GOON JOHNSON AT AUCKLAND.

NZ Truth, Issue 97, 27 April 1907, Page 8

GOON JOHNSON AT AUCKLAND.

The Black on Squires' Trail.

Among the passengers by the Frisco liner, Sonoma, at 'Auckland on Friday week en route to the land of- the wooden ham was Jack Johnson, the coloured champion "boxer of the world, who is returning to America after a stay m Australia^ whither he went to endeavour to meet Bill Squires, the Australian champion, who had agreed to go to America, and who, passed through by, the previous 'Frisco boat, Johnson, however, had a few fights m Australia, each one, and he is returning to America better ofi m consequence than when he left. A reporter had an interesting chat with Johnson while m Auckland. The /bis: black immediately impressed irim with his size and strength, and appears a typical heavyweight fighter. There was nothing bomjbas'tic about him, and he talked about most other fighters as personal friends o* many years' standing.

One of the .first things that .'Johnson did was- to display a number of handsome presents that, he had received from admirers m Australia. In reply to^a question as to how he had been treated 'generally in' Australia, Johnson said : "The best word J/can say for Australia is not good enough: I met the best people there that I did m. my whole career, and I have- been to Paris and London, and all over America. The sports; too, are of the best."

"The .whole of- Australia regrets that Squires and .' myself did not meet, I thini," replied Johnscin. m answer to a question. "I think lie will meet me m America. I v/as about to sign a contract m Australia on very favourable terms, but I wanted to meet Squires. The moment I land I am going to start right on his trail. I prefer to mieet Squires to anybody else. I have travelled from 'Frisco to meet Mm, but I missed him, and I hope when I get there again he will meet me. In any ta.se, I am going; back to Australia m about five months/ time, v Although I missed S'quiires, I do not regret iiaviynfl made the journey, as I have bad a pleasant trip, and; .made many fjiends." When asked about a match with. Jeffries Johnson's eyes immediately glistened, but he shook his head. "I am trying to get one," he said, "but it looks most improbable. They have offered Jeffries £10,000 to fightf line, but he has refused. He says he draws the colour line." ■:■/

His intention when he arrived m America was to immediately communicate with his manager m New York, "and he will match me with Harte or Squires."

"You are sure of making a match with Squires m 'America?" asked the reporter. ,

"Oh, yes? I am sure," Johnson plied. "I have a cablegram to that effect. I could have signed a contract m Australia for six months at £&0 per week, and all expenses paid, and I could have gone and fought Mallev Jackson on the 26th of this month m Melbourne for the colored championship of the world, hut I declined, because I wanted to try to get Squires for his, first fight over there." Johnson has been boxing actively --for eleven" years,' and says he feels fit and as. well as ever. Although toe has been m many battle's, he carries no scars on his face or head,™ and fe remarii^bly, well preserved*