FITZSIMMONS v. LANG.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1034, 30 December 1909, Page 12

FITZSIMMONS v. LANG.

THE VETERAN BEATEN. The match between Bill Lang and Bob Fitzsimmons, for the heavy-weight championship of Australia was fought on Monday at the Sydney Stadium, Rushcutter’s Bay, in the presence of a gathering of 10,000, Fitzsimmons being knocked out in the twelfth round. In the opening rounds Lang had the best of it. Lang got to work early in the third round, swinging a terrific left on to the veteran’s race. The impact was so severe that the latter fell on his knees, remaining several seconds, while Lang attacked him over his head. Fitzsimmons, on rising, rushed in, Lang getting the left on to his jaw. The rest of the round was quiet, Fitzsimmons giving a good scientific display. In the fourth round the Victorian followed up his advantage, but his leads with his left were not successful. Fitzsimmons was evidently resting, and only attempting an occasional punch. Lang livened up things a bit, but the round ended slightly in Fitzsimmons favour. The latter’s evasive work was pretty to watch. In the next round Lang bustled Fitzsimmons badly, but the veteran always had him safe. Taking matters easily. Lang forced the fighting; and Fitzsimmons was apparently in a bad way. Lang landed a stiff blow in the face as the gong sounded. Fitzsimmons spent the next round in a good way of dodging, Lang getting home with a few good punches. In the eighth round Fitzsimmons got the Victorian a jolt on the jaw, which rattled him badly. A lot of clinching followed, honours being even.

Fitzsimmons began to grow weak in the ninth, although he made a great recovery towards the close. The tenth round was tame, but the end was in sight. The eleventh round was all in the

Victorian’s favour, Fitzsimmons showing some clever side-stepping. Early in the twelfth round Lang caught the veteran on the jaw with his right, and sent him down for five seconds. The old man was very groggy then. With a right upper cut Lang knocked him out.

The police then stopped the propppfljflgg . After the contest Fitzsimmons said: ‘‘ Youth must prevail. I am an old man. Lang is young. The fight was an absolutely fair one.”