THE SLAVIN-SMITH FIGHT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1987, 28 December 1889, Page 1

THE SLAVIN-SMITH FIGHT.

London, Dec. 23.

The fight between Slavin and Smith came off near Bruges at 8 o'clock yesterday morning and lasted twenty-two minutes, Smith was often down and once left the ring, but returned and claimed the fight, fourteen rounds had been fought a dispute occurred between Smith an 3 the seconds but the referee refused to stop the fight. Thereupon he was mobbed, and owing to the dreadful conduct of Smith's party, the referee was compelled to decline the appeal for a drawn fight. Slavin was cudgelled by the roughs of the other side and a telegram to the Sportsman announced that he was dead, but later messages say he was only slightly hurt. It is stated that a well-known sportsman furnished the roughs who accompanied Smith's party to Be'gium. Every

time Slavin forced Smith into his own corner, the roughs maltreated the Australian. This occurred suveral rounds before the last, It was known in London before the fight that it was intended to ill-use Slavin. Ihe latter was compara-

tively uninjnred. It is thought that he was struck with knuckle-dusters. Smith

is sick.

Slavin had the advantage of ( Smith throughout the fight, and lie fought in the fairest and most plucky manner, driving Smith into his corner every round. The mob kicked and struck Slavin throughout, ignoring his appeals for fair play. The referee declared that Slavin had not been allowed fair play, and possibly still will award the fight to him. The English sportsmen who were present at the fight expressed themselves disgusted at the tactics indulged in by the supporters of Smith. Dec. 25. When Slavin arrived opposite the Sportsman office he was cheered by thousands. The members of the Pelican Club in London haye suspended Fleming, who holds the dual capacity of Smith’s manager and master of the ceremonies for the Pelican Club. The club recognise Slavin as the champion of England, and will present hltn with the belt and a a purse of sovereigns, Slavin on his return to town received an oyalion at the hands of the members of the Stock Exchange, who subscribed purse of 500 sovs for him.