Fight:166954

Joe Walcott 142 lbs beat Rube Ferns 142 lbs by TKO at 2:50 in round 5 of 20

• Date: 1901-12-18
• Location: International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
• Referee: Eddie McBride

Welterweight Championship of the World

• Wire report: [1]

"Walcott battered down Ferns with terrific body blows, and right and left swings to the head. To save Ferns from being completely knocked out, Referee McBride stopped the bout." - Toronto Star. Ferns down twice in the 5th round. "Well, he won, and I have nothing to say against it. I don't know anybody at the weight - no, nor a good deal above it - that can beat him." - Rube Ferns

"It is understood that a test case will be made, based on to-night's bouts, from which a decision as to the legality of these contests in Ontario will be had. A number of people in Fort Erie are opposed to them, but many others are quite satisfied to have them continue, and it is said that boxing or no boxing will be a principal issue at the coming elections." - Globe & Mail

The case against the International Athletic Club was dismissed on February 3, 1902. The club had been charged with "promoting a prize-fight." Police Magistrate Alexander Logan ruled that the bout was "a mere exhibition of skill in boxing or sparring, where the contestants agree to box a limited number of rounds in a friendly spirit with gloves."