Jim Coffroth
Jim Coffroth (James Wood Coffroth, 1872-1943) is generally recognized as boxing's first bigtime promoter. Coffroth, who worked as a clerk at Surrogate Court in San Francisco, was a big boxing fan, and would often travel back east to catch major bouts. During his visits he became acquainted with New York promoter Jim Kennedy, and the two began promoting shows in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The first notable bout that Kennedy and Coffroth put on was the 1901 heavyweight title bout between James J. Jeffries and Gus Ruhlin. Kennedy would pass away in 1903, and Coffroth would continue on promoting until 1914. (Coffroth also bid on the 1910 Jack Johnson vs. James J. Jeffries bout, putting up a $100,000 bid, which was beaten by Tex Rickard, who put up $120,000 in gold.)
In the November 1914 election, California voters passed a bill that banned boxing in California, but allowed for "amateur" bouts over a four round limit, with the boxers being awarded medals. The advent of the "Four-Round Era" marked the end of Coffroth's career as a boxing promoter, as California's importance in boxing was greatly diminished by its new inability to lure top boxers to the state on a regular basis.
There was also a Colma area boxing venue that became known as "Coffroth's Arena."
Coffroth headed the boxing division of the United War Work Council in New York during the end of World War I. He used the wealth he acquired from promoting to buy a string of horse racing tracks, which he continued to run with success until he passed away.
Notable Promotions
- James J. Jeffries vs. Jim Corbett
- Bob Fitzsimmons vs. George Gardner
- Battling Nelson vs. Joe Gans
- Jack Johnson vs. Stanley Ketchel
- See also, this incomplete record: [1]
External Link
- Biography by Joel Levanetz: [2]
