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THE TIMES: TUESDAY, JTJIY 13, 1920HARDEST PUNCH JEFFRIES EVER RECEIVED WAS A FRENCH KICKFormer World’s Champion Fought ^ent Jeff Into Convulsions and on Chin, But Second One/PourjDThe general Impression seems to be that when Georges Carpentler faces Dempsey in the ring it will be 'he Tirst instance of a Frenchman fighting for . the world's heavy-weight championship. This Is an Inaccuracy. Some twenty-one years ago a Frcnch-man made a pass at the greatest honors of the ring—a faux pas as It ultimately developed.Xone other than the Incomparable James J. Jeffries defended the honor against the assaults of the gaul who used the la savale method of kicking w-lth the feet, Jeffries confining him-Oself to the orthodox fislle fashion of the modern ringJeff was boxing in Paris with his brother Jack, Just previous to the second Sharkey fight, when the manager of the Follie3 Maritpiy theatre booked the Grizzly to fight Monsieur La Blah, la savate champion of France. It was a novel proposition for Jeff who consented to allow his opponent to use hands and feet, while he adhered to strict Quconsbury rules. The big follow may have enjoyed the novelty, but it' is a significant fact that he never engaged in another of that description. The match was advertised for the world's championship and the theatre was packed at prices double the usual rate when the contesiants squared off for action.Jeff assumed his famous crouch at the boil. The Frenchman balanced himself on his toes like a ballet dancer. with arms folded in front of him. Jeff was undecided how to open the fighting but finally began feinting rapidly with his left. Quick as a flash the agile Frenchman pirouetted about the arena, describing several complete circles to the amazement of the bewildered Jeff. Jeff dropped his hand and laughed outright. But before he could raise them to a guard position again Kfons Da Blah leaped Into the air, and clearing Jeff's head before the latter could realize It. planted a terrific kick on Jim's chin.One of La Blah's seconds howled first blood for his man. The befuddled Jeffries appeared to be pitted against a genuine ring enigma for thefirst time In his career. He glanced over at his corner for Instructions, when a yell from his brother called atfention to another attack from the Frenchman. Jeffries whirled around In the nick of time. Just as La Blah had started another serial foot raid through space. Jim timed the flight of his 110 pound adversary. and throwing out his right to block another kick, simultaneously hooked his left to La Blah's chin. The fight ended right there. Jeffries was proclaimed the champion of the universe la savate style and everything.Hut If you were to qulzz Jim Jeffries today about the hardest punch he ever received in a rlhg he would more than likely confide to you it' was a punch with a genuine kick— not the sort of kick so commonly used by sport writers in delineating the punching power of some present day ring phenomenon.(By ED HUGHES.)(Copyright 19 20—Thompson Feature Service).•R ATi SPTT.T. MARSi HT.OSTC ■R’TKTTSTTRS TK
Newspaper Details
Bridgeport Times
Bridgeport, Connecticut, US
Tue, Jul 13, 1920
Page 8
Full Page
Clipped by
Savate M.
NA, 23 Dec 2024
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