SULLIVAN VERSUS MITCHELL

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 247, 17 March 1888, Page 3

SULLIVAN VERSUS MITCHELL

Sydney, March 13. The "Evening News " publishes a long account of the fight at Chantilly between Mitchell and Sullivan. There were forty-one present besides trainers and backers, including Lord Elcho and several high life sportsmen iticognito. The weather was bright at the beginning of the fight, and promised to remain so. Sullivan appeared to be slightly over- trained, but 3 to 1 was laid on him, although the odds fluctuated considerably afterwards. The following is a description of the rounds :— First round : Mitchell immediately developed dodging tactics, as was expected when he insisted on a 24-feet ring. Sullivan succeeded in reaching him at last, and sent hi a crushing blow, which floored his antagonist. The second round was similar to the first, and finished by Sullivan again knocking his man down. The third round was also similar. The interchange of blows wa9 splendid, and there was a capital display of offensive and defensive fighting, winding up with a rattling rally. 'In the fourth round similar tactics prevailed. Both men showed great science -and determination. In the fifth round Sullivan punished Mitchell very severely, and the, latter, finding the pace toohot, wen tdown without a blow, which caused the referee to caution him. In the sixth and seventh rounds Mitchell warmed up to his work, and displayed more pluck, fie

stood up gamely, defended himself well, and repeatedly hit Sullivan, who frequently went down. After this, both acted on the defensive, and the remainder of the fight was less exciting, neither of them being willing to come to close quarters. Both dodged, and little lighting took place. Rain now began to fall heavily, and the ring was swamped, and the puddle interfered with the men. Sullivan had shivering (its, and felt the cold keenly. The thirty-fifth round lasted fifteen and the thirty-ninth round thirty-four minutes. At three hours and eleven minutes after the commencement of the fight, Mitchells frionds proposed a draw, which was ultimately accepted. The Englishman was beginning to show signs of great punishment. His eyes were puffed and fast closing, and his features were cut and bruised beyond recognition. Sullivan exhibited no evidence of any serious injury, and it is generally conceded he had the best of it, and would have won easily in a smaller ring.

Bbisiiaui', March 14. JU, The Australian cricketers leave on Saturday, but the team is still incomplete. The good players are said to have joined, but their names are kept private. A train collided with a cab on the street crossing at Ipswich, killing a passenger and badly hurting his wife. The driver and his son were also injured. ______________