LANGFORD BEATS LANG.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 58, 9 March 1911, Page 6

LANGFORD BEATS LANG.

The fight between Bill Lang, the Australian heavy-weight champion, and Sam Langford, the American coloured boxer, took place in the Olympia Annexe, London, and resulted in a victory, for Langford, who was given the decision on a foul in the sixth round. Not since the historic battle between Tommy burns and Gunner Mdir, before the National Sporting Club, in December, 1907, has so much interest in a fistic encounter been displayed. The reason underlying this display of keenness has been the anxiety of the English people to discover a white boxer capable of depriving the present world's champion of his title. The failure of Mr H. D.Mclntbsh to unearth, by means of his eliminating tournament, an English heavyweight of any ability, -naturally' caused attention to be transferred to the Australian champion. Apart from that, there war- the desire of all sides to obtain a proper idea of Lang's capabilities. His fight against Jack Burns, the Californian heavyweight, was so one-sided that the Australian did not have an opportunity of demonstrating his prowess, whilst his meeting with Petty-Officer Curran was also unsatisfactory. Consequently everybody looked to Langford to put Lang on his mettle, and compel him to have his best efforts in evidence to remain on' his feet. For weeks past every seat in the expensive parts of the large hall had been booked. There was also a rush for the cheaper seats, the house being sold out before the doors opened. The general opinion was that Langford would not experience any difficulty in winning. The fight critics generally anticipated a fight of short duration, with the negro on top, and stated that they would be surprised if the contest went over 10 rounds, j The audience was by far the largest ever seen at a fight in London. It was a most aristrocratic one, those who had purchased boxes including Earls Lonsdale, Desborough, Cornwall, and Kinston, Lord Hugh Grosvenor, Sir Malcolm Fox, Sir Claude de Crespigney, Baron Plantz " (aide-de-camp to the Crown Prince of Germany), Lords Auckland and Torrington, and Ladies Richardson and Dillon. Fabulous prices were paid for some of the seats. The fight was a disappointing one, lasting six rounds. Langford had the best of things all through, but had to be content with a decision on a foul. The Australian's showing was a poor one He was not at ease at any time, Langford .being his superior in nlmost every department of the game. I-ang was severely punished, and was in a bad way when he delivered the punch which cost him the nglit. When the decision was announced the crowd became very excited, tne people remaining in their seats and loudly hooting Lang. They were disappointed at the unsatisfactory ending of the battle, and hurled opprobrious epithets at the man they had cheered wildly only a few minutes previously. The attitude of the people also proved displeasing to the winner. Notwithstanding that he had been declared victorious he made it known to the officials that he was prepared to allow the fight to go to a finish. But the decision having been given, this could nob be permitted, and Langford retired to his dressing-room. A description of the two concluding rounds follows: —

"The negro went after his man in real earnest,-and seeing Lang's hopeless condition was bent on a quick finish. Lang was unable to keep Langford back, and as he moved clumsily,,Langford swung aright on to the jaw. Lang went down for nine seconds. The, Australia-n tosg with difficulty, but ,he was no sooner on his feet than he received another crashing right, which felled him. The referee counted up to nine, when the gong sounded, and saved the fallen boxer. Lang was very groggy when they faced each other for tlie sixth round. He was badly outclassed, and as his evident desire was to avoid being knocked out he hung on every time he got a chance. Langford got free at last, and made a rush. Lang managed to stagger out of the road, and Langford, m turning, fell. The Australian then lost his head, and, making for his man, landed a punch before Langford had regained his feet. Lang was immediately disqualified, and amid a scene of wild excitement Langford was- declared the winner.