tommy burns, featherweight, widnes, england

[widnesian173]

i note from the 'boxrec' database records that you have tommy burns losing over 3 rounds to johnny kilbane in cleveland, ohio, usa on 18th december 1907? i believe this is an error.

as a boxing historian who has rigorously researched the career of tommy burns of widnes, england (born 1878 & died 1954), i firmly believe that he neither travelled to the usa or met kilbane in the ring. could it be possible that kilbane fought someone else with the same name?

burns fought a 20 rounds contest on 5th december 1907 in liverpool, england and i believe it is highly unlikely that he would have travelled to the usa within 13 days for just one 3 rounds contest before returning home? also, there is no record of this contest in any british boxing records books or other historical documents, as far as i am aware?

respectfully yours

john sinnott