Pueblo chieftain., 1921-03-09
BOB MARTIN, ,A.E.F.H HEAVYWEIGHT,
: DOUCHBOY'S HOPE FOR CHAMP
Soldier Pugilist Starts Brilliant Career at Training
Camp Only to Stop, Peforce,
While Overseas

The first afternoon given over to
the sport program, no effort was made
to include boxing bouts. but when the
necessary details were completed, n
roped arena was built on the parade
ground of the 151st infantry, and here
a great. numbering hulk of fellow
climbed thru the ropes and openly
challenged any man in the camp. No
one seemed willing to take on the
challenger until II big. awkward hick
specimen was prevailed upon to ac-
cept
After the preliminaries of discard
ing the army shirt and making ready
had been gone thru, the two men
squared off in the center of the ring.
Neither showed any inclination TO be-
stood perfectly still surveying each
other; each was waiting for the other
fellow to start. Suddenly the chal-
lenged made n vicious swing, one OF
the old 'haymaker" variety. The i'm
pact was heard by everybody and the
big chap, who had unfortunately
listened to his advisers, went dying
thru the ropes. landing in heap
among the ringsidc spectators. II was
a tremendous. hard. swinging blow.
planted at the apex OF his adversary =
chin. Bob Martin landed that blow. II
was his first ring battle and he had
won. Unknown at that time. he was
later TO become famous as tho heavy
weight champion of the American EA-
pcditionary force in France.
Then followed series OF Nights
with Camp Shelby boxers. each bout
terminating in the same way a knock
out in tho opening rounds. Within two
weeks after his initial appearance in
tho ring at Camp Shelby he was ac-
claimed undispHtcd champion of tho
camp. He was being trained under the
tutelare OF officers OF tho 1i5th Mil
itary Police outfit. where nc held tho
rank of sergeant
Those capable to Judge noticed
that in each succeeding bout he was
displaying n better understanding Of
the game: improving fast. His most
prominent fight at this camp. be-
fore tho organization left for Camp
Mills. New York. preparatory to om-
barking for overseas. was with Gus
Kienke. a light heavyweight. from
Fort Wayne. Ind. who had made
something of reputation for him
self in the Hoosicr state and In cyhi-
billions at different military camps
The match drew an immense
crowd of civilians from nearby
cities. Martin was by far the bigger
man. klcnkc. however. by display
ing rare ring Ecnoralship and n light
cnins-likc agility. was able TO stay
with Martin for four rounds. He
had given n good account OF himself
thus far. The fifth round had prog
rcssed only "A few seconds with both
men sparrinG for an opening when
Martin swung one OF his favoritcs
and Klcnkc hit tho padded floor like
ton OF lead. Again Martin demon
stratcd his superiority.
Martin. after this match was
forced 10 give all his time In pre-
paraiion 10 the overseas trip: there
was n journey Of half tho distance
across the continent To get TO tho
point OF cmbarkstion. He arrived In
Franco IN October. 1918. and with
hts division was sent to tho south OF
France for training, preparatory to
going into the lines nj that he was
forced to abandon any intentions he
might have had regarding future
ring battles
ITO Rc Continued