THE EVENING NEWS DETROIT, MICHIGAN DECEMBER 3, 1896 WYATT EARP as Boxing Referee Tom Sharkey vs Bob Fitzsimmons

HE'S LAID UP Doctors Say Sharkey's Condition Is Serious Owing To The Blow In The Groin Which 'Fitz' Gave Him With His Elbow Sharkey Given A Certified Check

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 3. - A certi- fied check for the amount of the purse was given to Sharkey by Ref. Wyatt Earp after the fight last night. Some of Fitzsimmons' backers talk of en- joining the bank from paying the check, but it not believed such action, if taken, would cause the bank to withhold payment to Sharkey, It is claimed as the check was certified the bank has no option but to pay its holder. It is also claimed that the decision of the referee is final and not susceptible of appeal to the courts. Physicians and newspaper men who participated in or witnessed the ex- amination of Sharkey after he was carried from the ring, say he was vis- ibly wounded below the belt. Doc- tors say his condition is serious, but not dangerous, and have ordered him to remain in bed at least two or three days, stating that exercise or any movement might aggravate his in- juries. Sharkey was seen in bed at his hotel this morning. He was rest- ing easily though suffering some pain and inconvenience. Witnesses of the fight declare this morning that a foul blow was un- doubtedly delivered, but many believe it was accidental.

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