BOXING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 50, 27 February 1915, Page 16

BOXING.

Bob Fitzsimmons is apparently determined this his son, Bob Jan., who, states the ex-champion, is destined to ■win the world's title from Jack JoGhsou, shall not break into the game in earnest until he is fully matured Uays a San Francisco exchange). Old Bob, it will foe recalled, was thirty-five years of age when he whipped Jim Corbett, and was fcwenty-eight, an age at which pugilists nowadays are considered sufficiently ancient for the scrap heap, when he arrived in San Franeieeo from Australia to make his start in the prize ring toward fame and fortune. Fitz jun. is eighteen years of age, stande over six feet., and weighs almost 200 pounds. He and the governor, as he calls his father, are about to etart on a tour of the country, taking their time on the trip, that the younger Fitzsimmons may acquire experience with the gloves. Fitz. een. thinks that Jack Johnson is still likely to hold the championship for two years, and that then Fitz. jun., who is built somewhat after the fashion of his old man, but vastly better looking, -will be matured enough to meet and whip the big black. According to a writer in the Sydney '"Sun," just a few people—no more—were aware at the time of how nearly the contest between Dave Smith and Doyle at the Stadium was not taking place owing to Dave Smith's unexpected obtrusien of what, in the light of recent occurrences, looked like an. obstacle which might require a good deal yf getting over. The position taken tip by the heavyweight champion wae really an outcome of that attempt, some days ago, to form a boxers' union, which fizzled out so miserafbly. The Stadium management had barred the principal worker in that most ill-advised movement from entering the portals of their premises. Smith asserted that the man objected to was his manager, and as suteh must be allowed within the gates for the purpose of checking the takings. Mr. Baker stood firm for some time, pointing out how easily and quickly a substitute fully as capable as the" individual whose place he would fill, could be found. Then the serious disappointment the great crowd already gathered might suffer if Smith persisted, and the Stadium management refused to give way, was advanced as an unar<nia'ble reaeon iwhy Smith should climb down, but it was of no use—David refused to budge. Meanwhile the minutes were passing away, and the moment at which the two boxers had to appear in the ring was close at hand. Mr. Baker put on his considering cap. Thousands of people had paid to witness the SmithDoyle fight, a great deal of expense had been incurred advertisins it; there was no possibility at that late hour of laying hands on a substitute contest which might even fairly make amends, as far as general interest went, for the match that -would have to (be declared off. None of these considerations appeared at all to trouble Smith, for whom boxing and boxing promoters in thi3 country have done such a great deal. The gun was at the Stadium's head. Mr. Baker could do nothing hut back down. Judging by what he said during a conversation I J had with him regarding the matter, it is gninea* to gooseberries that Snowy -will (.never, be caught in the same way again.