How was this missed?
Where's Kenny?
https://nediscapp.herokuapp.com/discussion.cgi?disc=39627&article=22087
The paper said that Julian offered five names--Hiram Cook, Billy Jordan, Bob McArthur, W. W. Naughton, and Al Hereford, all of which Lynch rejected. Lynch then offered the names of Danny Miller, Jim Quinn, and John Quinn. Julian rejected them. "Here ended the wrangling, and the National Club, was invited to choose the much-sought-after individual." Julian expressed considerable anger with Lynch. He said, "It looks to me as if he [Lynch] wanted the club to choose the referee. I will state right here than unless he is a man who knows his business Fitz will not go into the ring. He is fighting with a second man in the ring who knows nothing about the rules. All we ask for is a fair man with a fair knowledge of the rules."
The BULLETIN added, "After a long discussion Wyatt Earp was chosen to act as referee." This news reached the streets just hours before the fight as the BULLETIN was delivered.
On December 5, 1896, in the issue in which the BULLETIN reported the "sensation" created by reports that Danny Needham had wired "an eastern sport" on December 2, "Place your money on Sharkey. Will explain further," it added, "Sharkey's trainer denies ever sending such a message and Manager Storor of the Postal Telegraph Company confirms Danny."