James J. Corbett
| James J. Corbett | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | James John Corbett |
| Nickname(s) | Gentleman Jim |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Reach | 73 in (185 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born |
September 1, 1866 San Francisco, California |
| Died | February 18, 1933 (aged 66) Bayside, New York City |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 20 |
| Wins | 11 |
| Wins by KO | 5 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Draws | 3 |
| No contests | 2 |
James John "Gentleman Jim" Corbett (September 1, 1866 – February 18, 1933) was an American professional boxer and a former World Heavyweight Champion, best known as the man who defeated the great John L. Sullivan. Despite a career spanning only 20 bouts, Corbett faced the best competition his era had to offer; squaring off with a total of 9 fighters who would later be enshrined alongside him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
In 1854, his father, Patrick Corbett, had emigrated from Ballycusheen, Ballinrobe, County Mayo, Ireland to the US. James Corbett returned to Ballinrobe in 1894, and among the highlights of his visit were the boxing demonstrations he gave in Ballinrobe Town Hall. The proceeds from the event's entrance fees were donated for the upkeep of Partry Church, where his uncle, the Reverend James Corbett, was then parish priest. He also donated a stained glass window to the church. He also coached boxing at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. He stood at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), with a reach of 73 inches (185 cm).
Dubbed by the media as "Gentleman Jim Corbett," he graduated from Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco and was rumored to have a college education. He also pursued a career in acting, performing at a variety of theatres. He has been called the "Father of Modern Boxing" because of his scientific approach and innovations in technique. Some think that he changed prizefighting from a brawl to an art form.
On May 21, 1891, Corbett fought Peter "Black Prince" Jackson, a much-heralded bout between crosstown rivals, since Corbett and Jackson were boxing instructors at San Francisco's two most prestigious athletic clubs. They fought to a no-contest after 61 rounds.
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