The Washington times., 1923-09-17

fident North American visualized
defeat, but by a supreme effort
called all Of his ring cunning into
play and managed to last the round.
When the bell sounded ne staggered
to his corner while Firpo, who had
been knocked down seven times,
walked easily to his seat.
At that stage it seemed that the
South American chalIenger's supe-
rior weight and strength might
carry him through to an amazing
victory, but Dempsey went out for
the second round refreshed and
ready for the KILL
This time the champion found his
opening quickly and with almost his
first blow-a short left hook to The
body dropped. Firpo for count of
four. Then, and not until then,
was it evident that Demasey's
smashing attack in the first round
had wilted the challenger and left
him only shell of the giant that
started the first round. A right
hook to the jaw finished Firpo fifty
seven seconds after the bell sounded
for the second round.
Thus the wild Bull" was tor
mented and finally done to death
by the matadOr of the North, but |
I'm losing he displayed strength, |
gameness and powers Of recupera- |
fion that viii make him q fOrmId- |
able opponent for Dempsey in an
other year.
There is no doubt that F'irpo can |
hit, for he hit Dempsey plenty and
the champion crumpled up under |
the blows. Jack was sent to the /
floor once and knocked out Of the |
ring In the first round, something |
that has not happened to him since
he became champion.
The consensus Of opinion at the
ringside was that only lack OF
experience and tutoring prevented
Firpo from winning the champion
ship The most surprising part
o fhis effort was his quick recuper-
alton after the second Touchdown
when he arose after a short count
and sank Dempsey to- his launches
with right to the head.
Firpo himself declared often be-
fore the fight that he felt he was
not ready for Dempsey but was
prevailed upon to go through with
the bout. Instead of breaking him
Friday nights bout should make
him His friends are elated over his
showing and predict that he viii
reverse the decision in the in |
evitable return match.
Meanwhile, If Firpo continues 1
boxing and places himself under a /
competent instructor he will be an /
even money bet the next time he
faces Dempsey.
During the last minutes OF the
first round the spectators wouldn't
have given the prOverbial 80 cents
for Dempsey's chances. The cham
pfOn was then reeiing backward
from the force of FrpO's attack
and was so bewildered that he
did not attempt to cIinch or call
on the resources of his boxing
skill to aid him in his predica-
ment.
Ffrpo rushed and swung his right
to Dempsey's unprotected jaw. To
the amazement of the crowd Demp-
sey did not bring up his hands to !
ward off the blow which fell flush I
on his cheek.
1t was such a blow as Gunboat /
Smith once landed on Dempsey
a clout which the champion says
Is the hardest he ever took and ,
remained on his feet. !
Firpo has been used to seeing /
them go down when he hits them ,
that way and when Dempsey mere !
ly blinked and retreated step 10
the ropes the challenger's beady !
eyes opened a little wider in sur
prise. Again and again Firpo led
to that unprotected java shin
ing target-and he hit the but !
tom four or five times. Dempsey
embodied him in his arms and they
were embracing when the bell /
sounded far more welcome sound /
TO Dempsey than to Firpo.
Right there Jack won his fight. /
His uncanny ability to take those
sledge-hammer blows to the jaw