Joann Merritt's Essays

Fight Of The Century
November, 1987

You should not have retired, Howard Cosell, now this fight is mine to announce.

My nephew Jimmy Zachry and Donandi (that’s Don and I since he retired) were the only spectators present. We happened upon this fight at 3 P.M., November 12, 1987. There was a big coyote in the middle of a flock of Turkey hens and he came away the loser. (Maybe he hasn’t seen his 150 species this year and therefore is not eligible for a Turkey Dinner). I thought it would end up like a fox among chickens with the predator killing and injuring his prey at will, but I was wrong. The Turkeys’ defense tactics were to stay together and fight. They used wings, feet, and beaks, which proved to be the winning combination.

The fight was held in Midkiff Bog Coliseum right on the main stream of Monahans Draw. The floor of the ring was padded with a green carpet of grasses and weeds. In one corner Mr. Coyote was wearing a rather plain grayish-brown fur that fit like a skin. In the other corner the Tommie Turkeys were wearing splendid iridescent outfits made of feathers. We missed the opening bell of round one and when we arrived the dust was thick and the fighting was furious. Fans, this fight is unbelievable! The coyote is taking a flogging. There’s a total of 23 short heavy beaks, 46 wings, 46 feet and 92 claws ready to be used against him. The hens also deliver severe blows to his ego. He realizes he is beaten and retreats before he is down for the count. He’s brave, though, he doesn’t whine or howl, just saunters off like he’s not hurt at all. He may writhe in physical and mental agony when he is hidden in the salt cedars, but he doesn’t let his public see it. The Turkeys start scratching in the weeds and grasses, eating insects, seemingly unperturbed by all the activity.

With a little advance publicity this fight could have been a sell-out.