BOXING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2666, 23 November 1909, Page 6

BOXING.

AIR H. D. AIcINTOSH AND 808 FITZSIAIAIONS HOAIE AGAIN.

Air Hugh D. Alclntosh and .Bob Fitzsimmons arrived at Freemantle a fortnight ago. Interviewed, Air Alclntosh said that during his sojourn in Australia Fitzsimmons would .meet ail-co-iriers. Ho is already matched with Lang. “Owing to the fact,” continued Air Alclntosh, “that Fitzsimmons’ theatrical engagements in London and America extend to 1916, my task in inducing him'to come out this way was an ertremely difficult one; in fact, the engagement is the most expensive one V I have made, the guarantee being £SOOO for a 20 weeks’ season, with firstclass travelling expenses from England to'England.” Fitzsimmons, as he himself declares, is in perfect health. During the course of an interesting chat ho said that doubtless the Australian folk had, from home information appearing in the Press, been led to believe, that ho had now become a decrepit old man. “I think my'looks belie such an assertion,” Bob added, quickly, “and in order that there may be no question regarding my condition, I desire to say that I was never a better man (physically, and that I stand ready to ma.ke a match with any reputable boxer in the world. I feel convinced that my record warrants me .in believing that no one will- make light of this assertion. '“Ever since that memorable St. Patrick’s Day in 1897,' when the wreath emblematic of the championship passed •to me the American public never had hny idea that if Corbett and I met again he would demonstrate'his superiority over me. I lost- tlio championship later, of course, but there was but one reason, and that was the breakingup of my hands. I have given them special ‘attention and care of late, and .4 regard them as being in shape to do more effective boxing than ever before. Any statement to the effect that I, Bob Fitzsimmons, ain a fossilised old man, with crippled hands and broken-down physique ought to receive no credence. I have the assurance of three contests, my first being with Lang for the Australian championship, and-I feel confident of beating any man living.” “Even Jack. Johnson?” queried tlie -interviewer’s ' “Yes , "even Johnson. Above all, J want to meet that man again-. When we met a .couplA of years ago at Philadelphia the referee jumped 'into the. ring and shouted to the spectators, ‘J hear Fitzsimmons has broken liis arm. and I refuse to referee this contest unless he has a doctor’s examination.’ The referee then left the ring, and the manager, appeared, and called time, and the contest -commenced. In the second round Johnson deliberately fouled me by throwing me to the floor on my head. I was. stunned to such an extent that ,on gaining my feet I could ■not seeMiim, and he won. I only had one arm to use, as my elbow had been operated on that morning. I tried wlifle’.in London for the last eight months to get a match on with Johnson, but failed. I hqpe these few re--niarks will force him to/meet me or publicly admit that he fears to encounter me again.” i . - /, - ■ i Sg SSSSSSSSS L- C-