Page 111 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

History

However, for better or worse the pros have always held
the limelight and the heavyweight champion, in partic-
ular, has held a mighty position in our culture for more
than 100 years. After all, when they say “Champ” they
ain’t talking about the world’s greatest hitter, passer or
hoopsman --- the Champ is the Heavyweight Champion
of the World.

Briefly, some very notable World Heavyweight
Champions:

The modern era of boxing was ushered in with the leg-
endary John L. Sullivan. He was the first boxing hero
in the United States and the first World Champion in
1882.He fought the last bare-knuckle championship and
the first one with gloves.He was the guy who said,“I can
lick any son of a bitch in the house!”and usually did. He
was a genuine public hero and almost by himself
launched boxing into the new century.

In 1892, Gentleman Jim Corbett beat John L. with
footwork and strategy. Although he was never forgiven
for whipping an icon, his boxing style was the start of
something new.

Bob Fitzsimmons was born in England, raised in New
Zealand and started his fighting career in Australia. He
won world middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavy-
weight titles with a fighting weight of less than 160
pounds. In 1899 he lost his heavyweight title to James
Jeffries who outweighed him by nearly 60 pounds (by
the 11th round Fitzsimmons had broken both hands on
the large man’s skull and fell defenseless).

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