BOXING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9539, 10 July 1909, Page 3

BOXING.

An Australian gentleman of sporting proclivities tells me that "Iron" Hague, who was defeated by Sam Langford at the National Sporting Club, is contemplating a trip to Australia, says a London correspondent, l'he way the Australian met the pugilist was rather peculiar. Disappointed at not being able to secure a seat at the National, the Antipodean wandered round the West End, and, going into the saloon bar of a wellknown hotel, bumped into a tall young fellow. The young man accepted his apologies with a hearty "Dont' mention it, sir," and the Austra'ian then asked, "Do you happen to know how the fight went off?" The reply started him a little: "I was knocked cut in the fourth round." It was Hague himself. The pair drifted into conversation, in the course of which the "Iron" one showed himsellf most anxious to learn all about Australia, and evidently desirious of making the trip out if there was any chance of geting mathes for decent money. Hague struck the Australian as a very decent sort indeed, but the Yorkshireman, he declares, was in no condition tor a serious fight, being fat in the face and carrying an incipient "corporation." He bore no facial marks of his recent encounter, and didn't seem a penny the worse for his "outr j ing" at the hands of the black. Naturally, however, some of his confidences in himself had departed, and he took in very good part the somewhat trenchant ciiticisms of his condition made by his Australian acquaintance. it is stated that old Bob Fitzsimmons intends to proceed to Australia shortly in order to try his luck in the r'ng. He states that he is open to box Burns, Lang, Squires, or any other heavyweight for as much money as they can find. Bob is 47, but believes he is good enough today to cut the combs ot most of the younger aspirants of heavyweight honours. He appeared at Jem Mace's benefit, at the new Arena (London) the other evening, and made on the stage a horseshoe, which was sold forthwith for £l2.