BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Evening Star, Issue 13145, 29 December 1908, Page 6

BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP.

PRESS OPINION. LONDON, December 28. (Received December 29, at 8.25 a.m.) "Cestus," in the 'Sportsman,' while recognising Burns's pluck, considers Johnson his superior at every point, justifying the belief that Bums had no right to be classed with the best of the past champions. " Cestus " expected Bums to make a better fight. He considers him a brainy, crafty boxer, but that he lost his head and generalship. The ' Sporting Life ' says: " ' Johnson was too big and clever,' exactly sums up the contest. He could probably have won earlier, but preferred to punch Burns instead." NEGROES DELIGHTED WITH THE RESULT. JEFFRIES WILL NOT FIGHT. LONDON, December 28. (Received December 29, at 8.35 a.m.) The ' Daily Mail' says that the fight was not heroic, and that probably Burns obtained the championship in a period of decadence of the sport. The 'Telegraph's' Now York correspondent says that the Americans dislike Johnson's victory, but that the negroes are greatly delighted. James J. Jeffries (champion 1899 to 1904) was sounded, but declined to fight Johnson or anyone else. Owing to Tommy Burns's lack of popularity in England, sportsmen generally, are glad of the result of the contest. JOHNSON'S FIRST FIGHT. "A RANK COWARD." WHAT HIS MOTHER SAYS. NEW YORK, December 28. (Received December 29, at 8.35 a.m.) Johnson's mother, a respectable old woman living in Galveston, states tliat when a boy Johnson was a rank coward. She was not in a position to be bothered to settle a children's fight, so she gave Johnson a licking for being beaten by another boy. He developed confidence in consequence, and became champion of tho village. The old lady is very proud of her son's success.