp
dempsey on his way to Minneapolis,
where he meets Sam Langford at Mike
Collins club this week. He will re-
turn after the bout to conclude Demp-
sey's training. Billy Miske will be
here soon also. so Dempsey will have
no lack of boxing workouts the last
few days before the big battle.
Jess Willard is feeling SO good over
the way he is rounding into condition
that he has sent for Mrs. Willard with
ar invitation that she come prepared
to stay and watch the fight. He had
insisted that he would not have her