BURNS TO MEET JOHNSON

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 305, 18 September 1908, Page 7

BURNS TO MEET JOHNSON

IN AUSTRALIA. (BY TELKOBAPH—riIESS ASSOCIATION—COPTBIGHT.) (Rec. September 17, 11.25 p.m.) London, September 17. The coloured pugilist "Jack" Johnson has signed a contract to fight to a finish tho champion of the world, "Tommy" Bums. Tho conditions are that the fight is to take place after November 30, in Australia, for a purse of £7000, the winner taking 60 per cent., tho loser 40 per cent. ) JEFFRIES'S PREDICTION. JOHNSON'S POWEE AND SPEED.

This agreement by Burns and Johnson to fight has been preceded by as many pourparlers as a peace troaty or an alliance of great Powers. Both sides have said the other is not game; but Jeffries's testimony is to tho effect that Burns has offered every reasonable facility for the fight. Jeffries has also predicted that Burns mil win, and that he will "lick tho Big Smoke, who has a streak of yellow in his system as wide as a street." H. Clayton, one of Burns's seconds in tho fight with Lang, acted as the second of Burke when tho latter was beaten on points by Johnson less than twelve months ago. Clayton, it is said, "is very strong in his belief, after seeing the champion at work last week, that Tommy will bring Johnson down heavily in tho ring, and from tho high pinnacle ho has been hoisted to by well-moaning but misguided people." On the other hand, there are experts who predict tho opposite. The English writer "Cestus," in "The Sportsman," says of Johnson:—"As regards his ability we liavo not scon his superior for sorao time, even if at all. Heavy weights like Gus Ruhliu and Tom Sharkey, who were over here six years ago, looked upon as well in champion class, would liavo made no show with Johnson." The same writer saw Johnson give a display of ballpunching at Plymouth, and, while admitting that "thumping a ball and slugging an opponent are two different things," was highly impressed. He writes:—"About his power there was no question. Johnson has been credited by somo writers as-a shifty, skilful fighter, a man of wondorful' defence, but lacking as a punisher. I should be sorry to see anyono battered about as Johnson bashed his ball; Suoh a thing, however, could not last long. That he can hit when he feels so inclined is beyond question. Tho ball, the stand, in fact almost everything in the room, rocked again as Johnson slung left and right at the leatlior. Truo of eye, as well as corroet in his blows, the black never made a blunder. Perspiration rolled off him, for he took long spells, but he was as dry as a bone after a touch with the towel. Jack seems to havo the proper combinationpower and speed. Ho is known as one of the best men in the States on his feet, and taking all tlieso points into consideration, ono cannot wonder at the respect shown him by the fraternity. "One of the company present confided to mq that '.Burns would make no show with this man.' Johnson's power ajid speed justified tho remark. The speaker was qualified to judge, for h? had seen Burns do his punching whilo training for his .match with Gnr. Moir. In the course of a long experience in ring matters I have seen all the best men at the ball. J. L. Sullivan was quick, remarkably quick for so big a man. Peter Jackson was a model of stylo, correct and clever, with a lot of power. M'Coy, too, was admirable, and Tommy Eyan almost perfection. Jack Johnson suffers nothing by comparison with the best of these or any other man in the business. His commanding presence may add a glamour to his work. Standing over fft. and scaling as he did yesterday 15st., Johnson, with his deep chest and his bronzo skin shining under tho electrio light, looked a truly formidable customer. He was so big and colossal (a stone heavier that the late Peter Jackson) that his speed appeared absolutely surprising." Burns is lately reported to have said:—"l particularly want to meet Johnson and get out of the boxing game for ever. I want to meet Johnson, firstly, to make it plain that I draw no colour line, nor bar any man in tho world; and, secondly to establish my own opinion, that I am Johnson's superior; and, thirdly, to quit the game, as champion of the world. If Johnson refuses to meet me, then I will retire for good and all, for the match with him is the only one I desire. There could bo no better time and place than Melbourne at Cup week. I hope to hear by the reply to tho cables sent on Saturday by Mr. Mlntosh that Johnson has managed to nerve himself up to accopt the lucrative offers made him to sample my ability. When I quit the professional ring I will settlo in Australia, at least for some years. I know of no' better place outsido of America."

On August 7 last, at Plymouth, England, Jolmson . defeated "Ben" Taylor in eight rounds, after hitting Taylor about the ring as ho liked. It is stated that Taylor, though a big man, had been on tho shelf for a long while, and had grown sluggish. Tho fact apparently is that England cannot find a heavy-weight of tho Burns or Johnson standard.