The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1922-04-13
ATHLETIC SHOW
INTERESTS FANS
julius Wirth Makes Short Work of
Erickson, Knocking Him Out
in Fourth Round
VISITOR EXHIBITS GAME SPIRIT

VISITOR EXHIBITS GAME SPIRIT
Three Preliminary Contests Add Test
to Entertainment
Julius Wirth, local lightweight box
er, showed Saturday night that his
quick knockout of Frank Backley sew
eral weeks ago was no fluke by send
ing Eddie Erickson of Aberdeen to
dreamland after minute and quar-
ter of fighting in the fourth round.
The Wirth- Erickson contest was the
headliner on the American Legion's
second athletic program within the
last month and was witnessed by
capacity house. Members of the fair
sex have at last been made to realize
that their presence at these shows is
very desirable and large number
came to enjoy the program.
Kenneth Espeland and Tommy Jen-
kins, two youthful battlers without
whom no athletic entertainment in
Oakes would be complete, stepped two
fast rounds in the opener. Both these
lads go about their work with will
and never fail to please.
Elmer Olson and Francis Brennan
followed with three-round mix which
was the real thing and kept the crowd
on its toes all the time. Olson had
trained with Wirth and showed con-
siderable improvement over the form
displayed in his last appearance here.
Brennan is somewhat the cooler of the
two and hits with the greater force
and precision. He registered one clean
knock-down, but Olson was up like a
flash and rushed him to the ropes.
They are pretty evenly matched and
put up a great bout.
In the semi-windup Ed Shaver and
Ted Bartlett burlesqued through two
rounds of scheduled three round con-
test. Ed was unable to withstand
Ted's snappy punches to his bread
basket and had to discontinue.
Soon after Wirth and Erickson STEP
ped to the center of the ring it was
seen that the visitor had no chance
to win and would be lucky to last out
Yerely in Be sessions. but
Game back ganiely 4yf more. n the
fourth julius knocked him down five
or six times, Erickson taking count
of nine before rising to his feet the
last time. He was practically out
on his feet, however, and his second
threw in the towel.
Kid Hale of Aberdeen, boxer who
holds a draw with Leroy of Fargo,
accompanied Erickson and acted as
his second. He made the trip es-
pecially to look Wirth over and learn
what he could Of the local mans style
with view Of making a match. Af-
ter the bout he issued challenge
to meet Wirth at 1873 pounds at any
date agreeable to all parties. "Tex'
Bush accepted the def on behalf of
Wirth and the local Legion post. They
had not been able to agree upon terms
at the time the train left for Aber-
deem Sunday afternoon, but a match
will be made for a contest to be held
toward the latter part Of May, the
exact date to be announced later.
Hale wants guarantee with the
privilege Of choosing a percentage,
but the local promoters refuse guar
antee, preferring that the boxers take
their share of the chances. The differ
ences will be Strengthened out shortly.
All the bouts on the card Saturday
evening were refereed by L. L. Viii
son, who handled the contests to the
general satisfaction of both fighters
and spectators.
Wirth hoe hooo,,,o a n,,.oo4 R.,,..:L :
by reason of the showing made in his
two ring appearances here and local
fans are eager to see him in action
against man who can make him ex-
tend himself. Fargo promoters are
angling for his services and it is more
than likely that he will be seen there
before long. He may not be cham
pion, but he will make some of the
near-champions think they have been
hit by cyclone. If Hale can make
the weight it should be great battle.
He might be able to outpoint Wirth,
but we would advise him to tuck his
chin under his left arm while doing it.
The Legion did not realize very
much money on either this or the last
show, but the fans are becoming in
terested and, as the match between
Wirth and Hale probably will be held
in the open air, the attendance will be
better and the local post should be
able to realize handsomely on it.
A match is now pending between
Fogarty Of Bismarck and Wirth. to be
held in Oakes April 22.
Earl Romsdal Of York, Nebr., who
visited relatives at Glover for some
time, passed through Oakes Monday
on his way home.
Fred Roney, ]. H. Coulter and Char
ley. johnson, assessors Of Bear Greek