THE PUGILISTS – Mace and Slade in America.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1275, 14 February 1883, Page 2

THE PUGILISTS - Mace and Slade in America.

(From the Auckland Star.) New York, Dec. 28. The sparring exhibition, at date, between Joe Coburn (recently from Sing Sing) and Sullivan, caused unusual interest in sporting circles. The “ Tribune ” says Coburn has proved himself a good fighter, holding his own in a battle with Mace in New Orleans in 1871. Mace has telegraphed to his backer, Richard K. Fox, of New York that he had sent him by mail a letter containing the full terms of agreement he was willing to make with Sullivafa Mace will come to New York (he ia at present in San Francisco) should

• fight between himself and Sullivan be arranged. Coburn wan asked, ” What do you think of the coming Mace-Sullivan fight ? Do you think Mace a match for Sullivan ?’’ " No, Ido not.” Mace is 51 years old. He is too old a man to fight a young fellow like Sullivan. I wish Sullivan was here to tell you what he told me. He says he will fight Maee or anybody else, but he won't do anything that will send him to prison. He says he is tired of fighting, but will fight if crowded to the wall. Let them bring on their Australian, and if he looks like a man he ean be accommodated.” Sax Fbamcisco, Jan. 9.

A> "Athletic teatimonial” was S'een Jem Mace and hie “infant," erbert Slade, the Maori, at the Me tropolitan Temple (Rev, Dr. Kalloch'e Baptist Church) last evening, which were present nearly 2500 people. The receipts were over 3000 dole. Several ambitious young bruisers filled up the time till the lions of the evening, Maoe and his protege, appeared, and had a rattling set-to, amid great applause. Blade is a splendid sp< cimen of the physical man, 28 yean of age, and stands 6 feet 2 inches in his pumps. He was introduced as “ the gentleman who is to knock out Sullivan, if he does not get knocked out himself.’’ Mace made his appearance, wearing the silver belt that Sayers fought Heenan for, and a gold'belt, which the master of ceremonies announced* was presented by friends in Australia to the wearer as Cbampion of the World. At the conclusion of the second round with Slade, Mace made a speech, in which he said he had retired from the ring, and would not go back to it again. He wished he was forty instead of fifty ; but there was a saying that “ A good old 'un could always beat a bad young ’un,” and he would always be ready to set-to with gloves with Sullivan, or any of ’em. In response to cries for "Slade!” Mace also made a speech for his “boy,” saying: ‘ He’s a fine young fellow, and you’ll all like him. He never bad the gloves on until about a year ago, but has had many a good fight as a boy. He is a rare good wrestler, and is ready and willing to have a try with anyone.” New Yobk, Jan. 9.

Richard P. Fox, a sporting editor, is reported in an evening paper as ■eying, " I have forwarded railroad tickets for Mace and Slade, and I will meet them in Chicago Sullivan will meet Mace with hard gloves under the four minute rules. Mace and his partner are in excellent condition, as they keep up their training as they travel. As soon as Slade, the young New Zealander, arrives here he will be marched for a genuine prize fight for 2500 dols. and the championship. The fight will take place within 100 miles of New Orleans. Sullivan says he has no fear of meeting Mace or the giant that accompanies him, but is willing to concede that in the match with Maoe, he has a strong scientific antagonist.”