PETER JACKSON.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 January 1925, Page 15

PETER JACKSON.

HOW HE BEAT ENGLAND’S IDOL.

Ay ways stories of Peter Jackson’s career are fascinating. There lis a glamour about the great, gentlemanly black which will always keep his memory before the public. Although lionhearted Peter has been dead over 20 years, it would be sale to say that practically every schoolboy, if asked the simple question, “ Who was Peter Jackson?” would readily answer, “The great fighter.” . Peter Jackson has become a traai-

tion. All over the civilised world men stiff talk of the man arid has deeds. The younger generation who never saw him speak of him with reverence, and declare haw dearly they would like to have seen him in action. It is a big thing to say, but, perhaps,, there never has been such a popular figure in. the history of the ring as Peter, the Black Prince, as lie was termed by an eminent writer who wove ai romantic story around liis career. Many times have the great .fights of Jackson and Corbett and Salviri been told. Few people know of his epic battle with Jim Smith, Champion of the British I sles, in 1889, at trie famous Pelican Club, London. Jackson had not then achieved the world-wide fame he afterwards attained. In Australia he was regarded as a world-beater, while on the Pacific Slope of America he was recognised as champion. He had certainly defeated such men as George Godfrey, Joe McAuliffe, and Patsy Cardiff, but Americans had not yet acclaimed him the pugilistic wonder lie really was. Thus it was that Peter was net looked upon as a serious contender for Jem Smith’s British crown. He was regarded as “just a match to fill in time.” Jackson had had a few lights

in London before be faced Smith', who, although tliey might have been tiop-notche-i's in their day, were not of sufficient importance to have tlieir names immortalised in the records of the ring. Peter has put them all away inside of five rounds. Attention was, however, focussed upon liim, and Sriiith’s manager was forced to agrbe to a match I .' The Pelican Club was the venue, the d;w November 11, 1889, and purse £KKK). of which the winner was to receive four-fifths, and the loser one-fifth. The Pelicari was a inost-exclusive Club, the membership numbering only 609, and they were all that were present on tho night of the battle. All the members were in evening dress, and as the fight did not start until 1 a.m., and they had been “wining and dining” throughout the evening, it is fair to assume they were in exactly the ..right frame of mind to see their idol whip the presumptuous young black from faroff Australia in double quCclt time. There was an aristocratic gathering rouud the famous ring that night, including- the Duke of Beaufort, Lord de Clifford, Lord Dudley, the Duke of Hamilton, Sir John Astley, and the Marquis ox Q.ueensberxy, to whom pugilists and boxing followers are indebted for first introducing the rules which made the fighting game what it is to-day. Incidentally,' it might be mentioned that very lew of the rules introduced by the noble Marquis are observed to-day. Should they be, I am sure that disqualifications for breaches would be numerous, and boxing would not be nearly as fast as” it is.

Anyway, if the Marquis of 1 Queensberry did nothing els'e his name will always be honoured for doing away with the gruesome and bloody battles of the prize riixg with bare knuckles. It must be remembered that Jem Smith was the idol of English boxing followers, while Peter Jackson was looked upon more or less as a novice, by the “fancy.” That didn’t disturb him in the slightest degree,- -and when he stepped into the ring with his manager, “Parson” Davie,s. behind him. appearance caused a gasp of admiration:. His jet black body \ras shining like a; slab of polished ebony and his muscles rippiled and writhed under his skin as- he nioved about the ring. The fact that Smith had fought a 106 rounds’ draw pith Jake Ivijrairi, then champion c£ the world, in France a year previously, did not worry Phter. Jackson, weighed that night 13st 131 b, and wa,s strikingly impressive when he stood up at his full height—6ft 2in. He was a. perfect- specimen of physical manhood. Smith, hitherto regarded as being of fine physique, looked squatty, and out of shape alongside Jackson l . He was six pounds lighter than Jacksc.n arid five and a half inches shortei*.

There was a long argument prior to tile fight, an objection being raised to the belt Jackson was wearing. Tli-e difficulty was overcome by allowing Pe-tCr to wear the belt, and then ho objected to the' size of the gloves—they vfeVc too' small. He was finally fitted out with four-ounce' “pillows.’-’ and the figlit began. Now let a man who was at the ringside take up the story. This is what he wrote:—

From the start of the fight at the sound of the very first gong Peter showed the remarkable science and skill that lie had justly boasted of haying, although prior to' this fime there were not niany who believed he could' be correct about his assertions. Jem' had boasted that he could sweep the black off his feet ,in less time than it takes to tell it. Jackson was as confident and level-headed as if he was sitting down to a meal instead of entering into a fight with the champion heavyweight 1 df ' England 1 . Jem made the first onslaught, but was surprised and uonpulsed when he learned that, his desperate blows, blows such as had .previously ended his opponents, were brushed aside like so many breezes. Peter didn’t make an attack during Elio first two minhtes of the fight, being content to 'ward off Jem’s taps, as he considered them.

Out of a (fear sky Jackson feinted with his right. Bis nruf shot out witlv the power of a battering 1 ram find with the speed of a wasp’s fangs'." I*l laiideff with a deafening thud on Jem’s jay- and sent the champion back on his L heels. Jwkson realised his,- advantage, and with his customary speed followed if up with a. to. Jem's- stcnnac'h that foi'ced the latter to come to a clinch.

“Jackson gave the champion jk.boxing lesson in'file'second'round' that was worth its weight in gold ter Smith. He act’vdlv (eyed wifli the champion. who tried all tricks of the trade, only to have the black panther trump every one of tin-m. One- Jackson landed his right to the stomach with full force, and so great was the power behind that blow that Smith landed against the ropes.

“Jem was m a desperate position, and lie unfortunately' chose* the wrong and the easiest wav out of liis predicament. hie stepped tip tp; Peter, secured a waistl'o'ck, and'' then with his free." hand backheeled the black. Tt was a deliberate foul, far wh-ieli there was no ■ alternative decision than 1 tostop the bout arid award the fight to that mighty black from the distant Antipodes.

“The second round showed Jackson in all his greafuess.'. Jackson forced the fighting, knocking Smith all over the ring. Smith’s blows were either countered or- sboff. Jackson filially landed a tremendous hit directly over' the heart. Smith staggered around the ring until he reached the ropes, where he held on with his right hand, leaning back and guarding himself with his left, Meanwhile his feet were sticking out.

“In this position Jackson could not reach him at first, but finally landed some smashing blows to the face. Smith then relinquished his hold on the ropes, and rushing at Jackson caught him around the waist an threw him heavily to. tho floor. “Instantly the umpires awarded the fight to- Jackson amid tremendous v cheering. Smith made a show of resuming with bare knuckles, but the police seized him immediately, and he was, after a short time, persuaded to shake hands with Jackson.” Smith never did much good after that fight. Frank Slavin’ fought him a draw and he won a couple of other bouts. Then Dan Creedon another Australian, came: along and beat him in two rounds. Smith, it might-be mentioned 1 , was the last champion under Prize Ring Rules, and is still alive.