THE BIG FIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1919, Page 5

THE BIG FIGHT.

WH,LARD'S GRUELLING DEFEAT. FURTHER DETAILS, New York, July 4, The New York Times' correspondent at Toledo says that followers of boxing marvel at Willard's tremendous reserve strength, which permitted him to stand up for three rouhds under the most cruel punishment ever received by a heavyweight champion. Dempsey wearied of punching Willard's huge body. Willard was a total wreck at the end of the third round, but Dempsey had not receive'd a mark. WillawTs second had a hard time taking him from the ring to the dressing room. Many who bet money on Willard jeered and hooted. He was so maimed that he wan unable to comprehend the scene before him, as 45,000 persons who witnessed the light under the hottest July 4th sun in the history of Toledo rushed from the arena.

Toledo was the scene of tremendous celebration in honor of Dempsey Bettors who placed their money on the victor filled all hot 'l lobbies, shouting with jov One man had a bet of £lO to £2OO that Dempsey would knock out Willard before the fourth round; another bet £ls to ,£'2oo that Dempsey would score a knock-out before the sixth round. The streets were filled with thousands of persons, and the sole topic of conversation was Dempsey'n 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 'thfr boated and overcrowded city.

Dempsey, in a statement, said: "1 said T would knock out W/llard in the first round, and to all intents and purposes that is what T did. He took a lot of punishment, but. was so feeble that I hated to hit him." Willard said: "It is hard to admit defeat, but Dcmpsev is the hardest pnneher T ever faced.' I . Aiw.-N.55. Cable Assn.