LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16350, 12 February 1921, Page 11

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.

YOUNG 808 FIRST FIGHT. writes as follows in a recent issue of tho New York “Globe” : ‘ A-iike father—Tike eon.’ “ it is Eaiu--but it is not often true. Bob Fitzsimmons, son of old Bob Fitzsimmons, offered a surprising resemblance Lj his illustrious father in his first professional fight the other night. " Young Bob met Kd. Kiniey. a fairly good light-heavy-weight, who has performed creditably against Battling Levmsky, G-lay Turner and Charlie Weinert, and he was returned tlie winner by a big margin. Fitz., junior, showed himself to be a most promising prospect, and with able guidance sht t*’d prove worthy oi his lineage. l.e l»fcß a good knowledge of boxing, is very fast, and, what h* most important, lie is fi-.’l of fightl “If eugenics count for rnveiling, Young Bob should be a wonderful athlete. His father is regarded by most exports as the greatest fighter ever in a ring, and * his mother was Roso Julian, the greatest female acrobat and gymnast that the world has ever known. “ Physically, Fitz., junior, bears considerable resemblance to Old 800. lie lacks only tho knock knees, freckles, and red hair. He is. better proportioned, and built on bigger lines—weighing about 1701 b, is slightly over six feet tail, and is now twenty ri.-iee years old. Young Bob shapes up in a 2'ing in a way that reminds one of his feth?-. He has long arms—with the same large forearm, the wide shoulders and narrow waist. He is very fast for a big iellow—faster than his father, and uses an excellent left jab. Ho uncovered a short, crushing right at intervals—but seemed rather timid in taking a chance with it. The famous left of his dad’s was apparently missing from his repertory, however. His defence was good—so good, in fact, that his opponent failed to land a clean blow during the eight rounds. “ Fitz. knows a great deal about the game. The old champion was alwavs anxious for his boy to enter the ring, and coaohed him for years with that object in mind. Old Fits used to sav. ‘ I’ll surprise you all some day. Wait till thaJt boy of mine is ready.’ However, the war came on. and You no: Bob enlisted and his ring debut was delayed until now. It is a pity that Old Bob could not have lived to see him. “He would have been proud.”