Nat Fleisher's #1 Fighters by Weight Division

[Willie Pep 229]

"It is also believed that the term, "The Real McCoy" evolved into the usage of the English language because of him. To gain a psychological advantage over his opponents, McCoy feigned illness before several bouts or he would spread the word to the media that he neglected training. On fight night, much to the surprise of the press and his opponents, McCoy was usually fit and ready to fight. Thus, reporters often asked, "Is this the real McCoy?""

Great story but not true. The phrase appears in print multiple times 30 years before Charles McCoy's first fight.

He may very well have popularized the phrase and is responsible for it common use in the 20th Century.

But it wasn't coined because of him; looks more like a 'witty' sports writer saw a pun to play with.

[The Old LefHook]

I know what Pepper would be doing at the premier of Stravinski's Rites Of Spring--throwing chairs.

[Willow The Wisp]

Charles ''Kid'' McCoy was one hell of a fighter, his straight right hand was a scary punch, he often delivered with his famous carkscrew twist, which knocked out alot of welterweights, Midllweights, and Lightheavy weights of his era.

His best KO and one of his best wins ever is when he knocked out the brillant Tommy Ryan, in March 1896, when stopping him in the 15th round to lay claim to the undisputed Middlweight Title.

McCoy one had a run of 12 straight KO victories from 1897 to 1898. One LHW who McCoy cound't KO do was Jack Root, who beat him on a points decision, in what is generally regarded as being for the LHW Title in Detroit April 1903.

But belive me, McCoy wasn't just all punch, he was a evoled boxer a tacticain. He was quick and slippey, and had fast hands and his pucnhers were so hard and crisp. At his peak, he was able to handle bigger and stronger men with ease.

Many historians rate McCoy among the greatest fighters in boxing history.

He ended up going to jail for killing a lady friend, served seven years in prison, and eventually committed suicide.

Good thread, great post in support of Fleisher's choice. Shelby bounced around divisions obviously, and we might imagine that Nat was keen to stick him somewhere on this list as a number one, rather than focusing on what he did at the weight.

[Willie Pep 229]

I know what Pepper would be doing at the premier of Stravinski's Rites Of Spring--throwing chairs.

Lol - it's funny but if you told a rocker or rapper that classical concerts would erupt into riots that would spread a city block, they would never believe you.

About a decade ago PBS broadcast a presentation of the symphony as it was performed that night.

It was puzzling in the 21st Century to watch; it made one wonder how in the hell did that set a city on fire, literally.

[QueensburyRules]

Lol - it's funny but if you told a rocker or rapper that classical concerts would erupt into riots that would spread a city block, they would never believe you.

About a decade ago PBS broadcast a presentation of the symphony as it was performed that night.

It was puzzling in the 21st Century to watch; it made one wonder how in the hell did that set a city on fire, literally.

- - French-Bastille Day-Guillotine-King Louie and Marie Antoinette.

Crimony, they set Joan of Arc's sacred armor afire for eternity, she an illiterate ******al lass of 14 years who assumed command of the French Army being massacred by the English to emasculate them from Paree' before the then French King ordered her to stand down. He did nothing when the carrion feeding English entrapped her, chained her naked and half starved to be trotted out daily in rags for their Dog and Pony Execution, burned at the stake for her visions. Her last request, a cross to hold was met by an English soldier who broke a stick from the bonfire to tie together for her.

What else you need to know about the French?