Jack Johnson vs. Firpo

Despite his age and extensive experience not strictly pugilistic, Jack Johnson proved his assertions that he is still prominent among fistic black oxen by tying Luis Angel Firpo, Argentine skull cracker, in a flock of knots in a "workout" match in New York, prior to Firpo's successful encounter with Bill Brennan.

Later " Old Jack " issued a statement to Damon Dunyon, New York American sport editor:

"He's mighty strong. I don't see how a man so much smaller than him as Brennan can beat him. Firpo don't know much about boxing, but he has tremendous strength, and seems to be a hard hitter--I don't know just how hard, because I didn't let him hit me. I'm past allowing myself to get hit by these strong young fellows."

The final aftermath of the Firpo-Brennan conflict was the removal of Brennan to a New York hospital suffering concussion of the brain. The Evening Mail (New York) promptly published a screed of sympathy, but repeated emphatic assertions that Brennan's injuries were due to his own defensive neglect. Behind the Mail's annoyed murmurs is a widespread suspicion that Brennan made no serious attempt to win the fight.

Arthur Brisbane, Hearst editor, bitterly opposes professional boxing.

" Firpo, Agile Giant from the Argentine Republic, comes to show us how human beings can be knocked senseless. Crowds pay to see him; the government of 'civilized' New York, most prosperous state in the Union, welcomes him, provides a commision to take care of him and regulate the crowds. And, under government protection, he is permitted to commit assault and battery, knocking a man unconscious while a low-brow crowd howls its delight."