Philadelphia Jack O'Brien

[Tomasino]

I'm reading his book, Boxing which I downloaded for free in PDF. It's great and shows just how much old timers knew about the art and craft of prizefighting.

I've read opinions where people have said he was one of the greats, a giant killer etc. he himself stated that most of his fights were fakes. He also became a trainer; did he train any great fighters? What's the real story with him?

A very mysterious and interesting fighter.

[wsbuf]

Where did you download it for free?

[Tomasino]

Where did you download it for free?

Lulu.com

[crib73]

or here

http://archive.org/details/BoxingByPhil ... JackOBrien

[klompton]

I'm reading his book, Boxing which I downloaded for free in PDF. It's great and shows just how much old timers knew about the art and craft of prizefighting.

I've read opinions where people have said he was one of the greats, a giant killer etc. he himself stated that most of his fights were fakes. He also became a trainer; did he train any great fighters? What's the real story with him?

A very mysterious and interesting fighter.

He was considered more of a conditioner than what we today think of as a trainer. He helped condition Harry Greb for many of his later fights. He operated gyms in Philadelphia and New York and became a physical fitness expert. He often catered to white collar clients, women, and the obese. In that regard he was way ahead of his time.

[Tomasino]

I'm reading his book, Boxing which I downloaded for free in PDF. It's great and shows just how much old timers knew about the art and craft of prizefighting.

I've read opinions where people have said he was one of the greats, a giant killer etc. he himself stated that most of his fights were fakes. He also became a trainer; did he train any great fighters? What's the real story with him?

A very mysterious and interesting fighter.

He was considered more of a conditioner than what we today think of as a trainer. He helped condition Harry Greb for many of his later fights. He operated gyms in Philadelphia and New York and became a physical fitness expert. He often catered to white collar clients, women, and the obese. In that regard he was way ahead of his time.

What about his merits as a fighter? Do you believe a large amount of his fights were fixed?

[klompton]

Ive definately heard that but as I havent researched O'Brien a lot I cant really say yes or no. I can say that I have heard the story of his filmed fight with Tommy Burns. Apparently O'Brien would only fight Burns if Burns agreed that he would not try to knock out O'brien and that the fight would end in a draw. Burns really wanted to kick O'Brien's ass so he agreed and then when they met ring center for instructions Burns said "The deal is off." Signally his intention to go after O'brien guns blazing. Rather than fight O'Brien spent the vast majority of the entire 20 rounds literally running and backpedalling. Refusing to lead and rarely throwing punches in aggression. This is all borne out by the film. Given that story I would have to say its entirely possible that O'Brien appeared in his fair share of "hypodrome" fights.

[pbchron]

Like many fighters from his era O'Brien was involved in some bouts that came under a great deal of scrutiny. He had almost 200 fights and deals and arrangements were common at the time, usually as a setup for a prospective future match, that sometimes was poorly performed by the participants and quickly smelled out by the fans and press.
O'Brien was highly skilled and took on all comers. He should be especially applauded for taking on more top black opponents (33 bouts) than any other high profile white boxer of his time.