Fight:1101244

George 'Elbows' McFadden lost to Jim Popp by PTS in round 20 of 20

• Date: 1897-10-30
• Location: Toronto A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Venue: Toronto A.C.
• Referee: Yank Sullivan


Toronto Globe and Mail, November 1, 1897:

“Popp was undeniably superior as a boxer and dodger, and from the beginning to the end he ran McFadden all over the ring, landing at will, principally on the nose and jaw. The blows lacked steam, though, and half a dozen times, when McFadden appeared to be groggy and on the verge of collapse, Popp failed to follow up his advantage until too late. McFadden recovered wonderfully, though. He was on the defensive throughout, and his attitude and style would make one doubt very much the many victories that are credited to him. He stood up to the attack in the ordinary way, and used his hands nicely when looking for an opening, but the moment Popp led or feinted he would throw both arms across his neck and face in schoolboy fashion, and then if Popp landed he would swing the crossed arms out backwards, following up with wild forward swings, seemingly hoping to land a knock-out blow by chance. Several times this manner of fighting confused Popp, and he swung around recklessly, making the contest sloppy rather than scientific.

“Popp had a decided lead all the way, and seemed content to win on superior work to the end of the specified number of rounds, rather than end it before the 20th was called. McFadden’s defence was all for his head, leaving the body an easy mark throughout, but Popp did not try for the body at all, though the spectators were all the time expecting him to change his tactics and follow Mrs. Fitzsimmons’ advice to her husband in the Carson City battle.”

“Both men were up and strong when time was called, and they shook hands. Popp hadn’t a mark, while the New Yorker’s face was bruised and his nose enlarged to twice its natural size.

“’Popp wins,’ said the referee, and great cheers went up for the victor.”