THE BIG FIGHT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 244, 9 July 1919, Page 7

THE BIG FIGHT

WILLARD'S GRUELLING DEFEAT FURTHER DETAILS By Teleirrai)lx-Preßß AEBociation-OopyrliU» Now York, July i. The Now York "Tillies'' correspondent at Toledo says that followers of boxing marvel at WiUard's tremendous reserve strength, which permitted him to stand ud for three rounds under the most cruel punishment ever received by a heavyweight champion. Dempsiy wearied of punching Willard's huge- body. Willard was a total wreck at the end of the third round, but Dempsey had not received a mark. Willard's second had a hard time taking him from the ring to the dressing room. Many who bet money on Willard jeered and hooted. lie was so maimed that he was unable to comprehend the tcene before him, as 45,000 jiersons who witnessed the fight under tho hottest July i sun in tho history of Toledo rushed from tho arena.

Toledo lras ibe scene of tremendous celebration in honour of Dempsey. Bettore wlio vilaced their money on the victor filled all hotel lobbies, shouting with joy. One man had a bet cf JCIO to .£2OO that Dempsey would knock out Willard before the fourth round; another bet JBIS to ~£2OO that Dempsey would score a knock-out before the sixth vimd. The streets were filled with thousands of persons, and tho sole topic of conversation was Dempsey's remarkable victory. . Hundreds of automobiles, filled with celebrants, rode.up and down the streets. Dozens of special trains departed with hundreds of persons anxious to leave the heated and overcrowded city.

Dempsey, in a statement, said: "I said I would knock out Wilhml in the first rmiml. and to all intents and purposes that' is what I did. Ho look a lot of punishment, but was so feeble that I hnteil to hit him." AVillar.l said: "It is hard to admit defeat, but Dempsey is the hardest puncher I ever faced." —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.