McTigue-Siki

Battling Siki, dark blot on the Carpentier 'scutcheon, lost the light heavyweight championship of the world in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day to Mike McTigue, third-rate American fighter. In the 17th round of the scheduled 20, the Senegalese faltered about the ring, groggy before McTigue's punches, finally falling into a clinch to hug himself safe from a knockout. The American received the decision on points.

The normal interest of the Irish populace in fighting was augmented by the " decree" of the outlaw Republicans forbidding the bout. Free State bayonets spiked the decree and a bomb explosion a stone's throw from the ring was the only interruption. Two children were wounded.

Neither Siki nor McTigue showed sufficient skill or savagery to warrant the championship. The early rounds of the fight bored the crowd although their favorite, McTigue, was steadily outpointing the black champion. Siki showed commendable courage but a technical ignorance of his profession. The 17th round roused the Celtic spectators to savage pleas for Siki's blood, and lack of a knockout interfered seriously with their holiday.

Sitting at the ringside was Georges Carpentier. It will be recalled that, after his defeat by Siki, charges were made that the Negro had agreed to "lie down," but forgot his instructions so completely as to knock Carpentier out in the third round. It is not beyond the bounds of probability that Carpentier will now be matched with the inexpert McTigue in Paris. A graceful opportunity is thus afforded him to regain his championship without undergoing the ordeal of trading punches with the disagreeable Senegalese.

In any event Siki's name is henceforth listed in the " Who's Through " of pugilism.