BOXING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3080, 30 December 1908, Page 5

BOXING.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph Copyright,

BURNS-JOHNSON CONTEST.

PRESS OPINIONS

BURNS OVEK-RATED

Received December 29, 8.25 a.m

LONDON, December 28

Referring to the fight between Johnson and Burns for the championship of the world, "Cestus/' the prize-ring writer in the "Sportsman," while recognising Burns's pluck, cousiders that Johnson was his superior at every point, justifying the belief that Burns had no right to be classed with the best champions of the past. "Cestus" expected that Burns would make a better fight, and con-

siders that the brainy, crafty boxer lost his head and generalship. "Sporting; Life" says that Johnson was too big and clever, and that the winner exactly summed up the contest when he said that he could probably have won earlier, but preferred to punch instead. FEELING IN AMERICA. NEGROES DELIGHTED. Received December 29, 8.35 a.m. LONDON, December 28. The "Daily Mail" says the Sydney fight was not heroic. Probably Burns obtained the championship in a period of decadence. The "Daily Telegraph's" New York correspondent says that Americans dislike Johnson's victory, but the negroes are greatly delighted. Jeffries has been sounded, but he declines to fight Johnson or anyor.e else.

Owing tn Burns's lack of popularity in England, sportsmen generally are glad at the result of the contest. REMINISCENCES. Received December 29, 8.35 a.m. NEW YORK, December 28. ■Johnson's mother, a respectable old woman livingat Galveston, Texas, states that when a boy Johnson was a rank cowara. She was unable <o be bothered to settle children's fights, and gave Johson a licking for being beaten by another boy. Then he developed confidence, and became champion of the village. The old lady is ven jroud of her

son's success