Bobby Fitzsimmons v.s James Corbett (1897 fight)

[Willie Pep 229]

- -It was a hybrid LHk/upper cut up the gut.

The same punch that KOed Sharkey that Earp ruled an illegal punch to DQ Fitz, hence Corbett hiring Earp for his gun posse for this fight.

Hard to believe that 1890s audiences worldwide saw 99% better footage than we do in the third millennium...only in boxing, folks!

I am no fan of Wyatt Earp he was by most accounts a thief and bully but . . .

No! Fitz's blow to Sailor Tom landed low. -- A day after the fight a team of six doctors, three chosen from each camp (along with a host of other onlookers LOL) examined Tom Sharkey's balls and unanimously concluded that the blow was a foul.

The newspaper who had attacked Earp's credibility (the owner had a big bet on Fitz) retracted its negative statements and apologized to Earp, the bank released the purse check, and even Fitzsimmons admitted that the punch must have been low and withdrew he protest.

According to one ringside account the blow didn't knock Sharkey out, he fainted dead away.

To take the 'Fitzsimmons shift' to the balls must be a horrifying experience, Corbett got lucky he merely got hit under the heart.

[HOUDINI563]

I’ve never investigated the Sharkey-Fitz bout. I just pulled up this Wikipedia.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzsimmons_vs._Sharkey

[QueensburyRules]

I am no fan of Wyatt Earp he was by most accounts a thief and bully but . . .

No! Fitz's blow to Sailor Tom landed low. -- A day after the fight a team of six doctors, three chosen from each camp (along with a host of other onlookers LOL) examined Tom Sharkey's balls and unanimously concluded that the blow was a foul.

The newspaper who had attacked Earp's credibility (the owner had a big bet on Fitz) retracted its negative statements and apologized to Earp, the bank released the purse check, and even Fitzsimmons admitted that the punch must have been low and withdrew he protest.

According to one ringside account the blow didn't knock Sharkey out, he fainted dead away.

To take the 'Fitzsimmons shift' to the balls must be a horrifying experience, Corbett got lucky he merely got hit under the heart.

- -Earp held in high esteem on the few western forums I've perused.

Testicle black and blue exam, eh?

Not my cup of tea!

[Rusty Tromboni]

- -It was a hybrid LHk/upper cut up the gut.

The same punch that KOed Sharkey that Earp ruled an illegal punch to DQ Fitz, hence Corbett hiring Earp for his gun posse for this fight.

Hard to believe that 1890s audiences worldwide saw 99% better footage than we do in the third millennium...only in boxing, folks!

Wrong.


Dead wrong.


Corbett had almost stopped Fitzsimmons in the 6th. Fitz only survived by holding onto Corbett's leg.

[QueensburyRules]

Wrong.


Dead wrong.


Corbett had almost stopped Fitzsimmons in the 6th. Fitz only survived by holding onto Corbett's leg.

- -Nonsequitorial.

[HOUDINI563]

Rusty is a very sad case. Corbett did not “almost stop” Fitzsimmons. A single knockdown does not equate to “almost stop” especially in 1897.

Study up. You’re the class clown.

[Rusty Tromboni]

Rusty is a very sad case. Corbett did not “almost stop” Fitzsimmons. A single knockdown does not equate to “almost stop” especially in 1897.

Study up. You’re the class clown.

Read the reports of the fight, Corky. People who were there, not hagiographical recollections from decades later.

Even though Bob was older, Corbett had more mileage.

[HOUDINI563]

Watch the fight specifically round 6 and tell everyone at what point did Corbett “nearly stop” Fitzsimmons. Fitz was kneeling on the canvas after being struck a few blows and was perfectly alert as the ref counted. Fitz was bloodied but blood did not stop fights in 1897.

[Willie Pep 229]

[Rusty Tromboni]

Good find.

Clearly Fitz was hurt, but he didn't survive simply by having on, or in any way in violation of the rules.