Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

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goose 5
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Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by goose 5 »

Philadelphia Jack, in 1907, confessed to engaging in several fake bouts. I' starting to research him using old newspapers. Has anyone here done any research on him ?
prewarboxing
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by prewarboxing »

I have a great deal on his UK career. Feel free to message me

Miles Templeton
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by pound per pound »

goose 5 wrote: 02 Jan 2026, 22:14 Philadelphia Jack, in 1907, confessed to engaging in several fake bouts. I' starting to research him using old newspapers. Has anyone here done any research on him ?
Which fights did he say, and do you have any sources?

The Burns match where he runs for the entire fight?
goose 5
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by goose 5 »

Also the Walcott fight. I've been reading old Philadelphia newspapers. I'll post some specific dates and sources a bit later.
goose 5
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by goose 5 »

The Pittsburgh Press May 29, 1907
goose 5
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by goose 5 »

NewYork Herald January 5, 1908. This article talks about the Bob Fitzsimmons bout being a fake.
mattdonnellon
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by mattdonnellon »

There are multiple sources in May 1907 after the failed frame-up with Burns, The Oakland Tribune, May 22nd, 1907, page 14 is an example. He cites fights with Fitz, Peter Jackson, Berger, Joe Walcott and the report also mentions McCoy, Maher, Carter, Jack Sullivan, Schreck.
mattdonnellon
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by mattdonnellon »

Jeffries claimed that O'Brien tried to bribe him, and I had forgotten that Jack had also mentioned Tommy Ryan.
goose 5
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Re: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien- fake fights

Post by goose 5 »

Should he be in the IBHOF in light of these claims of fixed bouts ?
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