THE PRIZE FIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 310, 29 December 1908, Page 2

THE PRIZE FIGHT.

PRESS COMMENTS. Sydney, December 28. The Herald says the issue was not ill doubt from the first clash of blow*. \\ ithin live seconds of the commencement Johnson chipped Hums a nasty upper cut on tiie chin, knocking him down, aad a few moments later he sent the champion to the boards again. I'rom this out Burns was hopelessly outclassed. Long before the police entered the ring Burns was plainly a beaten mail. Throughout, however, lie displayed a courage and a capacity for taking punishment which did much to soften the blows Johnson delivered, not only to his adversary but to the spectators, nearly every one of whom was obviously in sympathy with the white man.

Johnson throughout fought fair, but unfortunately his lino boxing was disfigured by a display of bombast happily seldom seen in any sporting arena. U'ho Telegraph declares that the- contest was one-sided throughout. Burnti was outmatched in every round and severely punished, while Johnson was quite unharmed.

Johnson declares that he could hare won the match earlier, but laid himself out to make the drubbing as severe as possible as he wanted to get even for the disparaging remarks made repaiding himself.

Burns is thoroughly satisfied with the decision. Up to tho time the police stopped the contest he thought he had a chance, but fully realised that up to that stage he was fairly beaten. To another interviewer Burns stated that he had very little doubt in liia mind that he might have won if the police had not stopped the fight. He j felt that Johnson was tiring and hope | liad risen high within him. | Burns reiterated his intention of re- . tiring from the ring and settling in Australia. „, , 'lho Herald, in a leader, says the contest was a nakedly brutal struggle which edillcd the public who paid the syndicate £20,000 to see. To sav these spectacles are sport in any'decent meaning of the term is flatly untrue. The effect is to glorify British practice in a quarter where British instinct is already an nuti-social force. It may not be amiss to ask the Government, which so far lias been delightfully acquiescent, whether in the interests of the general community we have not had about enough of these exhibitions. Sydney is worthily ambitious of distinction, but docs not exactly aspire to become the cynosure of all the world of "tou'ghdom." . London, December 27. The Referee welcomes the result of the Burns-Johnson fight. The Observer characterises the fight as a degrading spectacle. Mr. Bcttison, manager of the National Sporting Club, said the result was not a surprise in boxing circles in England and America.

A rumour was published in London that Burns had died as a result of his injuries. j,, f !?f .