The New York herald., 1921-02-21
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RUHLIN'S AMBITION
CHECKED BY FITZ
Solar Plexus Punch Almost
Ended Life of Akron
Giant.

This Is the eighteenth Of series Of
articles by Charles F. Mathison il, aohich
he describes interesting pugilistto euents
or the past. The toriter confines his
observations 10 contests and incidents
OF 1ohich ne tods an eyetcitness.
The pugilistic career of Gus Rubin.
the Akron Giant, who for time loomed
as championship proba ability, prac-
tfcally ended on the oppressiveiy hot
night of August 16, 1900, when he was
knocked out in the sixth round of a
bout with Bob Fitzsimmons In Madison
Square Garden. Rubin a short time
previously had knocked out Tom Shar-
key. and Enly Madden. manager of the
baggage stnasher, decided that Rubin
could also take the measure of Fitz
ana thus pave the way to title match
with Jeffries.
Therefore Madden arranged contest
with Old Freckles and the bout drew
large crowd to the Garden In the clos
ing days of the Horton law
Although Fitz had been defeated by
Jeff for the title, the Cornishman was
stlll held In high esteem, and he was
installed n strong favorite over the
Ohioan.
Madden, who had schooled Rubin in
the use of the straight left that brought
about the downfall Of Sailor Tom Shar-
Key drilled his man in the proper
method of combating the hard hitting
Fitzsinmons. and counselled Rubin to
Keep poSing his left in Fitz's face at
! every opportunity and not to unhood q
right unless Fitz showed extreme weak
ness
Even then. Gus" said Madden. "be
careful. for that old fox Is liable to act
groggy as sailor on shore leave and all
! at once land on you with a wallop that
will cave in your ribs. So be careful and
watch him closely"
Madden had observed how Corbett had
battered Fitz with a left at Carson.
the Cornishman taking the count in the
SIXTH and he was confident that Ruh-
lin, whose straight left was heavier than
Corbetts. would be able TO drop Fitz
and keep him down for the full count
Rubin Obeyed Orders.
Rubin was an apt pupil and he fol-
lowed Maddens Instructions to the let
ter. When the bout started Fitz began
to felnt and mannuvre for an opening
into which he could send his trusty left.
but Rubin. boxing cautiously, poked his
left into the Cornishman's face Fitz
was accustomed to this treatment from
most Of his opponents. so he took the
jabs with calmness and continued to
feint and parry.
For four rounds Rubin outpointed
F'itz by wide margin, and Old Freckles
never got in punch that had any eff
feet on his giant adversary.
Fitz began to exhibit irritation over
the inpregnable defence of his opponent
and the fact that he was getting heavier
.iolat,
to him.
Therefore. In the fifth round he re-
sorted to strategy and began to feign
unsteadiness on his feet. Rubin. scent
ing q quick victory over the famous
Fitzsimmons. was about to rush In 10
deliver a finishing punch, when the
warning voice of Madden was heard:
Look out, Gus; he's stalling.'
Rubin obeyed the warning, and
backed away. after which he resumed
his left hand attack.
Again Fitzsimmons gave a realistic
imitation of a man shaky on his pins
and Rubin, unable to withstand the
temptation. stepped in and aimed a right
at Fitz's jaw. The Cornishman ceased
wabbling on his feet, cleverly ducked
the right hand smash and, stepping In
close, drove a left into the pit of Rub
Inns stomach.
Rubin doubled with pain. but kept
his feet, and backed away Fitz stepped
in close, whereupon Rubin clinched and
managed 10 hold on till the bell, which
sounded about 20 seconds after the
solar plexus punch.
RuhIin's Finish.
When Rubin came out for the sixth
round he was clearly unsteady. and
Fitz went at him with tigerish ferocity.
With heavy lefts and rights to body and
face. Fitz soon brought Rubin down for
the count of ten.
"E's ard chap to beat" said Fitz
as he climbed out of the ring. "but Hi
still ave a few punches left" and he
grinned.
Ruhlin's seconds had considerable diff
ficulty In reviving him. but he finally was
taken to his dressing room. He col
lapsed in his quarters. and was attacked
by hemorrhages from the stomach. SO
serious was his condition that II was
deemed unwise to move him during the
night In the morning Rubin was taken
to tho home of his manager In South
Brooklyn and lay there for weeks in
precarious condition.
His strong constitution finally pulled
Ruhlin through and he was soon appar-
entity In his customary good health. Yet
the solar pluxus blow he received In thu
fifth round had resulted In an injury
that neutralized his subsequent efforts in
the ring.
Rubin got match with Jeffries. the
champion. in the following year. but JEFF
landed n body blow in the fifth round
and Rubin was SO severely hurt that