THE FIGHT.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 764, 29 December 1908, Page 2

THE FIGHT.

BAD, NAUGHTY BURNS— GOOD . MASSA JOHNSON. IBX ELKOXKIC XELEGBAP&— COPYBIGHT.j IPBB PBEBB ASSOCIATION .J (Received December 29, 9.15 a*.m) London, December 28. "Cestus," in the Sportsman, says • that while- recognising B urns' s pluck, he considers Johnson was superior at every point, justifying the belief that Burns nas no right tp be classed with the best past champions. "Cestus" expected Burns to make a better fight, and considers that he is a brainy and crafty, boxer^ but in this fight he lost his head and his generalship. The Sporting Life says that Johnson was too big and too clever, and - this exactly sums up the contest. He could probably have won earlier, but preferred to punch instead. December 29, 8.35 a.m.) S .<%* London, December 28. ;1 '" The Daily Mail says the fight was not a heroic one. and that probably A Burns obtained his championship in a period of decadence. The Telegraph's New York correspondent says that the Americans dislike Johnson's victory, but the ne- ; >groes are greatly delighted. James J. Jeffries, who was the world's unbeaten champion from 1899 to 1904, when he retired, was sounded regarding a fight, but he declined to fight Johnson or anyone else. " • ■*' Owing to Burns's lack of popularity in England, sportsmen general- . ly are glad at the result of the contest. New York, December 28. Johnson's mother, who is a respectable old woman, living at Galveston, states that when a boy, Johnson was a rank coward. She on one occasion being unable to be bothered, any longer settling fights with children, gave Johnson a licking ior being beaten by another boy. He then developed confidence end became the i champion fighter .of-- the village. She is now very proud of her son's sue- .' cess. ■ ■': ,". ' ■v - . .■■■ .• ■ ■ -.'. •