Joe Goddard, great fighter.

A bogus report circulating after the Johnson-Jeffries fight claimed Sam handed Jeff a licking in a private spar just before the big fight.

 

" First round.-Goddard got some heavy hits in, but there was too much round arm about him. Jackson only smiled at the heaviest blows, and it was evident he intended to tire Goddard out by over-encouragement at the first. Second round.-Both men put in a lot of hard hitting. Jackson was driven once or twice to the ropes, and the round closed with some heavy face blows on both sides. Third round.-This opened with a heavy face blow by Goddard, who already began to exhibit signs of distress, and was knocked down by the next blow from Jackson, with no very serious result.. Another knook - down blow from Peter followed, and cut into the flesh over Goddard's eye heavily, nearly closing it up, under which he puffed ominously, and was glad enough apparently to get to his corner. Fourth round.-Goddard again went to earth at the beginning of the round. He closed several times, but Jackson threw him off and punished him severely. Some heavy body blows followed on both sides, Goddard seemed distressed, while Peter smiled. The round closed with some capital defence on both sides. Jackson was now beginning to perspire, and his skin shone like polished ebony. Fifth round.-Early in this round they closed, and both went down. Goddard followed with a tremendous force on Peter, and the round closed with heavy ding-dong work on both sides. During this round the smile left Jackson's face, and gave way to a determined air, which was almost fierce, and he hit out with great force, mos' of his blows going on Goddard's face, but Goddard went on to Jackson's ribs. sixth round.-- Goddard's form greatly improved, and he gave Jackson some terrible punishment, which Peter returned with interest, Goddard'e face being now puffed up. When the round ended both men seemed glad for a breathe and sponging down. Soveonth round,-This was marked by heavy hitting on both sides. Goddard drove Jackson to the ropes, and closed. Goddard now showed splendid defence, and it was evident he would last the eight rounds out. a slight dispute occurred in this round over alleged foul hitting by Goddard, and Professor Miller was appealed to, and gave his decision in favour of Jackson. TIe round ended with more heavy body blows. Eighth round.-This was characterised by hard fighting all round, Goddard punishing Jackson badly with some terrible blows, and Jackson returning on the face and head. As the bell rang the men had closed, and were broke off amid cheers. Professor Millor then announced one judge to be in favour of Jackson and the other in favour of Goddard. The reputation of both men was so high and the figlhtihig so equal that he would not undertake to declare, either had won. Therefore, he declared the fight a draw. The decision was greeted with cheers. It was generally admitted that the fighting was the best ever seen in Melbourne."

 

there are several other reports on the fight, some say they felt Goddard would have won if it was a finish fight. In Jackson's defense he had only two weeks training for the eight-rounder. Others say that most of the spectators expected a "Goddard win" decision. Again racism could be a factor here. Also to note that both fighters had nominated a judge each.