The New York herald., 1920-12-25

CtFTIClcS
By Charles F.. Mathison IN tohich he
toiH describe Interesting pu0iIistic evemts
observatsSts to contests and incidents .,% OF
tohich he icas an eyotoitness.J
In the way of sidesplitting comedy
the effort of James J. Corbett. cleverest
of all lightweight boxers, to give to Peter
Maher. the perennial champion of Ire
land, the heavyweight title of America
as Christmas gift more than month
in advance of the holiday. and the re-
fusal of Maher to have the championship
put in his stocking, never has been ex-
celled in the circles of select pugilis.ic
society.
Corbett, like all other champions. grew
tired of the responsibilities of the posi-
tion after three years of lionizing, and
decided he would shift the burdens to
the shoulders of some other fighter. His
original choice was not Maher Steve
O'Donnelf. also a clever boxer, was So
lected by Corbett as his successor to the
heavyweight crown. and in order to
make the transfer with proper formality
it was decided to have O'Donnell meet
some heavyweight in the ring. defeat
him and then receive the sceptre from
the hands of the retiring monarch of the
class.
In casting about for a victim for
O'Donnell the choice fell on Peter Maher
one of the most dangerous hitters in the
heavyweight division. However. as
O'Donnell had frequently outpointed
Corbett in training quarters there could
be no question as to the ability of the
heir apparent to BATTLE Maher.
Maher Pleased.
The match, therefore. was arranged,
and Maher was much pleased with the
opportunity to meet Corbetts sparring
partner. despite the fact that the cham
pion of Ireland had failed to get a match
with the American titleholder.
On November IL, 1895. Maher and
O'Donnell and a goodly company jour
neyed to the Empire A. C. at Maspeth,
l.. T., club conducted by Big Jim
Kennedy. Corbett. in the role of
pugilistic Santa Claus. took seat at
the ringside and composed a few we'll
chosen remarks to be delivered in con-
junction with the title to O'Donnell as
Maher
When the boxers squared off O'Don-
nell, who was a snowy boxer. began to
tap Maher on the nose with light lefts,
after which he would step away and
grin at Corbett. O'Donnell, for space
of forty seconds. scored points against
Maher with bewildering rapidity, and
some of the spectators reached the con-
clusion that it was to be onesided fight.
O'Donnell. who had counted three times
in quick succession on Maher's face.
stepped back feinted with his left and
then shot out with his right. Unfortu-
nately. Maher had started his right
second earlier and it hit O'Donnell flush
on the chin and dropped him like
log, on his face, in which position he
was counted out. The time OF the round
was l minute and 8 seconds.
The unexpected result was a great sur
prise to Corbett. but as he had decided
to give his title away. he was equal to
the occasion. Leaping into the ring he
advanced to where Maher stood and
said: Peter. you are a good man. I'll
give you the title"
Would Fight for Title.
Mahey gazed truculently at the cham
pion and replied:
ITO the divil wild your title; I'll fcight
ye for it,"
This remark Jared on Corbett so
that he abandoned his generous purpose
and held on to the honors till he met
Fitz at Carson City in 1897.
Had Corbett's proffer been accepted
DN Mdntf, l. u NOulQ nave ndu u fllucn
easier time winning the title, for Cor
bett made all kinds of trouble for Old
Freckles.
After the bout between Maher and
O'Donnel the defeated man issued this
statement explaining his defeat:
Il slipped just as he let go with ms
7 ght."
O'Donnell still thought he had
chance with Maher, and got another
match that was staged at the Coney
Island A. c.. December 25 1896. There
was foot of snow on the ground. Moher
knocked O'Donnell out In 80 seconds OF
the opening round.
Statement by the loser: "He didn't
give me a chance to get started"
O'Donnell then got a change of venue
to Philadelphia. and the meeting took
place March Is, 1895. Maher knocked
out O'Donnell early in the second rouno.
Statement by loser He hit me before
was ready"