Young Griffo vs. Solly Smith
Young Griffo drew with Solly Smith by PTS in round 6 of 6
- Date: 1894-01-03
- Location: Tivoli Theater, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Venue: Tivoli Theater
- Referee: Harry Gilmore
Chicago Tribune, January 4, 1894:
“Young Griffo, concededly the champion featherweight pugilist of Australia, last night met Solly Smith in a six-round ‘go’ at the Tivoli Theater and came off with flying colors, although a draw was declared in keeping with the statement of the manager of the affair, who announced: ‘If both men are ‘there’ at the end of six rounds it will be called a draw.’
“The men faced each other at 11:30 p.m. Harry Gilmore acted as referee. The boxers were cheered by an immense crowd that packed the small variety theater to the doors. Griffo appeared easily by ten pounds the larger man. Indeed, with his 40-inch chest and sturdy neck, he seemed nearly as big as either Jack McAuliffe or Billy Myer when in fighting fix. Neither man had trained for the fight.
“The rounds were of two minutes’ duration. Losing no time the men got to work. Griffo at once sent in his left bang on the nose, and escaping the counter repeated the dose. Forcing matters he kept right on top of his man. Smith swung his right but failed to land, and Griffo, stopping left hand swings, came out of the round untouched.
“The crowd was apparently with Griffo in this matter, reversing the usual order of encouraging the smaller and weaker man. In the second round Smith did better, but the affair becoming tame Griffo set to work again at the call of ‘go on’ from his admirers, and the third and fourth rounds were lively. Solly could not land his right, and his opponent hit him whenever he pleased with his left hand. The gloves were not larger than four and a half ounces, but Griffo’s hitting power did not seem to denote much steam, and, therefore, his numerous blows did little perceptible damage. Once, in escaping a right-hander, Griffo turned and got home with the left twice without a return.”
“The finishing round was a hot one. An Australian present said: ‘Griffo has lost 25 per cent of his speed.’ But nevertheless in the wind-up he hit his man repeatedly. Smith stopped too great familiarity by landing his right—too high on the head, however, to do more than stop his man for the instant.
“Most persons supposed the affair would be a ‘barney,’ but quite unexpectedly the little man put up an enjoyable scrap, and evidently meant business from start to finish. The general opinion now is that Griffo is all that he claims to be, and that his chances to whip Dixon or any man of his class are of the best.”