James Jackson Jeffries

[HomicideHenry]

In the early 20th century there was arguably nobody better than James Jackson Jeffries. Branded as a figurehead of racism in his 'comeback' against Jack Johnson, the first black HW champion in history, in the years prior this was a man deemed invincible and made a path of destruction in his wake.

He is often written off as being just another 'white hope' and is criticised as being slow and ponderous, when in fact this is not at all true. Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat and could do a high jump of 6'. If there are those that are still not convinced, take into consideration how he chased down the slick moving former champion James Corbett for 23 rounds in their first fight before knocking him out.

Many also say that Jeffries ducked black contenders and never fought a black man all in their prime, while this is true that he did not defend the title against a black man, he did however have bouts with Frank Childs, Hank Griffin, Bob Armstrong and Denver Ed Martin, knocking them out and they were all in their prime, as well as his bout with Peter Jackson, though the 'Black Prince' was passed his best. It can also be noted that Jeffries was such a fearsome competitor that the legendary Sam Langford used to say 'I'll take on all-comers, except for Jim Jeffries.'

Throw in his other wins against Fitzsimmons (2), Corbett (2), Ruhlin (1), Munroe (1), Sharkey (2), and Finnegan (1). He was also set to face off with Charles 'Kid' McCoy and Steve O'Donnell. Then throw in his exhibition tours of England, Scotland, Ireland and of course his coast to coast tour of America. Can you imagine, exhibition or not, of a guy nowadays coming over to another country and knocking out the country's three best HW's in a single night and then knock out an additional 50 in just a month or two?

Or can you imagine any champion in the last 50 years or more challenging the top 3 HW's in the world and fight them all on the same night? Jeffries did. He challenged Fitzsimmons, Sharkey and Corbett to fight him all on the same night and they all refused!

He retired undefeated in 1905, and for a while planned on a comeback against the likes of Billy Squires, Marvin Hart and Tommy Burns---the latter two were men who claimed the title after he vacated it, which made Jeffries furious at times stating that they never won it from him so they couldn't claim being the champion of anything.

In 1909 however, virtually 4 years after he retired, a black man by the name of Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia and to the dismay of 'white America' became the new champion. Jack London, author of White Fang and Call of The Wild, wrote in the New York Times: '...only one thing remains, Jeffries must emerge from his alfalfa farm and remove that golden smile from Johnson's face. Jeff its up to you!'

Jeffries at first was very reluctant to come back to the ring. He was now over 300 pounds and hand't even so much as fought an exhibition bout since 1906. He refused to go fight Johnson---but when Johnson blew through the likes of MW champion Stanley Ketchell and 'white hopes' Tony Ross, Al Kaufman, and 'Philadelphia' Jack O'Brien, public opinion and demand was just too much.

Jeffries, in just four months time, got down to 226 pounds and also had the daunting task of getting back into fighting shape for a 45 round contest. Sparring with Joe Choynski, the man who beat Johnson years before, Jack Root, Bob Armstrong and Sam Berger to try and knock off the 5 years of ring rust and easy living.

Looking back on it, in all seriousness, it's impossible for anyone, no matter how great they are, to get into that kind of shape and be gone for that long and have a snow balls chance in hell. But not only was Jeffries believable, he was the betting favorite to not just beat a prime Jack Johnson, arguably the greatest HW of all time, but to knock him on his ass and knock him out---just like he did in the old days.

But it was too much for Jeffries. He didn't want to fight to begin with, and four months preparation with no tune up bouts made it virtually improbable for him to stand in there with a young HW. But Jeffries did prove that he was still a tough man, as he lasted for 15 rounds, cut up and exhausted, knocked down for the first time in his career and yes, knocked out.

It must have been a complete shock for most boxing fans black and white alike to see the once invincible Jim Jeffries lose, let alone be knocked out. Jeffries said after the fight 'I hope they can leave me alone now,' a clear remark to show to the world this was a fight he himself didn't want and a cause he didn't believe in.

Jeffries also said 'I could have never beaten Johnson at my best...no, I couldn't have reached him...not in a thousand years.' Ironically, when Jack Johnson was asked who the greatest HW champion of all time was he said that Jeffries in his prime was the greatest HW he had ever seen. Jack Dempsey also said this of Jeffries.

Where does Jeffries stand in today's modern opinion? He is sadly a footnote in ways for the career of Jack Johnson and is dismissed as being clumsy and a man of little skill, when this is mostly based on his showing in the Johnson fight, well after his prime. This may just be one man's opinion, but Jeffries clearly is near the top of the list on the ALL-TIME punchers list at HW and would have given ANY champion a tough test.

If there ever was a superman in the early 20th century, this man was it.

[silkov]

In the early 20th century there was arguably nobody better than James Jackson Jeffries. Branded as a figurehead of racism in his 'comeback' against Jack Johnson, the first black HW champion in history, in the years prior this was a man deemed invincible and made a path of destruction in his wake.

He is often written off as being just another 'white hope' and is criticised as being slow and ponderous, when in fact this is not at all true. Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat and could do a high jump of 6'. If there are those that are still not convinced, take into consideration how he chased down the slick moving former champion James Corbett for 23 rounds in their first fight before knocking him out.

Many also say that Jeffries ducked black contenders and never fought a black man all in their prime, while this is true that he did not defend the title against a black man, he did however have bouts with Frank Childs, Hank Griffin, Bob Armstrong and Denver Ed Martin, knocking them out and they were all in their prime, as well as his bout with Peter Jackson, though the 'Black Prince' was passed his best. It can also be noted that Jeffries was such a fearsome competitor that the legendary Sam Langford used to say 'I'll take on all-comers, except for Jim Jeffries.'

Throw in his other wins against Fitzsimmons (2), Corbett (2), Ruhlin (1), Munroe (1), Sharkey (2), and Finnegan (1). He was also set to face off with Charles 'Kid' McCoy and Steve O'Donnell. Then throw in his exhibition tours of England, Scotland, Ireland and of course his coast to coast tour of America. Can you imagine, exhibition or not, of a guy nowadays coming over to another country and knocking out the country's three best HW's in a single night and then knock out an additional 50 in just a month or two?

Or can you imagine any champion in the last 50 years or more challenging the top 3 HW's in the world and fight them all on the same night? Jeffries did. He challenged Fitzsimmons, Sharkey and Corbett to fight him all on the same night and they all refused!

He retired undefeated in 1905, and for a while planned on a comeback against the likes of Billy Squires, Marvin Hart and Tommy Burns---the latter two were men who claimed the title after he vacated it, which made Jeffries furious at times stating that they never won it from him so they couldn't claim being the champion of anything.

In 1909 however, virtually 4 years after he retired, a black man by the name of Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia and to the dismay of 'white America' became the new champion. Jack London, author of White Fang and Call of The Wild, wrote in the New York Times: '...only one thing remains, Jeffries must emerge from his alfalfa farm and remove that golden smile from Johnson's face. Jeff its up to you!'

Jeffries at first was very reluctant to come back to the ring. He was now over 300 pounds and hand't even so much as fought an exhibition bout since 1906. He refused to go fight Johnson---but when Johnson blew through the likes of MW champion Stanley Ketchell and 'white hopes' Tony Ross, Al Kaufman, and 'Philadelphia' Jack O'Brien, public opinion and demand was just too much.

Jeffries, in just four months time, got down to 226 pounds and also had the daunting task of getting back into fighting shape for a 45 round contest. Sparring with Joe Choynski, the man who beat Johnson years before, Jack Root, Bob Armstrong and Sam Berger to try and knock off the 5 years of ring rust and easy living.

Looking back on it, in all seriousness, it's impossible for anyone, no matter how great they are, to get into that kind of shape and be gone for that long and have a snow balls chance in hell. But not only was Jeffries believable, he was the betting favorite to not just beat a prime Jack Johnson, arguably the greatest HW of all time, but to knock him on his ass and knock him out---just like he did in the old days.

But it was too much for Jeffries. He didn't want to fight to begin with, and four months preparation with no tune up bouts made it virtually improbable for him to stand in there with a young HW. But Jeffries did prove that he was still a tough man, as he lasted for 15 rounds, cut up and exhausted, knocked down for the first time in his career and yes, knocked out.

It must have been a complete shock for most boxing fans black and white alike to see the once invincible Jim Jeffries lose, let alone be knocked out. Jeffries said after the fight 'I hope they can leave me alone now,' a clear remark to show to the world this was a fight he himself didn't want and a cause he didn't believe in.

Jeffries also said 'I could have never beaten Johnson at my best...no, I couldn't have reached him...not in a thousand years.' Ironically, when Jack Johnson was asked who the greatest HW champion of all time was he said that Jeffries in his prime was the greatest HW he had ever seen. Jack Dempsey also said this of Jeffries.

Where does Jeffries stand in today's modern opinion? He is sadly a footnote in ways for the career of Jack Johnson and is dismissed as being clumsy and a man of little skill, when this is mostly based on his showing in the Johnson fight, well after his prime. This may just be one man's opinion, but Jeffries clearly is near the top of the list on the ALL-TIME punchers list at HW and would have given ANY champion a tough test.

If there ever was a superman in the early 20th century, this man was it.

Good post, Jeffries is very underrated today, ....I rate him above both Dempsey and Marciano....

[lamphey]

Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat

Somehow, I doubt that.

[bill.lockhart]

Sadly through time the lustre has worn off jeffries. He wasn't a guy who sought the spotlight & this may be part of the problem. The casual fan to-day probably has no recollection of him. Also, he never had a defining moment where he past the test so to speak.
He dominated his era so thoroughly, that the best competition he faced
were past their best, & when he himself was beaten the same thing applied to him. It is difficult to place him. From a physical standpoint he must be rated very highly. He lacked great speed, but I have read he moved well for a big man. This was said about Liston as well. I don't think
he rates top 5, but certainly top 10 all time. He would have given any champion in history a very interesting evening.

[silkov]

Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat

Somehow, I doubt that.

If you read up on Jeffries you'd see that he was very athletic for his size... he wasnt the lumbering guy that many seem to think....

[HomicideHenry]

Jeffries was quite the specimen. But when he came back against Johnson, people greatly exaggerated the immense strength that he had (or better yet, still had). I recall reading how word leaked to Johnson to not get into clinches with Jeffries because he would wear Johnson out.

Whether it was to get a psychological edge or sheer ego, Johnson in the opening round ran straight o Jeffries and puts him in a clinch and would say 'They told me you were so strong Mr. Jeff!' and proceed to out muscle Jeffries, who had to lose 100 pounds and get into shape for a 45 round fight in just four months time after nearly 6 years inactivity.

It's quite possible Jeffries was that strong in his prime as many were playing it up, but I'd like to compare the Jeffries comeback hoopla to Mike Tyson and how many still believed that Tyson was the baddest man on the planet---even after his loss to Lewis and was fighting Ettienne, Williams and McBride, hell thousands showed up and millions still bought the exhibition bout with Sanders on PPV.

Public memory doesn't fade away as fast as the reality of matters. Many still believed that Joe Louis had a chance against Charles, many thought Dempsey would beat Tunney in the rematch, etc.

Anyone understand the logic of what I'm saying?

[The Great John L]

Somehow, I doubt that.

If you read up on Jeffries you'd see that he was very athletic for his size... he wasnt the lumbering guy that many seem to think....

Yeah, but 10 flat?!?!? I'd like to see some evidence of that. The CBZ says that he could run it in just above 10 seconds, but that could've been 11.3 for all we know. I'd really like to see some evidence of the 10-flat run.

While I too am skeptical of a 10 second 100M (perhaps it was 100 yards?), I don’t think we need much proof of anything besides reading about him and reviewing his record to know that he is probably the only ATG HW who rightfully deserves to be called under-rated.

[SteveO]

It was 100 yards - we didn't have meters in those days!

[SteveO]

Yes, I knew that really
But seriously, I don't believe the USA has ever used the metric system.

[dr_devious]

If Jeffries had run 10 seconds flat for the 100 yards in say 1900, that would have been pretty close to the world record back then

[RowanSmith]

Many also say that Jeffries ducked black contenders and never fought a black man all in their prime, while this is true that he did not defend the title against a black man, he did however have bouts with Frank Childs, Hank Griffin, Bob Armstrong and Denver Ed Martin, knocking them out and they were all in their prime, .

Many also say that Jeffries ducked black contenders and never fought a black man all in their prime, while this is true that he did not defend the title against a black man, he did however have bouts with Frank Childs, Hank Griffin, Bob Armstrong and Denver Ed Martin, knocking them out and they were all in their prime.

Jeffries certainly never fought Denver Ed Martin, never mind knock him out, nor did he fight Frank Childs. These were bouts that have been reported in modern records but never substantiated. I am fairly confident that neither man ever fought Jeffries and that until these bouts are substantiated, well they should not be included in his record.

My stance on the Hank Griffin fight is similar. I do think that this fight happened, but I am not sure what I believe actually happened. There seems to be a great discrepency in the when, where and what particular's of this fight. Most of this comes from Jeff himself or some routing interest in Jeff. Interestingly, the one reference I have found from Griffin about the bout states that he defeated Jeffries. I found another from the LA Times that says the bout was a draw. Who knows? But, I guess I am not 100 convinced that it was a KO for big Jim.

Jeffries also did not knock Bob Armstrong out. He won a ten round decision.

[lamphey]

Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat

Somehow, I doubt that.

If you read up on Jeffries you'd see that he was very athletic for his size... he wasnt the lumbering guy that many seem to think....

Thanks for the advice ...... after reading up on Jeffries for thirty plus years and spending thousands on buying contemporary books and papers about him ....... I must have missed the bit about his athletic ability.

.... and having competed at International level in Athletics in my younger days (a sport I still have very close links with) ....... I know enough to discount comments about Jeffries running 100 metres in 10 seconds flat as the romantic garbage it is. Jeffries record speaks for itself without being embellished with bullshit.

[pound per pound]

Jeffries was quite the specimen. But when he came back against Johnson, people greatly exaggerated the immense strength that he had (or better yet, still had). I recall reading how word leaked to Johnson to not get into clinches with Jeffries because he would wear Johnson out.

Whether it was to get a psychological edge or sheer ego, Johnson in the opening round ran straight o Jeffries and puts him in a clinch and would say 'They told me you were so strong Mr. Jeff!' and proceed to out muscle Jeffries, who had to lose 100 pounds and get into shape for a 45 round fight in just four months time after nearly 6 years inactivity.

It's quite possible Jeffries was that strong in his prime as many were playing it up, but I'd like to compare the Jeffries comeback hoopla to Mike Tyson and how many still believed that Tyson was the baddest man on the planet---even after his loss to Lewis and was fighting Ettienne, Williams and McBride, hell thousands showed up and millions still bought the exhibition bout with Sanders on PPV.

Public memory doesn't fade away as fast as the reality of matters. Many still believed that Joe Louis had a chance against Charles, many thought Dempsey would beat Tunney in the rematch, etc.

Anyone understand the logic of what I'm saying?

Yes and No. Jeffries in his prime had a big reputation. Tyson in his prime also had a big reputation. I agree with what you are saying here.

The difference is Jeffries was always a warrior, even out of his prime. Jeffries was clean and game until the end vs Jack Johnson. Tyson took the easy way out by quitting or fouling.

There is a good clip on Jeffries on you tube.com It’s a training clip where Jeffries is working on footwork, defense and countering.

Based on what is shown in the clip, I’m convinced that Jeffries was very strong and athletic. His footwork and defensive skills are under rated. In fact they are good.

In 1910, Jeffries was an empty shell, with little left besides a name much like Ali had little left vs Holmes.

Here's the clip. Judge for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CauVMvNspIY

[pundit]

Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat

Somehow, I doubt that.

100 yards in 11 secs is the correct figure.

http://www.coxscorner.tripod.com/jeffries.html

[lamphey]

Jeffries in his prime was quite the athletic specimen, being able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds flat

Somehow, I doubt that.

100 yards in 11 secs is the correct figure.

http://www.coxscorner.tripod.com/jeffries.html

Now, that I can believe.

[HomicideHenry]

sorry, my mistake @ 100 meters. Yes, it was 100 yards. My apologies.

[pundit]

sorry, my mistake @ 100 meters. Yes, it was 100 yards. My apologies.

.... and 11 secs, not 10. Which is still pretty fast, though -- he'd competitive with the fastes women of our days.

[HomicideHenry]

according to CBZ it was 'little over 10 seconds'. It wasn't too long in history, mind you, that running 10 seconds flat was something to be marveled and anyone who could out do it was a phenom. Jim Thorpe in comparison with athletes today would not fair too well, but also remember it took alot of athletes almost 50 years after his best to match what he was doing.

[The Great John L]

according to CBZ it was 'little over 10 seconds'. It wasn't too long in history, mind you, that running 10 seconds flat was something to be marveled and anyone who could out do it was a phenom. Jim Thorpe in comparison with athletes today would not fair too well, but also remember it took alot of athletes almost 50 years after his best to match what he was doing.

Equipment and tracks were a bit behind what is now used as well.

[pundit]

according to CBZ it was 'little over 10 seconds'. It wasn't too long in history, mind you, that running 10 seconds flat was something to be marveled and anyone who could out do it was a phenom. Jim Thorpe in comparison with athletes today would not fair too well, but also remember it took alot of athletes almost 50 years after his best to match what he was doing.

There are different figures going round, but little over 10 secs over 100 yards would have been close to the world record at the time. Sounds unplausible to me that a boxing heavyweight who does need to train for endurance rather than a few secs of maximal effort could have done that. 11 secs -- which, as said, is still VERY fast -- simply sounds more credible.

[The Great John L]

according to CBZ it was 'little over 10 seconds'. It wasn't too long in history, mind you, that running 10 seconds flat was something to be marveled and anyone who could out do it was a phenom. Jim Thorpe in comparison with athletes today would not fair too well, but also remember it took alot of athletes almost 50 years after his best to match what he was doing.

There are different figures going round, but little over 10 secs over 100 yards would have been close to the world record at the time. Sounds unplausible to me that a boxing heavyweight who does need to train for endurance rather than a few secs of maximal effort could have done that. 11 secs -- which, as said, is still VERY fast -- simply sounds more credible.

I agree 11 secs seems more feasible. Wasn’t Jeff an amateur track athlete prior to turning to fighting. As I recall he got a late start on boxing, but was an accomplished athlete in several other sports prior to boxing, and I seem to recall that he competed in several different track events, although I’m pretty sure sprinting wasn’t one of them.

[Victor*KC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CauVMvNspIY

Pretty good video on him shit music though

[Ambling Alp]

For what it's worth, according to the book "Kings of the Ring" Jeffries ran the 100 yard dash in 11 seconds. It wasn't clear to me, but I also believe this was before his boxing career and probably before he weighed 220 pounds. The book "The Legendary Champion" also mentions that he was fast, but was more vague and said he ran the 100 yard dash in a little above 10 seconds, which sort of implies less than 11 seconds but doesn't specifically say that.

The Great John L was right that Jeffries was a track athlete. He did the high jump and supposedly could clear 5 feet 10 ten inches, which was very good in those days.

Regardless of his exact time's, the important thing to know is that Jeffries wasn't slow and clumsy whic some people seem to think but in fact was a very good athlete.

[pundit]

For what it's worth, according to the book "Kings of the Ring" Jeffries ran the 100 yard dash in 11 seconds. It wasn't clear to me, but I also believe this was before his boxing career and probably before he weighed 220 pounds. The book "The Legendary Champion" also mentions that he was fast, but was more vague and said he ran the 100 yard dash in a little above 10 seconds, which sort of implies less than 11 seconds but doesn't specifically say that.

The Great John L was right that Jeffries was a track athlete. He did the high jump and supposedly could clear 5 feet 10 ten inches, which was very good in those days.

Regardless of his exact time's, the important thing to know is that Jeffries wasn't slow and clumsy whic some people seem to think but in fact was a very good athlete.

I guess this is because people have only seen the Johnson-Jeffries video, were Jeffries was old and slow and staying in his crouch for most of the fight.

[Ambling Alp]

Agree that by itself athleticism doesn't ensure greatness. However, it's certainly not a negative.