BoxRec

Of all the fights, fueds, rivalries, I have ever seen or read about in boxing history from the ancient Greeks to today, I dont think no single fight ever summed up the meanings behind the words. Only the contempt Richard Kyle Fox of the National Police Gazette held against John L. Sullivan, I think bares the honor.

Here was a man whose sole goal was to dethrone the 'Great' John L. Sullivan. He purposely arranged the following men to meet Sullivan in the ring: Paddy Sullivan, Charlie Mitchell, Herbert Slade and Jake Kilrain, in the hopes each man would stop the reign of Sullivan. He even went so far, at least when it came to Kilrain, to have a custom belt made for the challenger proclaiming him as the true champion.

After Sullivan, of course, defeated Kilrain, he was presented Kilrain's belt and was quoted as saying, of the belt: "I wouldnt put that thing around the neck of a god damn dog!"

Ironically, when looking back at history, its surprising, at least to me, that Fox never tried to have Sullivan face off with Peter Jackson, who many feel was truly the best fighter from that time period at heavyweight. But then again, considering the times, maybe it doesnt surprise me.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Perhaps Fox feelings toward race were stronger than he did against Sullivan. Maybe it was more of business decision and he didn't think people would care to read about Jackson not getting a shot.

Actually Fox and Sullivan were good for each other. Fox's magazine gave Sullivan more publicity and of course Sullivan was something that people wanted to read about which of course helped Fox and his magazine.

was Fox instrumental in the wearing of gloves? that could have been his master stroke