Over the Alps in Italy lay the heavyweight boxing championship of Europe, secure in the possession of fierce Erminio Spalla. Undaunted, huge Piet Vanderveer of Holland journeyed to Milan, undressed, put on his fighting gloves, attacked the champion. An enormous crowd of Italians, no less demonstrative than most of their countrymen, loosed vociferous cheers as first one big man and then the other launched staggering blows. Piet rushed the fight. Erminio beat him back. On came Piet again, pummeling, fighting close. Erminio thumped him solidly. By the 20th round honors stood even. Then Erminio fell upon brave Piet in a final burst of violence, won the decision, retained his title. The crowd made known its pleasure.
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