Joe Goddard MegaThread!

Some more thoughts after the event, from the Australian Star...

"JACKSON AND GODDARD.
AFTER THE BATTLE.
Their Future Intentions.
Melbourne, Tuesday.
After several hours' searching your representative succeeded in discovering Peter Jackson and Joe Goddard out at Richmond. The warriors were together, as friendly and as affectionate as twins. Neither showed any prominent signs of punishment, although both were naturally stiff and sore. Both men expressed satisfaction at the decision of the judge. They will not meet again, for some time at any rate, as Jackson has to go to America almost immediately, so that he might return in time to meet Slavin six months hence. Goddard is to fight Dooley on November 1 and Curran on November 15. In a conversation with Jackson he admitted that his fight lost night was the hardest he had ever engaged in. He had done his utmost to vanquish Goddard, but failed. He ascribed his indifferent exhibition to insufficient training and holding his opponent too cheaply. On the other hand, Goddard had entered the ring as fit as ever a man could be. The general opinion in Melbourne on the match is that Goddard won in the eight rounds encounter, and can whip Jackson in a fight to a finish at any time. As to the Barrier champion's forthcoming fights with Dooley and Curran he should put them through with ease."

 

OK... back to the work at hand.

Before we get to Joe's next important bout 4 months later against Joe Choynski, it's interesting to see the reaction in the press by his performance and the amateur level negotiations he pursues as he goes thru a couple set-up/benefits against Mike Dooley and an amateur.

Here is part of an article from Jan 13, 1891, a few months after the Jackson affair, trying to put things in perspective...

"The result of Peter Jackson's eight round contest with Joe Goddard has considerably lowered the former's status in America, judging from the remarks appertaining which have appeared in the newspapers there. It is point out that Ed Smith, of Denver, had the best of Jackson in an eight-round encounter just prior to the latter's departure for Australia, and it is argued that as Smith has been defeated by George Godfrey, whom Jackson easily vanquished two years ago, that Peter has therefore fallen away considerably. The San Francisco Chronicle of November 24 last, sums up in a long article on the matter as follows- "The fact of the matter is that Jackson is not the most rugged type of fighter by any means. He is a well-proportioned man, but is not apparently possessed of the trees (?) and stamina of Sullivan..."

So, basically, a denigration of Jackson rather than a celebration of Goddard.

According to the Newcastle Morning Herald on Nov. 12, 1890, Joe and Peter Jackson agreed to a return bout in Sydney for January 27 for a purse of 1100L. But the same day, The Herald out of Melbourne published an article saying that Goddard was insisting on Melbourne as the sight. To this it was reported "I saw Peter Jackson this morning. He certainly won't go to Melbourne and says if Goddard start any humbug he will return to Frisco by the next boat. He is willing enough to meet the Barrier man as arranged, but won't go so far as to beg of Goddard to come to the scratch."

For his own sake, Joe was supposedly out to fight anyone, the Sportsman out of Melbourne claiming him to be "On the Warpath for any heavyweight in Australia" for 200L a side in mid November, then a week later for 500L a side. He was dillydallying with Mick Dooley over the rights to fight the thoroughly unqualified Bill Curran. On Dec. 9, 1890, it was reported that Goddard, "the whirlwind heavyweight is coming to America from Australia to fight either Jackson, Kilrain or Corbett." On Jan 5, 1891, is was reported he wrote to the Illustrated News that he "will come to America and fight Peter Jackson to a finish before any athletic club."

Just a mess of a career, it appears. Not grasping the brass ring offered him.

Enter Choynski and our next chapter.

 

So we see that Goddard really wasn't immediately getting the respect deserved for holding arguably the best heavyweight in the world to a punishing draw. In fact, most references were to Peter having declined. But as the Choysnki fight approaches, the estimation of Goddard changes, perhaps as ballyhoo to sell tickets. After the above described scrambling for a rematch with Peter, we have the itinerant Choynski enter the picture in February 1891.

Both were in training for the fight 4 weeks beforehand, Goddard in Melbourne and Choynski in Biondi Beach, so the bout was taken with some seriousness by the combatants.

From the Evening News...

"On Tuesday evening next the Sydney Amateur Gymnastic Club's rooms, York -street, will be the scene of the most important boxing match contested in Australia, for a long time, namely, that between Joe Choynski, the young American, and the hitherto invincible Australian, Joe (Goddard, who has been styled ' the Barrier Champion.' Goddard, although not what is called a scientific fighter, is a big, well conditioned, hard and powerful fellow, who hits a good blow and indulges in rushing tactics, which so far have had the effect of completely over whelming his antagonists. His record is an unbeaten one, and includes the defeat of Owen Sullivan, Charley Dunn, Fogarty, Buck (the English amateur), Curran (of Melbourne), Dooley (twice), Ryan, and several others. Besides this, he at different times has offered to lay pretty fair amounts for all comers who could stay with him. Then again, his recent battle with the great colored fighter, Peter Jackson, stands out from among all his other performances, and places him in the trout rank of the world's great boxers. Joseph B. Choynski is a native of California, and although he cannot point to such a list as Goddard's, what be has done puts him in as
good a position as his present opponent. His hardest fight was with Jim Corbett, the man who is now matched to fight Peter Jackson. This battle eventuated in San Francisco, and was of a very furious nature, every eyewitness averring that no more determined and scientific struggle ever took place in that place before. Corbett won, but Choynski has made such wonderful progress since — both in science and physique — that people in a position to know, say that when they meet again, the tables will be turned. Joe is only 22 years of age, and is a splendid specimen of a young man. He is well and strongly built, and besides being a remarkably clever and quick fighter, he is a first-class
wrestler. He has an extremely long reach, and his favorite blow is a continuous left stab. and waits his opportunity with the right. His last fight was with Fogarty prior to his leaving America he made a splendid show in a wrestling bout with Evan Lewis, better known as ' The Strangler,' and the cleverest at the game in America. He always takes great care of himself, and has been training for several weeks at the Cliff Hotel, Bondi, where, under the skillful mentorship of Sam Fitzpatiick (Jackson's ' old trainer), he has managed to get into superb condition, and recognizes the fact that this will be the battle of his life. Goddard did most of his training in Melbourne, but during the last week or more he has been located at Sturte Hotel, Mortlake, under the charge of J. Marshall and his brother Herbert Goddard. He too is very fit.
The purse given by the club is the largest ever fought for in the colonies—£350— £300 of which will go to the winner, and the remainder to the loser. Already there has been a large amount of betting on the result, and many big sporting men from the other colonies are paying a visit to this city solely for the purpose of witnessing and betting on the contest. An advertisement elsewhere states that only a limited number of visitors tickets will be issued, and they are obtainable from any member of the committee or at the club's office, York-street. The hall will doubtless be crowded with spectators, and as to the result we are inclined to think Goddard will win, if Choynski does not manage to keep him off and wear him out with the left.
The fight is likely to be an exiting one."

 

The Maryborough Chronicles reports of the fight...

"The glove contest last night between Goddard, of the Barrier, and Joe Choynski, of San Francisco, drew a packed house at the Sydney Amateur Gymnastic Club. The prize was £150. Most of the prominent sporting men of Sydney were present, and several visitors from Queensland and Victoria. It was thought the battle would be a long one, as the American, who was very tricky, had brought a first-class reputation. Goddard's friends knowing that be had about 2 st. the best of the weight were very confident, and laid 2 to 1 and 7 to 4 In
hundreds. The Australian made the pace from the start, but several times failed to reach the American, who was very tricky on his feet. Half way through the first round Goddard got home on the face and body and wrestled and bore the American down by his great weight and strength. Then getting more even, the American began standing up and mixing it gamely. In the second round be dropped the giant with a splendid right on the jaw, but Goddard was up immediately, and pulling himself together fought more desperately than ever. The pace became very hot, and after six minutes both faces were fiery. Goddard's hurricane style, however, was Irresistible, and though the American punished him severely about the face he (Choynski) was forced down and was on the ropes repeatedly, till be was too tired to withstand the bullocking. After four rounds of desperate work the American, who showed great gameness. was so done up that his seconds gave it up. Goddard has improved a good deal, and neither Jackson nor Slavin would have an easy task to defeat him. In fact is considered likely that Goddard will be the world's champion before many months."

A more comprehensive report is presented by the Evening News...

CHOYNSKI v. GODDARD.
GODDARD WINS IN FOUR ROUNDS.
The great international glove fight between Joe Goddard, of New South Wales, and Joe Choynski, of America, came off last eight at the Sydney Amateur Gymnastic Club, York-street, and resulted in a win for Goddard. The match was made nearly two months ago, and since then a considerable amount of interest was taken by pugilistic enthusiasts. It was the ail-absorbing topic among sporting men, and a lot of money had been speculated on the result, Goddard being the favorite from, the commencement. Every spare corner in the hall was occupied last night, and fully 1000 persons were present. the charge for admission being L1. Among the many prominent personages present were Hon. D. O'Connor and Captain Fisher, IJ.S.H., both of whom took a deep interest in the proceedings. The ring had been enlarged to 24ft specially for the occasion. It also may be mentioned that Mr. W. F. Corbatt, the club's popular secretary, succeeded in getting a special wire (with instrument and operator) connected with the head office, and placed in an adjoining room to the club. This
was an especial convenience to the public vho desired to send away wires of the result, and also for members of the press sending long messages to the country and other colonies. The combat was for a purse of 350 sovereigns, given by the club, the loser to receive £50 of the prize.
...
At a quarter to 9 o'clock Goddard stepped into the ring, followed by his brother Herbert, Larry Foley and Joe Marshall. He looked in splendid condition, and a fine, well-built, muscular fellow he is. Loud cheering was the signal of Choynski's arrival, and as he crossed to his corner, attended by Bateman, fuller, and Sam Fitzpatrick, the vociferations of the audience were most deafening- an instance of his popularity. Goddard's weight was announced as 14st, which seemed to take everybody by surprise, but it was subsequently ascertained that this was only a dodge to try and frighten his antagonist. His proper weight was a stone less; while Choynski turned the scale at 12st.
After a few words of caution from the referee, Mr. Sid Broomfield, who advised the spectators to control their excitement under a penalty of immediate expulsion, the combatants were sent together for
Round 1. — Goddard looked a much superior man to Choynski, who appeared to have trained rather low. They were about the same height. The ' Barrier champion, as he has 'been styled appeared eager and had no sooner stepped up when he made a peculiar rush, with both arms outstretched, at the Yankee, who ducked and sipped cleverly away. Goddard followed him, when Choynski feinted with his left and again ducked away. Goddard was close upon him, and the Yankee seemed quite puzzled at the rushing tactics of his opponent, and kept turning round and dodging. In getting away he fell. He was back on his feet again, however, and in rushing- away again slipped and fell. They stood together once more, both very anxious ; and it was evident that Goddard was going to make the pace fast and furious. Goddard quickly sent in his left, and got home heavily on to Choynski's throat. The latter retaliated with a heavy right and left. A lively rally followed, which eventuated in the Yankee being sent through the ropes. He soon regained his feet, and the battle proceeded. Choynski now succeeded in getting & heavy right home on to Goddard's jaw, which dazed him a bit. Goddard followed in with a quick left, and some how the Yankee fell and got up again, when Goddard sent in a nasty uppercut, and Joe was down again. There was another rally and Choynski fell again. when the gong rang. Both were tired, and blood began to flow freely from Goddard's face. There was great cheering.

Round 2. — Goddard rushed again, and got a left stab home. There was a rally and a clinch near the ropes, and both men nearly fell over the line. A good tight counter, and Goddard punched twice with his right. Choynski kept dodging, and then stabbed several times with his left, and a heavy one fair on Goddard' a mouth made him groggy. It looked like a knockout, but it was unquestionable that both of them were getting very weak. Choynski punched Goddard in the jaw with his right, and then there was a rally and a clinch in one of the corners, both punching each other with all their might. They were both stabbing with the left, but the blows lacked power, and it was with extreme difficulty that either man could keep his footing. Both retired to their comers completely exhausted, and there was great shouting and cheering from the crowd. Goddard was bleeding from the face, and Choynski's lips began to swell.

Round 3. — Goddard rained two blows at his opponent, who quickly ducked away, returned, and sent in two nasty stabs with his left, and then a heavy punch with his right. They then both fought hard at infighting and Goddard was sent down. It now seemed as if the Yankee was going to be the victor. They then went at it hammer and tongs, and both fell through the ropes. Goddard was bleeding freely. They clinched over the ropes again, and hardly had sufficient power to ''break away.' Goddard then staggered Choynski with a nasty punch on the nose, and the latter returned a heavy right, and fell. They tottered together again, and when the bell announced corners they could scarcely could stagger to their seats, and had to be assisted. Excitement now ran high.
Bound 4, and last. — Goddard again rushed, and they both clinched in a corner. They began infighting, and Choynski stabbed heavily with his left. Goddard replied with a nasty left uppercut,' which floored the game Yankee. He was soon up again, and the Barrier man followed with a similar blow, but they were almost powerless now, and he could hardly stand. They managed to work on to the ropes, where they fell, not possessing enough strength to hit each other. They bumped and knocked one another about, when Choynski delivered his last
blow by uppercutting with his left, and again fell down through sheer weakness. The bell rang, and both parties had to be almost carried to their seats. Goddard was bleeding from the mouth. Choynski evidently had had enough, and Sam Fitzpatrick threw up the towel in token of defeat, and Goddard was declared the winner amidst loud and prolonged cheering.

The fight was a very fast one, and Choynski was fairly done, although if he could have stayed another round he would have beaten Goddard, because he punished him severely, and had him almost dead to to the world. Goddard's weight and power, however, were too much for his opponent from the start, and his rushing tactics completely overwhelmed him. It is true that Choynski was very quick and tricky, but he was soon tired down. Choynski's lips and left cheek were slightly swollen, while Goddard's right cheek and left eyebrow were so deeply cut that the doctor had to stitch, the wounds up. He had a mouse on the left eye ; in fact, he admitted that he was never so badly punished in so short a period before. The fight lasted only 16 minuntes."