The Apparition in the Prize Ring

Introduction

There exist two typescripts for this story. The first corresponds to the final version submitted to FIGHT STORIES and ARGOSY. It is written in the third person and the ghostly elements are less marked. Ghost Stories bought this story for $95 and published it under the title ‘The Apparition in the Prize Ring’ and the name John Taverel.

The second typescript is written in the first person and the supernatural element is more pronounced. 

This alternate version of “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux” by John Taverel narrates the tale of Ace Jessel, a formidable African American boxer, through the perspective of his manager, John Taverel. Unlike the previous version told in the first person, this narrative provides a third-person account, offering a broader view of the events and highlighting the supernatural elements from an observer’s perspective.

Alternate title:

THE SPIRIT OF TOM MOLYNEAUX.

From a letter to Tevis Clyde Smith:

From a letter written to his friend, Tevis Clyde Smith cirka November 1928 we learn that Howard told him that he sold the story to Ghost Story Magazine:

Heh heh!

At last I’ve sold a story to Ghost Story Magazine; they said I ought to get the check soon. I hope so. I need mazuma as usual. How are you coming with your literary work?

At the end of the letter, Howard said:

Heh heh!
I got $95.00 for the manuscript I sold to Ghost Story Megazine.
You might answer soon.

The story

The story recounts Ace Jessel’s journey in the boxing world, his admiration for the historical figure Tom Molyneaux, and his climactic fight against Mankiller Gomez. Ace, described as a giant with exceptional boxing skills but lacking the killer instinct, respects and idolizes Tom Molyneaux, a legendary black boxer. This admiration is embodied in a portrait of Molyneaux, which Ace treasures and views as a source of inspiration.

As the story unfolds, Ace is pitted against Mankiller Gomez, a formidable and savage fighter who has defeated all other challengers. Despite his trepidation and the public’s fear of Gomez, Ace refuses to give up. Before the match, he seeks solace and strength in the portrait of Molyneaux, hoping for guidance from his idol.

During the fight, Ace faces brutal punishment from Gomez and appears to be on the verge of defeat. However, inspired by the portrait of Molyneaux, which his manager John Taverel displays at a critical moment, Ace experiences a miraculous resurgence of strength. To the astonishment of everyone, including the referee who senses a mysterious presence in the ring, Ace defeats Gomez against all odds.

The narrative concludes with reflections on the possibility of supernatural intervention. The referee’s admission of seeing a “fourth man” in the ring, resembling the figure of Tom Molyneaux, leaves the reader pondering whether Ace’s comeback was due to a hallucination driven by his deep respect for Molyneaux or if the spirit of Molyneaux genuinely aided him.

Characters

  • John Taverel: The narrator and Ace Jessel’s manager. He provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to and during the fight.
  • Ace Jessel: A talented but humble boxer who idolizes Tom Molyneaux. His deep respect for Molyneaux and the strength he draws from this admiration are central to the story.
  • Mankiller Gomez: Ace’s formidable opponent, known for his savage fighting style and feared by many. His defeat by Ace serves as the climax of the story.
  • Tom Molyneaux (portrayed in the portrait): A legendary boxer and Ace’s idol. Although not physically present, his spirit and the inspiration he provides to Ace are pivotal to the story’s supernatural element.
  • The Referee: He oversees the fight between Ace and Gomez. His experience of sensing a mysterious presence in the ring lends credibility to the supernatural aspect of Ace’s victory.

A detailed comparison between the stories

Narrative Style

  • “The Apparition in the Prize Ring”: This version of the story unfolds in a direct, narrative manner that focuses on the sequence of events leading up to and during the climactic fight between Ace Jessel and Mankiller Gomez. The narrative is infused with a sense of immediacy and urgency, which keeps the reader engaged with the unfolding drama.
  • “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux”: The narrative style here is more reflective, with a significant portion of the story dedicated to exploring the background and the emotional states of the characters, particularly Ace’s reverence for Tom Molyneaux and his internal struggles. The pacing allows for a deeper dive into the characters’ motivations and the significance of the supernatural intervention.

Character Development

  • “The Apparition in the Prize Ring”: Character development is more plot-driven, with a focus on Ace Jessel’s physical abilities and the challenges he faces in the ring. The relationship between Ace and Tom Molyneaux is established primarily through the narrative context of the fight.
  • “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux”: There’s a greater emphasis on character depth, especially regarding Ace’s internal conflicts and his deep connection to Tom Molyneaux. The story delves into Ace’s background and his journey from being inspired by Molyneaux’s legacy to becoming the recipient of his spiritual aid.

Thematic Focus

  • Both versions: Share common themes of perseverance, the impact of historical figures on present individuals, and the intersection of the physical and the supernatural in achieving one’s destiny. However, each story explores these themes through slightly different lenses.

Supernatural Elements

  • “The Apparition in the Prize Ring”: The supernatural aspect is presented more as an unexpected intervention that directly influences the outcome of the fight. The manifestation of Tom Molyneaux’s spirit is a critical turning point that is described in a straightforward manner.
  • “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux”: The supernatural intervention is deeply intertwined with Ace’s personal growth and his emotional journey. The presence of Tom Molyneaux’s spirit serves not only as a means to an end but also as a symbolic representation of the enduring influence of legacy and belief.

Conclusion

While both versions of the story share a common narrative core, their approaches to storytelling, character exploration, and thematic exposition differ. “The Apparition in the Prize Ring” focuses on the external drama of the boxing match and the miraculous victory, while “The Spirit of Tom Molyneaux” offers a more nuanced exploration of the characters’ internal landscapes and the profound impact of ancestral legacy on individual destiny. The choice between them depends on the reader’s preference for action-driven narratives or character-driven explorations with a touch of the supernatural.

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