Newsletter Vol 2 No5

[robert.snell1]

The Boxing Biographies Newsletter

Volume 2- No 5 11th February , 2008

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When Corbett Thrashed Sullivan

“I will never challenge Sullivan” this remark was made by James J. Corbett to a party of friends in Chicago just before Christmas, 1891. Corbett had come East with the idea of making a theatrical engagement and at the time had not fully determined to enter pugilism as a career;. He had been talking of his encounter in the previous May with Peter Jackson-a battle that, in spite of the No ''contest" decision, had Stamped Corbett as a fighter far above the ordinary caliber

Since then some have been heard to say that Corbett won his reputation from none but old and decrepit men. yet it should be remembered that it was after his fight with Corbett that Peter Jackson went to England and from Frank Slavin won the most sensational fight of his entire career.

When he entered the ring with Corbett. Jackson, the greatest of all negro pugilists, had a bad ankle, But Corbett also suffered-under a severe handicap He had been ill and was ill when he entered the ring. More than once during the fight he received medical treatment. Yet had he not been restrained it is certain he would have knocked out Jackson.

"Billy" Delaney, the foxiest ring general that ever developed a pugilist, knew that a draw with Jackson was sufficient glory for Corbett. In whose corner he was and he refused to permit his principal, even when Jackson was so leg weary that he could hardly stand, to take chances in an exchange of heavy blows.

Corbett always liked John L. Sullivan and to this day speaks of him as one of the World's greatest pugilists a harder hitter, in Corbett’s opinion, than either Fitzsimmons or Jeffries. Continuing his conversation with his friends in Chicago the young pugilist .said

"Yes, I think I can beat Sullivan, but if he waits
for me to challenge him he can retain the champion
ship for life Should he lose the title I will be an immediate
Challenger. The only way to bring Sullivan
and me together is to persuade him to make the first
move, If he does that he will find me ready and waiting for him”

This conversation, considerably emphasized and much distorted was repeated to Sullivan, and finally brought forth the sweeping challenge to the world that Is here quoted. An attempt had been made to sidetrack Sullivan and to regard him as a retired champion. this injured his theatrical business and his pride. It should be said for Sullivan that he far Underestimated Corbett's powers. He regarded him as a clever boy without ability to put force behind his blows.

"Corbett can't punch a hole through a pound' of butter” was one of Sullivan’s favorite remarks.

James Corbett had flashed across the pugilistic horizon like a meteor. Though in California he was regarded as the greatest of all amateurs little was known of him in the East until he met Jake Kilrain in six rounds in New Orleans. Kilrain had been whipped by the mighty Sullivan after a tremendous battle. The idea of an unknown beating him was considered absurd. Yet Corbett stepped into the ring and from the first sound of the bell made Kilrain look like a novice. He went through six rounds without a mark on him, while Kilrain crawled through the ropes cut and bleeding as the result of a score of bruising blows.

Corbett was ever a student of pugilism. From his earliest encounters as a schoolboy he made every fight answer the purpose of a lesson. He was always ready to put on the gloves with amateur or professional. When he found a man with a blow that was new to him Corbett made a study of the blow, improved upon it and appropriated it to his own use, So it happened that when Sullivan visited San Francisco Corbett eagerly accepted the suggestion that he and the champion should appear in a mimic bout at the Grand Opera House.

The two men appeared before a tremendous crowd. Instead of wearing ring costumes the two pugilists were in evening dress. Not a hard blow was struck and not an attempt was made by either to break the agreement. Yet it was a tryout of the champion and for the benefit of Corbett.

There are those who have said that Corbett was filed with fear when he went to New Orleans for the meeting with Sullivan. Such a statement is utterly erroneous. The youngster was filled with confidence. He had his battle planned in his mind and it is a fact that he won the fight just as he had planned, forcing Sullivan to the final count one round earlier than he expected.

Trained On The Cars

In the baggage car attached to the train which Corbett took to New Orleans a gymnasium had been fitted up. There Corbett continued his training as he sped through the country, and just as the train entered New Orleans he authorized a friend who was with him to wager $3,000 on his chances at the prevailing odds .

Corbett’s confidence, however was as nothing with that of the champion. Sullivan did not believe the man lived who could stand before his tremendous rushes. He had prepared for the battle at Canoe Place Inn, Long Island , established under Royal grant in the second decade of the18th century and now frequented by automobile parties touring through Long Island. He took of many Pounds of surplus weight, yet went to New Orleans carrying a girth that made his friends shake their heads and long for the Sullivan of five years earlier.

Corbett did his training at Asbury Park with Delaney at the head of affairs. He gave himself most careful preparation spending all his wakeful hours in the open air. Odds of 4 to 1 against Corbett were freely offered when the two men pushed their way through the great throng of the Olympic Club. Even at those almost prohibitive figures Sullivan money was urgent and plentiful, while the backers of Corbett were shy. Of all the thousands of men who packed the club house that evening Corbett unquestionably was the one alone absolutely confident of his own victory.

John L Sullivan was the originator of the fighting face. In his hundreds of ring contests he had frightened his opponents by the ferocity of his appearance. More than one fight had been won by him before a blow had been struck. Yet Sullivan was puzzled by the demeanor of Corbett while the preliminaries of the battle were being arranged in the ring. In Sullivans corner were Jack McAuliffe, premier lightweight of all time, Joe Lannon, Phil Casey and Charlie Johnson. Behind Corbett were Billy Delaney, Mike Donavon, Jim Daly and Joohn Donaldson.

Corbett stopped and joked with his seconds after crawling through the ropes and then stepped jauntily over to Sullivan paying not the slightest heed to the heavy scowl that darkened the champions visage. He gripped his opponents huge fist, gave it a hearty squeeze and told Sullivan he was glad to see him. Then he went prancing away jumping from one foot to another like a schoolgirl – he was testing the floor of the ring to find any possible weakness that might be developed. His coolness was a revelation even to his most intimate friends. The experience was new to John L. and it may have had the effect Corbett desired upon the title holder.

When the two men came together to receive instructions from John Duffy, the official referee, Corbett stood nonchalantly shoulder to shoulder with Sullivan. He looked an ideal Greek athlete compared with the heavy muscled Roman gladiator. Sullivan began to explain his understanding of the rules and his deep voice rumbled from his lips, Corbett stepped away to shake hands with a friend at the ringside. Sullivan stopped in disgust showing he had been making another effort to discourage his opponent.

There was a hush through the building as the gong clanged, a little after nine o'clock, and brought the two men together Sullivan rushed, and as he approached Corbett he swung his left, which Corbett ducked under and hopped away just in time to escape a vigorous right intended for the jaw. Sullivan was almost carried almost off his balance, but he steadied himself by catching the rope with his left hand. Again he plunged toward Corbett, swinging right and left, while the crowd was inclined to jeer Corbett for his evasive tactics, rush after rush was made by the champion, Again and again he swung his tremendous right, followed by his no less tremendous left.

It seemed that Sullivan expected the jeers of the crowd would compel Corbett to halt and exchange blows with him. But the round ended without a blow having landed. Corbett had been content to let his adversary extend himself and develop his fighting blows while he in turn made absolutely no effort to inflict punishment. As the round ended the jeers changed to prolonged applause, though it was difficult to tell whether the cheering was for Sullivan's earnestness or Corbett's skill in avoiding danger.

The second round found Sullivan again aggressive. He rushed two thirds across the ring and swung his left for Corbett's face. He misled his target by eighteen inches. The champion then worked Corbett into a corner and landed the first blow

Then came a clinch and the first great surprise of the battle. Sullivan's admirers had been waiting for this moment and expected to see the champion crush his less robust adversary in his great arms almost as he might crush an eggshell in his brawny fist. Instead, Corbett caught Sullivan by the forearms, pinning them in such a manner that he was unable to do the slightest bit of damage Sullivan in turn leaned against Corbett, straining to break the embrace, intending to force home a heavy body blow as they separated.

Then came the second surprise of the fight Corbett made a quick shift. His forearm went across Sullivan's throat and the champion's head was forced back until he was compelled to break the clinch and give ground. His throat was constricted and before he could catch his breath Corbett had swung him around against the ropes and was posing unharmed in the middle of tile ring .

Almost bellowing with rage, Sullivan charged back from the corner, and Corbett for the first time made an aggressive move. Sullivan swung out his mighty right fist. Corbett stepped deftly aside, shifted and brought his left with his full weight behind it flush on John L's mouth, The mighty Sullivan was shaken from head to toe, Enraged beyond power of endurance, he charged after Corbett, driving him around the ring, swinging first left and then right, delivering blows that, had any of them landed upon a vital spot, would have ended the battle then. Corbett, with a smile of derision, dodged here and there, lightly thrusting aside one blow, dodging inside of another, and finally, just before the bell sent them to their corners, drove his own left fairly into the pit of Sullivan’s stomach, the force of the blow being heard throughout the arena.

The challenger's friends were jubilant, Sullivan’s backers, a trifle nonplussed. Were still confident that the champion finally would succeed in landing one of his well meant blows The odds had shortened. Corbett's friends were taking 3 to 1 and were ready with more money than at any tine previous to the battle.

Sullivan Ponders

Sullivan came up for the third round wearing a look of sobered determination. He did not plunge after Corbett as he had in there previous rounds He walked steadily after his lithe opponent, attempting to feint him into a lead Sullivan led his right and it whistled by Corbett’s ear like a rifle ball. There was a short clinch and Sullivan attempted a left as they broke away. Corbett merely drew back his chin, permitting the blow to brush his cheek as it passed by.

Corbett's footwork at this moment was marvelous He was weaving in and out, with his fists swinging at his sides, making little attempt at parrying or countering. Sullivan found it absolutely impossible to land a blow upon him Corbett finally halted in his waltz, stepped suddenly forward and swung his left full to the champion's stomach, Sullivan made a wide sweep with his right arm in response and brought up against the ropes, only to see Corbett five feet away, smiling at him in derision. As Sullivan faced around Corbett edged closer to him, for a moment feinted wildly and then stepped closely in and swung right and left to Sullivan's face.

The champion was somewhat distressed and was angered thoroughly. He pawed Corbett with his left hand and then shot out a vicious right which for a fraction of a second seemed destined to find its proper target. Corbett ducked and the blow brushed his hair. Corbett danced away, the smile gone from his face as he realized how close he had been to annihilation.

Returning to his former tactics, Sullivan opened the fourth round with a wild rush. He hurled his great bulk at Corbett time and again and kept the challenger on the run to avoid his blows. Several times Corbett seemed to be in grave danger, but on each occasion succeeded in worming his way out of the corner into which he had been forced. Finally Sullivan caught him against the ropes, swung, missed and clinched holding Corbett with his left and fell with a heavy thud across Corbett's kidneys. Corbett's arms dropped to his side and he fell forward upon Sullivan's breast. This was only for a second, however, and he then backed away, taking his own time to recover from the effect of the blow, which he since has said was the heaviest he ever received in the ring . Had Sullivan been able to land such a blow in a more vulnerable spot the history of the modern prize ring would have been changed.

As his strength returned to him Corbett again took up his serpentine methods, advancing and retreating, feinting first with one hand and then with the other until Sullivan was completely bewildered. Corbett then dropped his hands arid looked at his beefy opponent in a most tantalizing manner. Sullivan, thoroughly enraged, rushed Corbett sidestepped, then dodged in close and, just as the round closed, dealt the champion a blow on the right ear that came near sending him to the mat This was the hardest blow struck by Corbett thus far in the fight, but it did not seem to bother Sullivan in the least. He went to his corner smiling in derision, and in a voice that could be heard throughout the entire arena grumbled his complaint that Corbett would not stand up and fight like a man.

This complaint of Sullivan's so irritated Corbett that as he came up for the next round he made a complete change of method. Standing toe to toe with Sullivan he swapped blows until he was taught the folly of this system by a jarring left that thoroughly Shook him up. Corbett fell into a clinch, again caught Sullivan by the arms to save himself from injury, then threw his forearm up and across the champion's wind pipe, forcing Sullivan from his balance so that he was unable to settle himself for a punch.

Both men lost their temper at this point And the best fighting of the contest was seen. Sullivan rushed in with a right swing. Corbett moved his head just far enough to allow the blow to pass, then with a spring like that of a panther he went forward and feinted Sullivan into the same position that he had compelled him to occupy in their try-out fifteen months earlier in San Francisco and then swung a heavy right that caught Sullivan flush on the point of the nose, damaging that feature to such an extent that it was puffed and sore during the' remainder of the fight.

Sullivan lost alt sense of distance, and though he fought back with all of his old time energy Corbett merely laughed at him, avoiding his blows and sending in smash after smash without once missing the target for which he aimed. Sullivan was tired and of gory appearance and was glad of the opportunity to clinch to save himself from the bombardment, which
he little understood.

It was at this point that those who had bet on Sullivan attempted to save themselves from loss by hedging their bets, offering even money that Corbett would win His seconds sent Sullivan up for the sixth round so much freshened that his friends again took heart, and odds of 7 to 5 were offered that he would retain the championship. During the sixth round Corbett contented himself with a plan of campaign that seemed intended merely to annoy Sullivan and compel him to work himself into fatigue.

Corbett gave evidence that it was his intention to so change his fighting methods with each round that the big fellow could not tell what to expect. As round seven opened he sprang forward and met Sullivan more than half way across the ring, Standing close he drove in a short arm left to the stomach and then brought his right up to Sullivan's Chin. Sullivan swung his left, which barely touched Corbett's chest. Corbett returned with two rights and a left to the champion's face, again damaging Sullivan's nose.

Corbett sprung back; then weaving in again he planted a hard right to Sullivan's heaving stomach. The champion's arms dropped to his sides, and Corbett, taking advantage, scored repeatedly with both hands, hitting Sullivan almost at will.

Step by step the absolutely defenseless Sullivan was forced back to the lopes, where Corbett, taking deliberate aim, put his entire weight behind a right that drove hard between the champion's eyes. Sullivan's head bent far back and his knees sagged. He looked like a whipped man, and the crowd of eight thousand fight falls were on their feet calling for the finish. A knockout might have occurred had the round been a minute longer, but the bell came to Sullivan's rescue and he staggered to his corner a sorry looking champion Indeed.

Nevertheless the minute of rest did Sullivan much good, He came back freshened, and in the early part of the eighth round did the best work that he had accomplished. Corbett was forced into clinches, and Sullivan complained to Duffy that he was being fouled by Corbett, who continually forced himself out of the clinch throwing his, forearm across Sullivan's throat, completely shutting off the champion's wind. Sullivan was much distressed by this trick, which was new to him, and attempted fighting at long range. In that he was thoroughly outpointed. Corbett was glad to stand off and shoot his left through to the face .

Sullivan's features were distorted, his cheeks puffed and his eyes blackened. Corbett seemed to have just got down to his work. His movements were as perfect as those of a steam engine. In and out his glove shot, seldom failing to damage and weaken the champion. The ninth round was a repetition of the eighth . He seemed to reach Corbett with an occasional blow but the youngster was so timing his movements that the blow always caught him as he was going away and left no sign of damage. Sullivan landed several apparently heavy lefts on Corbett's chest, but, not enough damage was done to even redden the skin.

The eleventh round saw Corbett land twice but with no great force to his blows, and Sullivan failed to land a glove on the challenger .Rounds twelve, thirteen and fourteen were in a measure monotonous, although Corbett's dazzling foot work pleased the onlookers, not once did he consent to exchange blows with the champion. He was in and out and around Sullivan, hammering away like the traditional Cooper around a cask.

Much money had been wagered that Corbett would not stay a full fifteen rounds and he opened that round in a manner to prove to his admirers that he was determined not only to stay but to show he was the best man in the ring.

Sullivan, having been warned by his seconds that his friends would lose many wagers if he did not put Corbett out in this round, growled out an oath as he left his corner and rushed headlong at Corbett his backers were overjoyed when he reached Corbett’s neck, but it was only a glancing blow that did little damage. Back came Sullivan with another charge and Corbett, suddenly stopping his retreat, stepped forward and threw his full weight into a right that was followed by a smacking left. Both blows reached Sullivan's face, doing much damage. Again Corbett took up his weaving stride swinging his fists down by his hips, throwing his head first to one side and then to the other, almost at will hammering in blow after blow to the Challenger's stomach. Sullivan was discouraged, and his friends could not help realizing that barring an accident, he was a beaten man.


Sunday State Journal
3 July 1910
IS JEFFRIES STILL CHAMPION
CLAIMS OF JACK JOHNSON
http://boxingbiographies.com/bio/index. ... itstart=16


Winning the heavyweight championship of the world from Fitzsimmons was no light thing, even for a man of such phenomenal strength and skill as Jeffries, but defending It was no less a task. In the four years following the winning of the championship Jeffries fought Fitzsimmons again, fought Corbett twice and fought Tom Sharkey and Gus Ruhlin and Hank Griffin each a second time and Joe Kennedy.

There were giants in the land in those days. Never within the ken of any man now living will any heavyweight have to mow through such a field of heavyweights. In these days of bombast titles and overnight champions any one of the old guard of heavyweight fighters would have been safe in his title for years.

It was on November 3, 1899, less than five months after defeating Fitzsimmons, that Jeffries met and won the decision from Tom Sharkey, at Coney Island, in twenty-five rounds. It was a limited round contest, and Jeffries has always admitted freely that Sharkey gave him about the hardest battle he could ever expect to be called upon to fight.

On April 6. 1900, he put out Jack Finnegan, in Detroit, in one round, and on May 11 of that year knocked out Jim Corbett in twenty-three rounds, at Coney Island, In one of the most charming contests of the sort seen since there has been such a thing as prize-fighting.

In less than month. In 1901, Jeffries finished off Hank Griffin, Joe Kennedy and Gus Ruhlin. He won from Griffin at Los Angeles in four rounds in what was really a farce. He had fought Griffin as a boy seventeen years old, and things were greatly changed when ho met him In a four round contest In Los Angeles on September 17 to amuse the neighbors. Griffin ran, dropped to the mat, hugged and did everything he could do to keep from being hit.

A bout scheduled to go four rounds with Joe Kennedy on September 24 ended In the second round with a knockout, and on November 25 Jeffries met Gus Ruhlin, who had whipped Sharkey in fifteen rounds after Jeffries had defeated the sailor. Ruhlin lasted five rounds and was knocked out.

Then on July 25, 1902, Jeffries knocked out Bob Fitzsimmons in eight rounds in San Francisco, and on August 14, 1903, he knocked out Jim Corbett In San Francisco. After that there was really nothing for him to do. A year later he put away the foolish Jack Munroe with a knockout in two rounds, and thereafter there was no one who could lay the slightest claim to his title.

Will Jeffries fight for the recovery of the heavyweight championship In his coming battle with Johnson, or will he defend the championship? Can a championship be whispered away? Can It pass by word of mouth?

To those familiar with the history of the ring and with Its laws there Is one answer. Jeffries Is still the heavyweight champion, as he has been since his defeat of Fitzsimmons. Whatever of dispute there may be Is trivial, The championship that was claimed by Marvin Hart, later by Tommy Burns and recently by Jack Johnson Was a thing of no Importance and was really a title to be used only in distinguishing the leader of the more active heavyweight division, Jeffries, to be regarded as the heavyweight champion emeritus, as it were.

It becomes necessary, however, to trace that secondary title through the several owners who fought to maintain It, and here also must be cleared up whatever mystery Involves the championship relations of Jeffries and Johnson.

Strangely enough, for the first time In the history of the prize ring two men will confront each other, each claiming to be the heavyweight champion Johnson will say he has fought up through all the rounds of the game to the coveted honor, while Jeffries will say he never has lost It.

The lone- road over which this secondary championship title traveled before it became the property of Jack Johnson started in Reno, Nevada, on July 3, 1905. Nearly a year before Jeffries had defeated Munroe. In the meantime he had appeared several times In public as an umpire at baseball matches and as a referee at fights.

His drawing-power as a referee was so great that when a fight was arranged between Jack Root, of Chicago, and Marvin Hart, of Kentucky, Jeffries was paid $1,000 to referee the fight, while the two dim lights of the ring fought for a purse of only $5,000.

In order that the affair might assume something of Importance in the public mind, however, it was publicly announced that on this occasion Jeffries would formally pass the heavyweight title to the winner of the fight. No word was ever heard from Jeffries himself with regard to this arrangement, so far as the public knows .The announcement certainly lent to the fight an Importance it could not otherwise have had, as neither Hart nor Root ranked high in ring history.

At the conclusion of the fifth, marked by a knockout. It was announced from the ringside that Jeffries had “hailed” Hart the heavyweight champion by virtue of his own retirement from the ring.”

Repudiates the “Gift.”

Of this statement Jeffries, over his own signature, recently wrote: “When not working or hunting I mixed up with the fighting- game a little, often refereeing important fights. One of these was the Hart-Root fight up In Nevada, The promoters asked me to officially “present” the heavyweight title to the winner. I refused. Nobody can give away championships. But they told everybody I had given the title to Hart after he stopped Root, and I didn’t take the trouble to deny it.

Here therefore started this championship title which Johnson claims. It is tainted at the source, first by Jeffries denial that he ever entered into any such arrangement as that announced to the public and second by reason of the fact as stated by Jeffries that “nobody can give away championships.” They must be earned. That Root-Hart fight was of slight moment in those days and the flimsy fly blown title claimed by Hart gained him little.

The fight itself was in Reno on a sweltering summer day. Officialdom was there In the persons of lieutenant Governor Allen, who was accompanied by Mrs. Allen, and in the stand were seen scores of other women as distinguished socially as Mrs Allen. Attorney General Sweeney Senator F. G. New-lands, Mayor O’Connor, of Reno: the warden of the state penitentiary and many others equally prominent attended.

Marvin Hart had defeated Jack Johnson in twenty rounds on March 28, 1905, a short time before, and was looked upon as a fairly good heavy weight of his kind. Root, however, had somewhat longer and better reputation as a fighter and the odds were in his favor at three to one.

Throughout it appeared that Root had something the better of the match for a while he held Hart even in the first, third, fourth, sixth and tenth rounds, he had much the better of the second, fifth, seventh, eighth and eleventh rounds. In the twelfth round however, Hart sprang a surprise. They clinched twice and were broken by Jeffries, and Hart then suddenly bored In and ripped a right to Root’s heart that lifted him from his feet and dropped him on the padded floor of the ring. Root was out twenty seconds.

At the end of the count of ten it was announced from the ringside that the heavyweight championship had passed to Hart, as the gift of Jeffries, and the Kentuckian went out Into the fight world bearing a title that, cheap as It was, he was not destined to hold long.

It Is further to be observed that this tainted and Imperfect title passed to Tommy Burns by a decision on points .Real championships do not pass in that way. A real championship must be won or lost decisively, either by a knockout or by the failure of the beaten man to continue.

The fight In which the championship passed on this occasion was before the Pacific Athletic club on February 23, 1906. In that fight Hart weighed 195 pounds, while his opponent weighed only 175 pounds. Burns did nearly all the leading. He knocked Hart down several times and battered him all over the ring. The smaller man worked hard enough to get the pseudo champion, but while he cut and hacked him viciously and knocked him all about the ring he could not land the sleeping potion. at the end of the twenty rounds he was announced the winner and handed he title which Hart had assumed. Although but little credit could be claimed by Burns for his manner of dispossessing Hart from the championship, he was nevertheless no unworthy knight of the ring. Nature never intended him for Heavyweight honors.

He was throughout his ring career one of those unfortunate fighters who had been bountifully supplied with gameness and skill, but handicapped in being too light to hold their own against good heavyweight. He measured only five feet seven and a quarter inches and weighed at his heaviest only 175. Nevertheless he made up in fighting spirit what he lacked in bulk.

[granberry]

"Corbett always liked John L. Sullivan and to this day speaks of him as one of the World's greatest pugilists a harder hitter, in Corbett’s opinion, than either Fitzsimmons or Jeffries."

[granberry]

"His drawing-power as a referee was so great that when a fight was

arranged between Jack Root, of Chicago, and Marvin Hart, of Kentucky,

Jeffries was paid $1,000 to referee the fight,

while the two dim lights of the ring fought for a purse of only $5,000. "

[robert.snell1]

"His drawing-power as a referee was so great that when a fight was

arranged between Jack Root, of Chicago, and Marvin Hart, of Kentucky,

Jeffries was paid $1,000 to referee the fight,

while the two dim lights of the ring fought for a purse of only $5,000. "

its quite remarkable this fact and the refs of today would be rather pleased with that sort of percentage.

[Ambling Alp]

I thought that it was interesting that it said that Corbett always liked Sullivan. Everything I have ever read about them said that they didn't like each other at all.

It's too bad that the account of the fight only went up to the 15 round. I have read where Sullivan knocked Corbett down (I believe in the 17th round). In other accounts of their fight, there is no mention of it.

robert- Have the accounts that you have seen of this fight mention a knockdown in the 17th? If so, was Corbett in serious trouble?

[robert.snell1]

I thought that it was interesting that it said that Corbett always liked Sullivan. Everything I have ever read about them said that they didn't like each other at all.

It's too bad that the account of the fight only went up to the 15 round. I have read where Sullivan knocked Corbett down (I believe in the 17th round). In other accounts of their fight, there is no mention of it.

robert- Have the accounts that you have seen of this fight mention a knockdown in the 17th? If so, was Corbett in serious trouble?

Yes I had always been led to think they disliked each other but this account is quite clear on this. However they were both not shy when it came to showmanship and ballyhoo - as they used to say.

this is he rest of the article which answers you question on the 17th round. I have several more on them both which i am working through and fairly sure one or more deal with this fight.

rest of article is;



His shoulder slunk and his breast heaved as he stumbled to his corner at the sound of the welcome bell. Corbett was fighting too logical a battle to give to his opponent an opportunity to take advantage of an accident. Many expected him to rush in at the opening of the sixteenth round for a knockout. Instead of doing that, he kept out of range of Sullivan's fists and
made the champion's face the target for his volley of rapid fire lefts. Sullivan was so completely tired that he threw out both arms and fell into a clinch to avoid the blows that rained upon him, and as the round closed Odds of 2 to 1 that Corbett would win found no takers.

In the seventeenth round Corbett was still resting, his face yet unmarked and his hair not ruffled; not a red spot on his body to show whew the champion had landed. He was going with all of his strength and all his speed, yet he was still content to make Sullivan receiver general for all punishment, keeping himself the while out of possible reach of Sullivan's fists.

Sullivan finally fell forward, and, as he came to a clinch gave Corbett a half arm jolt in the neck. This apparently dazed Corbett for a few seconds, and as they separated Sullivan was able to land a right and left but was to weak and too wild to do much damage and his opportunity was lost.

Nearing The End

Coming up for the 18th round Corbett stood as if ready to swap blows with Sullivan, but as a heavy swing came over he ducked beneath it and while crouching swung forward with a tremendous left that sank far into Sullivan's flabby stomach. The champion gasped with pain and astonishment and before he could recover Corbett swung his left upward and again flattened Sullivan's nose, With a quick movement he then drove his right to Sullivan's ribs and as the champion's guard fell-shot two hard lefts flush to the face.

Corbett was now playing for the knockout, He stepped forward and twice in succession jarred Sullivan's head back between his shoulder Again it was apparent that the bell saved Sullivan from defeat. A tremendous right crashed against his neck just as the bell sounded, and his seconds worked industriously over him to send him forward for the nineteenth
round in as good shape as possible.

Corbett now saw victory close at hand, and in the nineteenth round made no other attempt than to keep Sullivan so tired that he could not regain his stamina and speed. He made no move to knock the big fellow out, but sent in half a dozen hard left jabs to the face. The twentieth found Sullivan almost in a collapse. Two or three tremendous swings, however,
showed that he still possessed power to land a knockout blow if he could bring it home, Corbett stood back out of danger and lashed out with his right, catching Sullivan repeatedly on the jaw. Finally the old fellow's knees gave Way, his hands fell to his sides, his eyes glared and he stood waiting for the blow that would send him to the floor a defeated man. Corbett poised ready to land that blow, but was disturbed by the clanging of the gong that gave to the champion another and what proved to be his last moment of glory.

Sullivan came up for the twenty-first round still dazed and tired. His legs wobbled and refused to support him. Corbett, as strong and active as when the fight opened, sprang upon him and caught him full in the mouth with a tremendous right drive. This was followed by a left, another right and a second left. Corbett was now fighting as Sullivan would have had him fight when the battle opened. He was standing before his antagonist regardless of any punishment he might himself receive and was working his arms like piston rods.

Sullivan reeled caught at the rope with one hand and spread his legs to brace himself, Corbett caught him on the point of the jaw with a right swing and then restrained his left mercifully, waiting for Sullivan to drop from exhaustion. There was still a spark of strength left in the older man's body, however, and he refused to fall.

Corbett again threw his right fist forward with just sufficient force behind it to drive Sullivan from his balance The big fellow was not knocked out, but he sank forward to the floor of the ring, He struck the mat on his left side, then rolled over on his face. Jack McAuliffe from his corner showered ice cold water upon him from a sponge. The mighty Sullivan placed the palms of his hands on the floor and attempted to raise himself. He succeeded in lifting his body a few inches and then lurched forward as the referee counted the fateful ten.

The referee waved his hands in the air and then putted Corbett on the shoulder to show that the championship had passed into new hands. The youngster walked forward and attempted to help Sullivan's seconds to carry him to his corner. His face wore a look of sympathy for the man he had beaten Filled with the elation of victory, he was still sorry for Sullivan and made his sympathy known with a word of condolence.

Sullivan, heartbroken and dejected, sat in his corner until the demonstration had somewhat spent itself , then, rising and supporting himself by the topmost rope, faced the crowd. For a moment he could not control his voice. Then, swallowing a sob, he "I tried once too often, I am glad the championship remains in America." Again the cheering was taken up, and fully as many then followed the defeated Sullivan to his quarters cheering for him and chased after the new champion, giving him their plaudits for his prowess and success

Not only had a new championship been established, but a new school of pugilism had been set up in the world'. Queensberry rules had been substituted for all time for the old London prize ring rules. Science, intelligence ring speed had been called upon to form the champion capable of defeating the greatest of all representatives of muscle and brawn. Sullivan, the most popular pugilist who ever wore a glove and the greatest of all fighters in the London prize ring, had lost his laurels to Corbett, the greatest and most entitle boxer the world has produced.

[pound per pound]

Thanks for posting this.

[robert.snell1]

cheers , glad you liked it mate.