"Ketchel and Langford will have to fight again to settle the question of supremacy. They went a hard six-round bout at the National athletic club here and were both on their feet, able to continue, with plenty of strength and aggressiveness when the battle ended, with no decision by the referee. No knockdowns were scored in spite of the terrific hitting power of both men, This content is protected , they will probably come together in a longer fight in California next July for a large purse."(Marion Daily Star) I think its QUITE clear it was a real knockdown.When johnson went down he first went on one hand...then fell right on to his butt because his legs were so rubbery. johnson was out of it hurt badly for 1-3 seconds. He got up pissed and finished off ketchel, but stanley badly hurt and floored him on the top of the ear with one devastating right hand.
The article says what it says, and you're correct in summarizing it. I don't think McVey is saying it didn't happen, I think he's saying it doesn't matter because it was sparring. :think