George Dixon vs. Johnny Murphy
George Dixon 114 lbs beat Johnny Murphy 114 lbs by KO in round 40
- Date: 1890-10-23
- Location: Gladstone Club, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Johnny Murphy, whose friends and backers (some actually proved to be thugs) accompanied him and were willing to do anything to secure a victory for Murphy, was not the only obstacle Dixon and manager O'Rourke were facing. Dixon, obviously the best man in the ring that night (possibly the greatest bantamweight who stepped in the ring), was beggining to take advantage of the weakening and outclassed Murphy when Patsy Karrigan, who was one of the "thugs" who were trying to prevent a loss for their man Murphy, pulled out a loaded cane and tryed to strike O'Rourke with it. Jack McAuliffe, the lightweight champion who was sitting close to the action, jumped on the threatening Kerrigan and relieved him of the cane. A small riot broke out with McAuliife taking on Kerrigan and his chums. However, Dixon and Murphy fought on, as if they were unaffected and Dixon went on to knock out his challenger in the 40th round. McAuliffe saved Dixon and O'Rourke from Kerrigan by showing his plucky side against a dangerous mob. He came out whole and was awarded 1000 dollars by O'Rourke for the help. McAuliffe, being the gentleman he was, said he didn't need the money and let the thankful O'Rourke keep it.
Source: "Jack McAuliffe: The Napoleon of the Prize Ring" By Nat Fleischer
Story told by Jack McAuliffe to Fleischer. McAuliffe later became a storyteller after retirement.