Bob Fitzsimmons

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Robert Fitzsimmons
Robert Fitzsimmons.jpg
Fitzsimmons in 1891
Born
Robert James Fitzsimmons

(1863-05-26)26 May 1863
Helston, Cornwall, England
Died22 October 1917(1917-10-22) (aged 54)
Chicago, United States
Other names
  • Bob
  • Ruby Rob
  • The Freckled Wonder
  • The Fighting Blacksmith
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 11+1⁄2 in (182 cm)
Reach71+1⁄2 in (182 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights101
Wins69
Wins by KO57
Losses12
Draws14
No contests9

Robert James Fitzsimmons (26 May 1863 – 22 October 1917) was a British professional boxer who was the sport's first three-division world champion. [1] [2] He also achieved fame for beating Gentleman Jim Corbett (the man who beat John L. Sullivan), and he is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the lightest heavyweight champion, weighing just 167 pounds when he won the title. [3] Nicknamed Ruby Robert and The Freckled Wonder, he took pride in his lack of scars and appeared in the ring wearing heavy woollen underwear to conceal the disparity between his trunk and leg-development.

Contents

Considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, [4] Fitzsimmons is ranked as No. 8 on The Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

Early life

The birthplace of Bob Fitzsimmons in Helston, Cornwall Fitzsimons helston.jpg
The birthplace of Bob Fitzsimmons in Helston, Cornwall

Robert James Fitzsimmons was born on 26 May 1863 in Helston, Cornwall, England, the youngest of seven boys and five girls born to James and Jane ( née  Strongman) Fitzsimmons. [5] Not long before his birth, his parents had moved from his father's native Ireland to Cornwall, where his mother came from, in order for his father to find work as a policeman. [6] Fitzsimmons received his early education at the National school in Helston. [7] In 1873, the family moved again; James, Jane and their youngest five children sailed on the Adamant for the 93-day journey to Lyttelton, New Zealand. [5] [8]

They settled in Timaru, a town 147 km (91 miles) south-west of Lyttelton populated mainly by Cornish immigrants, and James Fitzsimmons established a blacksmith's forge in the town. [7] Once Fitzsimmons had completed his education at the Timaru Main School, he took on a range of jobs. He wanted to join the crew of the Isabella Ridley, and do some service as a sailor, hoping that it would toughen him up for a career in boxing, but the ship was badly damaged in storms while still docked in Timaru. [9] Instead, he took on a range of jobs; as a butcher's delivery boy, a carriage painter, striker at an iron foundry, and a decorator, before becoming an apprentice at his family's blacksmith's forge with his brother Jarrett. His time working in the blacksmith's forge helped to develop his upper body, particularly his arms and shoulders. [5] [7] During his time working in the blacksmith's forge, there are stories that Fitzsimmons was not averse to fighting quarrelsome, often drunk, customers, and it was suggested that this even boosted business, as customers returned to the forge, hoping to see a fight. [10]

Amateur career

In the early 1880s Jem Mace, an English bare-knuckle boxer, travelled to New Zealand, and Timaru hosted both his boxing school, and the first boxing championships held in New Zealand. [11] Fitzsimmons entered the tournament and knocked out four opponents on his way to winning the competition. He successfully defended his title in the subsequent competition. [5] [lower-alpha 1] During one of these tournaments, it is often suggested that Fitzsimmons defeated Herbert Slade, a professional heavyweight boxer who was touring with Mace, but Slade was touted as being undefeated in 1883, and it is possible that it was Slade's brother that Fitzsimmons beat. [13] After these tournaments, Fitzsimmons boxed at least six times in New Zealand, including some bare knuckle bouts, but it is unclear if he received payment for his fights during this time. [14]

Professional career

Move to Australia

Boxing record books show Fitzsimmons officially began boxing professionally in 1883, in Australia. He beat Jim Crawford there by getting a knockout in three rounds. Fitzsimmons had his first 28 definite professional fights in Australia, where he lost the Australian middleweight title to Mick Dooley (rumours spoke of a fixed bout) and where he also won a fight by knockout while on the floor: when Edward Starlight Robins dropped Fitzsimmons to the canvas in round nine of their fight, he also broke his hand and could not continue, therefore the referee declared Fitzsimmons the winner by a knockout.

By this stage, Fitzsimmons had established his own style. He developed a certain movement and caginess from one of the greatest bare-knuckle fighters, Jem Mace. Mace encouraged Fitzsimmons to develop his punching technique, drawing on the enormous power he had gained from blacksmithing. Fitzsimmons delivered short, accurate and occasionally conclusive punches. He soon built up a reputation as by far the hardest puncher in boxing.

Winning the Middleweight title

Moving on to the United States, Fitzsimmons fought four more times in 1890, winning three and drawing one.

Fitzsimmons knocks down Dempsey in New Orleans, 1891. FitzsimmonsDempseyNOLAJan1891FB1.JPG
Fitzsimmons knocks down Dempsey in New Orleans, 1891.

Then, on 14 January 1891, in New Orleans, he won his first world title from Jack (Nonpareil) Dempsey. [15] [16] Fitzsimmons knocked out Dempsey (from whom the later Jack Dempsey took his name) in the 13th round to become the World Middleweight Champion. Fitzsimmons knocked Dempsey down at least 13 times and by the finish left him in such a pitiable condition that he begged him to quit. Since Dempsey would not do so, Fitzsimmons knocked him out and then carried him to his corner. On 22 July, police broke off his fight with Jim Hall after he had knocked Hall down several times.

Fitzsimmons spent the next two years fighting non-title bouts and exhibitions until giving Hall a chance at the title in 1893. He retained the crown by a knockout in round four. He spent the rest of that year doing exhibitions, and on 2 June, he had scheduled a two-way exhibition where he would demonstrate in public how to hit the boxing bag and then how to box against a real opponent. Reportedly, two freak accidents happened that day: Fitzsimmons hit the bag so hard that it broke, and then his opponent of that day allegedly slipped, getting hit in the head and the boxing exhibition was cancelled.

At a public sparring performance on 16 November 1894 at Jacob's Opera House, Syracuse, New York, Fitzsimmons knocked out sparring partner Con Riordan, who was carried off unconscious and died several hours later. Two months later Fitzsimmons was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted. [17]

Fitzsimmons vs. Sharkey

After vacating the Middleweight title, Fitzsimmons began campaigning at heavyweight (the light heavyweight division did not exist at that time). On 2 December 1896, the San Francisco Athletic Club sponsored a fight at the Mechanics' Pavilion in San Francisco between Fitzsimmons and Tom Sharkey. Unable to find a referee, they called on former lawman Wyatt Earp. He had officiated 30 or so matches in earlier days, though not under the Marquess of Queensberry rules. [18] The fight may have been the most anticipated fight on American soil that year. Fitzsimmons was favoured to win, and bets flowed heavily his way. Earp entered the ring still armed with his customary Colt .45 and drew a lot of attention when he had to be disarmed. He later said he forgot he was wearing it. Fitzsimmons was taller and quicker than Sharkey and dominated the fight from the opening bell. In the eighth round, Fitzsimmons hit Sharkey with his famed "solar plexus punch," an uppercut under the heart that could render a man temporarily helpless. The punch caught Sharkey, Earp, and most of the crowd by surprise, and Sharkey dropped, clutched his groin, and rolled on the canvas, screaming foul. [19]

Earp stopped the bout, ruling that Fitzsimmons had hit Sharkey with a low blow. [20] His ruling was greeted with loud boos and catcalls. [21] Very few witnessed the foul Earp ruled on. He awarded the decision to Sharkey, who attendants carried out as "...limp as a rag." [22]

Winning the heavyweight title

March 1897 Fitzsimmons-Corbett boxing match Fitzsimmons Corbett 1897.jpg
March 1897 Fitzsimmons–Corbett boxing match

In 1896, Fitzsimmons won a disputed version of the World Heavyweight Championship in a fight in Langtry, Texas, sanctioned by Judge Roy Bean, against the Irish fighter Peter Maher. [23] On 17 March 1897, in Carson City, Nevada, he knocked out American Jim Corbett, generally recognised as the legitimate World Heavyweight Champion (having won the title from John L. Sullivan in 1892) in round 14. [16] [24] This constituted a remarkable achievement, as Jim Corbett, a skilled boxer, weighed one stone 3 pounds (17 lb) more than Fitzsimmons. He out-boxed Fitzsimmons for several rounds, knocked him down in the sixth round and badly damaged his face with his jab, left hook and right hand, but Fitzsimmons kept coming and Corbett began to tire. In the 14th round, Fitzsimmons won the title with his "solar plexus" punch. Corbett collapsed in agony. Fitzsimmons' "solar plexus" punch became legendary, although he himself may never have used the phrase. The entire fight was filmed by Enoch J. Rector and released to cinemas as The Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight , the longest film ever released at the time. Using her maiden name, it was covered by Nellie Verrill Mighels Davis, the first woman to report a prize fight. [25]

Fitzsimmons spent the rest of 1897 and 1898 doing stage tours.[ clarification needed ] In 1899, Fitzsimmons fought James J. Jeffries at the Coney Island Athletic Club near Brooklyn, New York. Most people gave Jeffries little chance, even though at over 15 stones (95 kg) he massively outweighed his opponent and was far younger, but Jeffries lifted the World Heavyweight Championship from Fitzsimmons with an 11th-round knockout.

In June 1901 Fitzsimmons took part in a wrestling match against Gus Ruhlin. He lost and went back to boxing. He then enjoyed legitimate boxing knockouts of leading contenders Ruhlin and Tom Sharkey.

In 1901 he published a book Physical Culture and Self-Defense (Philadelphia: D. Biddle). In 1902, he and Jeffries had a rematch, once again with the World Heavyweight Champion at stake. Fitzsimmons battered Jeffries, who suffered horrible punishment. With his nose and cheek bones broken, most would have sympathized with Jeffries had he quit, but he kept going until his enormous strength and youth wore down Bob and he knocked him out cold in round eight.

Winning the Light Heavyweight title

In November 1903, Fitzsimmons made history by defeating World Light Heavyweight Champion George Gardiner (also known as Gardner) by a decision in 20 rounds, [16] [26] becoming the first boxer to win titles in three weight-divisions. [2]

Soon afterward, he went back to the Heavyweights, where he kept fighting until 1914, with mixed results. In 1907 at age 44, Fitzsimmons fought much younger Jack Johnson, during the time period in which reigning champion James J. Jeffries refused to fight Johnson. The bout between Johnson and Fitzsimmons ended in victory for Johnson with a second round knockout. [27]

Retirement

Although Fitzsimmons became a world champion in each of the Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions, historians do not consider him the first world Light Heavyweight Champion to become World Heavyweight Champion, because he won the Heavyweight title before winning the Light Heavyweight belt. Michael Spinks counts as the first Light Heavyweight World Champion to win the Heavyweight belt as well. However, Fitzsimmons was the first Middleweight Champion to win the Heavyweight title and the only Heavyweight Champion to drop down and win the Light Heavyweight title. Fitzsimmons and later Henry Armstrong were the only men to win undisputed world championships in three different weight classes. After his retirement, Fitzsimmons moved back to his home country of Britain and settled in London.

Fitzsimmons had a final professional record of 66 wins with 59 by knockout, 8 losses, 4 draws, 19 no contests and 2 no decisions (Newspaper Decisions: 2–0–0).

Fitzsimmons's exact record remains unknown, as the boxing world often kept records poorly during his era.

Personal life

Fitzsimmons married four times and had six children, four of whom survived infancy. [28]

Death

Fitzsimmons' grave at Graceland Cemetery Grave of Bob Fitzsimmons (1863-1917) at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago.jpg
Fitzsimmons' grave at Graceland Cemetery

Fitzsimmons died of pneumonia on 22 October 1917 in Chicago, survived by his fourth wife. His grave lies in the Graceland Cemetery, Uptown. Having four wives, a gambling habit, and a susceptibility to confidence tricksters, he did not hold on to the money he made.

Legacy

The statue Peace on the Dewey Arch was modelled on Fitzsimmons by the sculptor Daniel Chester French.[ citation needed ] A statue of Fitzsimmons has also stood in the city centre of Timaru, New Zealand, since 1987. It was commissioned by New Zealand millionaire boxing fan Bob Jones and sculpted by Margriet Windhausen. [29]

The International Boxing Hall of Fame has made Fitzsimmons a member in its "Old Timer" category.

In 2003 The Ring named Fitzsimmons number eight of all time among boxing's best punchers. [30]

Works

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, [31] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

101 fights61 wins8 losses
By knockout577
By decision40
By disqualification01
Draws4
No contests6
Newspaper decisions/draws 22

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
101Win61–8–4 (28)Jersey BellewNWS620 Feb 1914Municipal Hall, South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US
100Win61–8–4 (27)Dan SweeneyNWS629 Jan 1914Athletic Club, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, US
99Loss61–8–4 (26) Bill Lang KO12 (20)27 Dec 1909 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, AustraliaFor Australian heavyweight title
98Loss61–7–4 (26) Jack Johnson KO2 (6)17 Jul 1907Washington Sports Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
97Win61–6–4 (26)Charlie HagheyKO4 (6)31 Jan 1906 Webster, Massachusetts, US
96Loss60–6–4 (26) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien RTD13 (20)20 Dec 1905Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USLost world light-heavyweight title
95Win60–5–4 (26) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS623 Jul 1904 Baker Bowl, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
94Win60–5–4 (25) George Gardiner PTS2025 Nov 1903Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USWon world light-heavyweight title
93Win59–5–4 (25) Joe Grim NWS614 Oct 1903Southern Athletic Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
92Win59–5–4 (24)Con CoughlinTKO1 (6), 2:5230 Sep 1903Washington Sporting Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
91Win58–5–4 (24)Mike RankeKO2 (4), 0:1527 Dec 1902 Bozeman, Montana, US
90Win57–5–4 (24)StewardKO1 (4)19 Dec 1902 Butte, Montana, US
89Loss56–5–4 (24) James J. Jeffries KO8 (20)25 Jul 1902San Francisco Athletic Club, San Francisco, California, USFor world heavyweight title
88Win56–4–4 (24) Tom Sharkey KO2 (25), 2:0624 Aug 1900Coney Island Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York, US
87Win55–4–4 (24)Gus RuhlinKO6 (25), 2:1010 Aug 1900 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
86Win54–4–4 (24)Ed DunkhorstKO2 (25), 2:2530 Apr 1900Hercules Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York, US
85Win53–4–4 (24)Jim DalyTKO1 (6)27 Mar 1900First Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
84Win52–4–4 (24)Geoff ThorneKO1 (6)28 Oct 1899Tattersalls, Chicago, Illinois, US
83Loss51–4–4 (24) James J. Jeffries KO11 (20), 1:329 Jun 1899Coney Island Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York, USLost world heavyweight title
82Win51–3–4 (24)Lew JoslinKO2 (4)5 Jun 1897 Leadville, Colorado, US
81Win50–3–4 (24) James J. Corbett KO14 (25)17 Mar 1897The Race Track Arena, Carson City, Nevada, USWon world heavyweight title
80Loss49–3–4 (24) Tom Sharkey DQ8 (10) 2 Dec 1896 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California US
79Win49–2–4 (24) Peter Maher KO1, 1:35 21 Feb 1896 Coahuila de Zaragoza, MexicoBilled for the heavyweight championship;
A finish fight
78Win48–2–4 (24)Mike ConnorsKO1 (4)19 Apr 1895New York City, New York, US
77Win47–2–4 (24)Al AllichKO3 (4)16 Apr 1895New York City, New York, US
76Win46–2–4 (24) Dan Creedon KO2 (25), 1:4026 Sep 1894Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USRetained world middleweight title
75Win45–2–4 (24)Frank KellarKO2 (4)28 Jul 1894Buffalo Driving Park, Buffalo, New York, US
74Draw44–2–4 (24) Joe Choynski PTS5 (8)18 Jun 1894 The Boston Theatre, Boston, Massachusetts, USChoynski was down and bloodied when the police stepped in
and would likely have been knocked out had the fight continued
The bout was declared a draw. Pre-fight agreement that the fight could only be won via KO
73Win44–2–3 (24)Jack HickeyTKO3 (4)5 Sep 1893Caledonian Park, Newark, New Jersey, US
72Win43–2–3 (24)Dan ConerKO1 (4)30 May 1893Philadelphia Athletic Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
71Win42–2–3 (24)Mike BrennanKO4 (4)6 May 1893 Boston, Massachusetts, US
70Win41–2–3 (24)Joe GodfreyKO1 (4)21 Apr 1893Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
69Win40–2–3 (24)Mike MonoghanKO1 (4)21 Apr 1893Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
68Win39–2–3 (24)Alexander KilpatrickKO4 (4)21 Apr 1893 Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
67Win38–2–3 (24)Jack SheridanTKO1 (4)15 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
66Win37–2–3 (24)Dan CurryKO2 (4)12 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
65Win36–2–3 (24)Hank SmithKO1 (4)12 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
64Win35–2–3 (24)Alexander KilpatrickKO3 (4)12 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
63Win34–2–3 (24)Jack WarnerTKO1 (4)31 Mar 1893 Baltimore, Maryland, US
62Win33–2–3 (24)Phil MayoKO2 (4)25 Mar 18932nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, US
61Draw32–2–3 (24)Dan BayliffPTS415 Mar 1893 Indianapolis, Indiana, US
60Win32–2–2 (24) Jim Hall KO48 Mar 1893Crescent City Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USRetained world middleweight title;
A finish fight
59Win31–2–2 (24)Jack BrittonRTD2 (4)10 Dec 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
58Win30–2–2 (24)Millard ZenderKO1 (4)3 Sep 1892 Anniston, Alabama, US
57Win29–2–2 (24)Jerry SlatteryKO2 (4)11 May 1892Miners 8th St Theater, New York City, New York, US
56Win28–2–2 (24)Joe GodfreyRTD2 (4)6 May 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
55Win27–2–2 (24)James FarrellKO2 (4)29 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
54Win26–2–2 (24)Thomas RobbinsRTD3 (4)28 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
53Win25–2–2 (24)Tom BurnsRTD3 (4)28 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
52Win24–2–2 (24)James MaloneRTD2 (4)27 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
51Win23–2–2 (24)Charles PuffKO2 (4)26 Apr 1892 Newark, New Jersey, US
50Win22–2–2 (24) Peter Maher RTD122 Mar 1892Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA finish fight
49ND21–2–2 (24) Harris Martin ND41 May 1891Washington Rink, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
48Win21–2–2 (23)Abe CoughleTKO2 (3)27 Apr 1891Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, US
47Win20–2–2 (23) Nonpareil Dempsey RTD1314 Jan 1891 Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USWon world middleweight title;
A finish fight
46Win19–2–2 (23)Arthur UphamKO928 Jul 1890Audubon Athletic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA finish fight
45Win18–2–2 (23) Billy McCarthy RTD1029 May 1890California Athletic Club, San Francisco, California, USA finish fight
44Win17–2–2 (23)Frank AllenRTD1 (3)17 May 1890California Athletic Club, San Francisco, California, US
43Win16–2–2 (23)Professor Jack WestKO1 (4)1 Mar 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
42Win15–2–2 (23) Edward Starlight Rollins TKO922 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaA finish fight
41Loss14–2–2 (23) Jim Hall KO4 (20)11 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaFor Australian middleweight title
40Draw14–1–2 (23) Edward Starlight Rollins NWS410 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
39Win14–1–2 (22)Dave ConwayKO4 (15)1 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
38Win13–1–2 (22)Dick EllisRTD3 (20)16 Dec 1889Royal Standard Theatre, Sydney, Australia
37Win12–1–2 (22)Professor Jack WestKO1 (8)30 Nov 1889Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
36Draw11–1–2 (22)Pat KielyNWS426 Nov 1889Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
35Win11–1–2 (21) Jim Hall RTD5 (8)19 Jan 1889Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaWon Australian middleweight title
34Win10–1–2 (21)McEwanNWS41 Dec 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
33Draw10–1–2 (20) Jim Hall NWS424 Nov 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
32Win10–1–2 (19) Jim Hall NWS410 Nov 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
31ND10–1–2 (18)Mick DooleyND41 May 1888Amateur Athletic Club, Sydney, Australia
30Draw10–1–2 (17)Bill SlavinNWS417 Apr 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
29Draw10–1–2 (16)Bill SlavinNWS417 Mar 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
28Win10–1–2 (15)Bill SlavinTKO7 (8)5 Mar 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
27Draw9–1–2 (15) Billy McCarthy NWS411 Feb 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
26Draw9–1–2 (14)Tom TaylorNWS426 Jan 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
25Draw9–1–2 (13)Dan HickeyPTS423 Jan 1888 Centennial Hall, Sydney, Australia
24ND9–1–1 (13) Frank Slavin ND41 Jan 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
23Win9–1–1 (12)Dave TraversKO324 Sep 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaA finish fight
22Loss8–1–1 (12) Jim Hall NWS428 May 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
21Win8–1–1 (11)George EagerKO2 (4)4 Apr 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
20Win7–1–1 (11)Bill SlavinTKO5 (8)20 Mar 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
19Win6–1–1 (11)Dick SandallRTD4 (4)1 Mar 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
18Win5–1–1 (11)George SealePTS415 Feb 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
17Win4–1–1 (11)Jack BonnerNWS412 Feb 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
16Draw4–1–1 (10) Frank Slavin NWS41 Jan 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
15Draw4–1–1 (9)Jack MalloyPTS44 Dec 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
14ND4–1 (9)McArdleND49 Oct 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
13NC4–1 (8)Australian Billy SmithND47 Oct 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
12Loss4–1 (7) Tom Lees NWS425 Aug 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
11Win4–1 (6)McArdleNWS47 Aug 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
10Loss4–1 (5)Mick DooleyNWS45 Jun 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
9Loss4–1 (4)Mick DooleyNWS42 Jun 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
8ND4–1 (3)Steve O'DonnellND422 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
7Loss4–1 (2)Mick DooleyRTD3 (4)15 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
6Draw4–0 (2)BrinsleyNWS41 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
5Draw4–0 (1)Pablo FanqueNWS31 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
4Win4–0Pablo FanqueKO2 (4)Feb 1886The Green, Sydney, Australia
3Win3–0Jack GreentreeKO3 (4)Mar 1, 1885Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaExact date unknown
2Win2–0Alf BramsmeadKO2 (4)Apr 1, 1885Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaExact date unknown
1Win1–0Joe RiddlePTS4Mar 1, 1885Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaExact date unknown

Unofficial record

101 fights69 wins12 losses
By knockout577
By decision124
By disqualification01
Draws14
No contests6

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
101Win69–12–14 (6)Jersey BellewNWS620 Feb 1914Municipal Hall, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US
100Win68–12–14 (6)Dan SweeneyNWS629 Jan 1914Athletic Club, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, US
99Loss67–12–14 (6) Bill Lang KO12 (20)27 Dec 1909 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, AustraliaFor Australian heavyweight title
98Loss67–11–14 (6) Jack Johnson KO2 (6)17 Jul 1907Washington Sports Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
97Win67–10–14 (6)Charlie HagheyKO4 (6)31 Jan 1906 Webster, Massachusetts, US
96Loss66–10–14 (6) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien RTD13 (20)20 Dec 1905Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USLost world light-heavyweight title
95Win66–9–14 (6) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS623 Jul 1904 Philadelphia Ball Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
94Win65–9–14 (6) George Gardiner PTS2025 Nov 1903Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USWon world light-heavyweight title
93Win64–9–14 (6) Joe Grim NWS614 Oct 1903Southern Athletic Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
92Win63–9–14 (6)Con CoughlinTKO1 (6), 2:5230 Sep 1903Washington Sporting Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
91Win62–9–14 (6)Mike RankeKO2 (4), 0:1527 Dec 1902 Bozeman, Montana, US
90Win61–9–14 (6)StewardKO1 (4)19 Dec 1902 Butte, Montana, US
89Loss60–9–14 (6) James J. Jeffries KO8 (20)25 Jul 1902San Francisco Athletic Club, San Francisco, California, USFor world heavyweight title
88Win60–8–14 (6) Tom Sharkey KO2 (25), 2:0624 Aug 1900Coney Island Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York, US
87Win59–8–14 (6)Gus RuhlinKO6 (25), 2:1010 Aug 1900 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
86Win58–8–14 (6)Ed DunkhorstKO2 (25), 2:2530 Apr 1900Hercules Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York, US
85Win57–8–14 (6)Jim DalyTKO1 (6)27 Mar 1900First Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
84Win56–8–14 (6)Geoff ThorneKO1 (6)28 Oct 1899Tattersalls, Chicago, Illinois, US
83Loss55–8–14 (6) James J. Jeffries KO11 (20), 1:329 Jun 1899Coney Island Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York, USLost world heavyweight title
82Win55–7–14 (6)Lew JoslinKO2 (4)5 Jun 1897 Leadville, Colorado, US
81Win54–7–14 (6) James J. Corbett KO14 (25)17 Mar 1897The Race Track Arena, Carson City, Nevada, USWon world heavyweight title
80Loss53–7–14 (6) Tom Sharkey DQ8 (10) 2 Dec 1896 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California USBilled as the world heavyweight title
79Win53–6–14 (6) Peter Maher KO1, 1:35 21 Feb 1896 Coahuila de Zaragoza, MexicoBilled as the world heavyweight title;
A finish fight
78Win52–6–14 (6)Mike ConnorsKO1 (4)19 Apr 1895New York City, New York, US
77Win51–6–14 (6)Al AllichKO3 (4)16 Apr 1895New York City, New York, US
76Win50–6–14 (6) Dan Creedon KO2 (25), 1:4026 Sep 1894Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USRetained world middleweight title
75Win49–6–14 (6)Frank KellarKO2 (4)28 Jul 1894Buffalo Driving Park, Buffalo, New York, US
74Draw48–6–14 (6) Joe Choynski PTS5 (8)18 Jun 1894 The Boston Theatre, Boston, Massachusetts, USChoynski was down and bloodied when the police stepped in
and would likely have been knocked out had the fight continued
The bout was declared a draw. Pre-fight agreement that the fight could only be won via KO
73Win48–6–13 (6)Jack HickeyTKO3 (4)5 Sep 1893Caledonian Park, Newark, New Jersey, US
72Win47–6–13 (6)Dan ConerKO1 (4)30 May 1893Philadelphia Athletic Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
71Win46–6–13 (6)Mike BrennanKO4 (4)6 May 1893 Boston, Massachusetts, US
70Win45–6–13 (6)Joe GodfreyKO1 (4)21 Apr 1893Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
69Win44–6–13 (6)Mike MonoghanKO1 (4)21 Apr 1893Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
68Win43–6–13 (6)Alexander KilpatrickKO4 (4)21 Apr 1893 Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
67Win42–6–13 (6)Jack SheridanTKO1 (4)15 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
66Win41–6–13 (6)Dan CurryKO2 (4)12 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
65Win40–6–13 (6)Hank SmithKO1 (4)12 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
64Win39–6–13 (6)Alexander KilpatrickKO3 (4)12 Apr 1893Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
63Win38–6–13 (6)Jack WarnerTKO1 (4)31 Mar 1893 Baltimore, Maryland, US
62Win37–6–13 (6)Phil MayoKO2 (4)25 Mar 18932nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, US
61Draw36–6–13 (6)Dan BayliffPTS415 Mar 1893 Indianapolis, Indiana, US
60Win36–6–12 (6) Jim Hall KO48 Mar 1893Crescent City Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USRetained world middleweight title;
A finish fight
59Win35–6–12 (6)Jack BrittonRTD2 (4)10 Dec 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
58Win34–6–12 (6)Millard ZenderKO1 (4)3 Sep 1892 Anniston, Alabama, US
57Win33–6–12 (6)Jerry SlatteryKO2 (4)11 May 1892Miners 8th St Theater, New York City, New York, US
56Win32–6–12 (6)Joe GodfreyRTD2 (4)6 May 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
55Win31–6–12 (6)James FarrellKO2 (4)29 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
54Win30–6–12 (6)Thomas RobbinsRTD3 (4)28 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
53Win29–6–12 (6)Tom BurnsRTD3 (4)28 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
52Win28–6–12 (6)James MaloneRTD2 (4)27 Apr 1892Newark, New Jersey, US
51Win27–6–12 (6)Charles PuffKO2 (4)26 Apr 1892 Newark, New Jersey, US
50Win26–6–12 (6) Peter Maher RTD122 Mar 1892Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA finish fight
49ND25–6–12 (6) Harris Martin ND41 May 1891Washington Rink, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
48Win25–6–12 (5)Abe CoughleTKO2 (3)27 Apr 1891Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, US
47Win24–6–12 (5) Nonpareil Dempsey RTD1314 Jan 1891 Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USWon world middleweight title;
A finish fight
46Win23–6–12 (5)Arthur UphamKO928 Jul 1890Audubon Athletic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA finish fight
45Win22–6–12 (5) Billy McCarthy RTD1029 May 1890California Athletic Club, San Francisco, California, USA finish fight
44Win21–6–12 (5)Frank AllenRTD1 (3)17 May 1890California Athletic Club, San Francisco, California, US
43Win20–6–12 (5)Professor Jack WestKO1 (4)1 Mar 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
42Win19–6–12 (5) Edward Starlight Rollins TKO922 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaA finish fight
41Loss18–6–12 (5) Jim Hall KO4 (20)11 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaFor Australian middleweight title
40Draw18–5–12 (5) Edward Starlight Rollins NWS410 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
39Win18–5–11 (5)Dave ConwayKO4 (15)1 Feb 1890Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
38Win17–5–11 (5)Dick EllisRTD3 (20)16 Dec 1889Royal Standard Theatre, Sydney, Australia
37Win16–5–11 (5)Professor Jack WestKO1 (8)30 Nov 1889Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
36Draw15–5–11 (5)Pat KielyNWS426 Nov 1889Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
35Win15–5–10 (5) Jim Hall RTD5 (8)19 Jan 1889Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaWon Australian middleweight title
34Win14–5–10 (5)McEwanNWS41 Dec 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
33Draw13–5–10 (5) Jim Hall NWS424 Nov 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
32Win13–5–9 (5) Jim Hall NWS410 Nov 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
31ND12–5–9 (5)Mick DooleyND41 May 1888Amateur Athletic Club, Sydney, Australia
30Draw12–5–9 (4)Bill SlavinNWS417 Apr 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
29Draw12–5–8 (4)Bill SlavinNWS417 Mar 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
28Win12–5–7 (4)Bill SlavinTKO7 (8)5 Mar 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
27Draw11–5–7 (4) Billy McCarthy NWS411 Feb 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
26Draw11–5–6 (4)Tom TaylorNWS426 Jan 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
25Draw11–5–5 (4)Dan HickeyPTS423 Jan 1888 Centennial Hall, Sydney, Australia
24ND11–5–4 (4) Frank Slavin ND41 Jan 1888Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
23Win11–5–4 (3)Dave TraversKO324 Sep 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaA finish fight
22Loss10–5–4 (3) Jim Hall NWS428 May 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
21Win10–4–4 (3)George EagerKO2 (4)4 Apr 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
20Win9–4–4 (3)Bill SlavinTKO5 (8)20 Mar 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
19Win8–4–4 (3)Dick SandallRTD4 (4)1 Mar 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
18Win7–4–4 (3)George SealePTS415 Feb 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
17Win6–4–4 (3)Jack BonnerNWS412 Feb 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
16Draw5–4–4 (3) Frank Slavin NWS41 Jan 1887Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
15Draw5–4–3 (3)Jack MalloyPTS44 Dec 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
14ND5–4–2 (3)McArdleND49 Oct 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
13ND5–4–2 (2)Australian Billy SmithND47 Oct 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
12Loss5–4–2 (1) Tom Lees NWS425 Aug 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
11Win5–3–2 (1)McArdleNWS47 Aug 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
10Loss4–3–2 (1)Mick DooleyNWS45 Jun 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
9Loss4–2–2 (1)Mick DooleyNWS42 Jun 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
8ND4–1–2 (1)Steve O'DonnellND422 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
7Loss4–1–2Mick DooleyRTD3 (4)15 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
6Draw4–0–2BrinsleyNWS41 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
5Draw4–0–1Pablo FanqueNWS31 May 1886Foley's Hall, Sydney, Australia
4Win4–0Pablo FanqueKO2 (4)Feb 1886The Green, Sydney, Australia
3Win3–0Jack GreentreeKO3 (4)1 Mar 1885Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaExact date unknown
2Win2–0Alf BramsmeadKO2 (4)1 Apr 1885Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaExact date unknown
1Win1–0Joe RiddlePTS41 Mar 1885Foley's Hall, Sydney, AustraliaExact date unknown

See also

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ↑ Most modern sources list these tournaments as happening a year apart, in 1880 and 1881. However, contemporary reports in the Timaru Herald suggest that they took place a few months apart in 1882. [12]

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References

  1. ↑ "The Lineal Boxing World Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  2. 1 2 "Robert Fitzsimmons". Encyclopædia Britannica . 24 May 2023. British boxer, the first fighter to hold the world boxing championship in three weight divisions.
  3. ↑ McWhirter, Norris. The Guinness Book of World Records 1997. p. 467. " Lightest heavyweight champion Robert James "Bob" Fitzsimmons of Great Britain, weighed 167 pounds when he won the title by knocking out James J. Corbett". Random House Publishing Group, 1997
  4. ↑ Physical Freak Flattened Men "Like Texas Cyclone", The Barrier Miner, (Thursday, 25 November 1954), p. 7.
  5. 1 2 3 4 McMillan, N.A.C. "Fitzsimmons, Robert". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography . Ministry for Culture and Heritage . Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  6. ↑ Ingram 2012, p. 37.
  7. 1 2 3 Baker, Anne Pimlott (2011) [2004]. "Fitzsimmons, Robert [Bob]". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/37418.(Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  8. ↑ Brett, Henry (1924). "White Wings (volume I)". Auckland, New Zealand: The Brett Printing Company Limited. p. 152.
  9. ↑ Nicholson 2011, p. 45.
  10. ↑ Nicholson 2011, p. 46.
  11. ↑ Romanos, Joseph (5 September 2013). "Boxing and wrestling – Professional boxing". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand . Ministry for Culture and Heritage . Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  12. ↑ "The Mace Combination Company". Timaru Herald. 10 June 1882. p. 2. Retrieved 21 December 2021– via Papers Past. A feature of the entertainments given by the troupe is that amateurs are invited to contest in boxing and wrestling matches for silver medals
  13. ↑ Pollack, Adam (2006). John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc. p. 65. ISBN   978-0-7864-2558-7.
  14. ↑ Kieza 2015, p. 30.
  15. ↑ "The Lineal Middlleweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  16. 1 2 3 "Box rec.com. boxer: Bob Fitzsimmons". Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  17. ↑ Toronto Star, 19 January 1895.
  18. ↑ Reilly, Joe. "Born To Uphold The Law: Frank Sulloway's Principles Applied to the Earp-Clanton Feud of 1879–1882" (PDF). Drexel E-Repository and Archive. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  19. ↑ Barra, Alan (26 November 1995). "BACKTALK;When Referee Wyatt Earp Laid Down the Law". New York Times. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  20. ↑ Carpenter, Les (22 July 2015). "The forgotten story of … Wyatt Earp and the 'fixed' heavyweight title fight". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  21. ↑ Rasmussen, Cecilia (4 June 2000). "LA Then and Now: Mrs. Wyatt Earp Packed Her Own Punch". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  22. ↑ Shillingberg, William B. (Summer 1976). "Wyatt Earp and the Buntline Special Myth". Kansas Historical Quarterly. 42 (2): 113–154. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012.
  23. ↑ Sonnichsen, C.L. (1968). Pass of the North: Four Centuries on the Rio Grande. Texas Western Press. pp. 358–362.
  24. ↑ "The Lineal Heavyweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 3 June 2009.
  25. ↑ "Nellie Mighels Davis". Nevada Women's History Project. University of Nevada, Reno. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  26. ↑ "The Lineal Light Heavyweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  27. ↑ Ken Burns, Unforgivable Blackness
  28. ↑ "Robert Fitzsimmons - Genealogy". Fitzsimmons.co.nz. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  29. ↑ Romanos, J. "Statue of Bob Fitzsimmons, Timaru", Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand , 27 January 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  30. ↑ "Bob Fitzsimmons". The Ring Yearbook 2003 - The 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time. The Ring. pp. 26–27.
  31. ↑ "BoxRec: Bob Fitzsimmons". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 October 2021.

Bibliography

Further reading

Achievements
Preceded by World Middleweight Champion
14 January 1891 – 26 September 1894
Vacated		Succeeded by
Preceded by World Heavyweight Champion
17 March 1897 – 9 June 1899		Succeeded by
Preceded by World Light Heavyweight Champion
25 September 1903 – 20 December 1905		Succeeded by
Titles in pretence
Preceded by World Heavyweight Champion
21 February 1896 – 2 December 1896		Succeeded by
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