Waterfront Fists

Introduction

“Waterfront Fists”. It was accepted in May and published in Fight Stories in September 1930. Howard got $90 for this story. Featuring Steve Costigan. It was published again in Fight Stories volume 6 number 4, Summer 1940 but then under the name, Mark Adam, and the title “Stand up and Slug!”

The story combines elements of humor, action, and a touch of romance gone awry, showcasing Steve Costigan’s enduring optimism and unshakeable spirit in the face of deceit and treachery.

From the letters

In a letter (#129) to Tevis Clyde Smith Howard mentions the story:

I got back from Mineral Wells yesterday and was somewhat gratified to find a letter waiting me from Farnsworth accepting “The Gods of Bal-Sagoth” — a Turlogh O’Brien tale — for Strange Stories — $140.00. Also a letter from Byrne of Fight Stories, taking “Waterfront Fists” — a Steve Costigan story — $90.00. They seem to take a lively interest in Stephen.

Summary

In “Waterfront Fists,” Steve Costigan finds himself in Honolulu, where Bill O’Brien, a fellow crew member of the Sea Girl, announces that Steve has been matched to fight a formidable opponent from the ship Ruffian that very night. The opponent is rumored to have grown up in the Australian backcountry and is unbeaten aboard his ship. Steve, confident and eager, bets his money on the fight and heads to the Hibernian Bar for some pre-fight drinks, only to end up knocking out a challenging shipmate, Sven Larsen, who had been misled into thinking a victory over Steve would win him a woman’s affection.

Steve then encounters Gloria Flynn, who deceives him into believing she needs Steve to forfeit his fight so her brother can take his place and they can return home to New Jersey. After an attempt to incapacitate Steve fails due to his resilience, Gloria’s true motives are revealed: she was hired by Salana and his gang to ensure Tony Andrada from their gym could fight in Steve’s place. However, Steve, overhearing their plan and mistreatment of Gloria, unleashes his fury on the conspirators, saving Gloria and then heading to his fight.

Despite the disorienting experience and physical discomfort from earlier altercations, Steve manages to reach the American Arena in time to face Red Roach, a left-handed fighter with a unique and challenging style. The fight is tough, with Steve struggling against Roach’s unorthodox fighting stance. However, relying on his resilience and fighting spirit, Steve eventually triumphs, knocking out Roach in a dramatic and hard-fought battle.

Following his victory, Steve encounters Gloria once more. She attempts to make amends by claiming a change of heart, influenced by Steve’s integrity. Yet, after a deceptive kiss meant to signify her newfound path, she steals Steve’s winnings and flees, leaving Steve to reflect on the deceitful nature of his latest romantic encounter and the loss of his prize money.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan: Main protagonist, a sailor and boxer aboard the Sea Girl, known for his strength and somewhat naive nature.
  • Bill O’Brien: Fellow crew member and friend of Steve, often involved in arranging fights for him.
  • Sven Larsen: A shipmate of Steve’s, who under the false impression of winning a woman’s favor, challenges Steve and gets knocked out.
  • Gloria Flynn: A deceptive woman who manipulates Steve in an attempt to have her brother replace him in the boxing match.
  • Red Roach: Steve’s opponent in the boxing match, a formidable left-handed fighter with a unique style.
  • Mike: Steve’s loyal bulldog, accompanying him throughout his adventures.
  • Tony Andrada, Salana, Abe Gold, Joe Cromwell: Part of the group intending to manipulate the fight’s outcome for their benefit.
  • Gloria’s brother (“Billy Flynn”): Mentioned as part of Gloria’s deceit; supposedly the reason behind her actions.
  • The referee: Oversees the boxing match between Steve and Red Roach, finding himself inadvertently in the crossfire of their punches.

Alternate title:

STAND UP AND SLUG!

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