Gentleman Jim and the Brockton Blockbuster
Two of boxing's immortals were born on this day in history:
Gentleman Jim Corbett, on the left up there, was born on September 1, 1866 in San Francisco. Corbett would go on to become the heavyweight champ in 1892 by defeating John L. Sullivan, a man that many at the time considered to be unbeatable. Gentelman Jim held the crown for five years, although during that time he made only one title defense. In 1897, he lost the belt to Ruby Robert Fitzsimmons of New Zealand. In 1900, Corbett would attempt to regain the heavyweight title from his former sparring partner, James J. Jeffries, and made quite a go of it before getting destroyed by a one-punch knockout in the 23rd round. Another shot at Jeffries in 1903 ended badly, and ended his career. Later on, his autobiography, "The Roar of the Crowd," would be turned into a Hollywood move starring Errol Flynn titled "Gentleman Jim."
Rocky Marciano was also born on September 1 - 1923 for the Rock. If you're reading No Mas, I probably don't have to tell you much about Marciano. Personally, I've never been a big fan, but I was watching the first Jersey Joe Walcott fight the other night, really one of the great title fights of all time, and I was thinking, I shouldn't badmouth Marciano so much. Yeah, he was small, and primitive, and slow - and yeah, Tim Witherspoon probably would have kicked his ass - but still, that fucker could take some punishment. Jersey Joe beat the living hell out of him for 12 rounds and he kept coming. Guy had very little talent and otherworldy guts - the whole "Rocky" package. He deserves respect.
Gentleman Jim Corbett, on the left up there, was born on September 1, 1866 in San Francisco. Corbett would go on to become the heavyweight champ in 1892 by defeating John L. Sullivan, a man that many at the time considered to be unbeatable. Gentelman Jim held the crown for five years, although during that time he made only one title defense. In 1897, he lost the belt to Ruby Robert Fitzsimmons of New Zealand. In 1900, Corbett would attempt to regain the heavyweight title from his former sparring partner, James J. Jeffries, and made quite a go of it before getting destroyed by a one-punch knockout in the 23rd round. Another shot at Jeffries in 1903 ended badly, and ended his career. Later on, his autobiography, "The Roar of the Crowd," would be turned into a Hollywood move starring Errol Flynn titled "Gentleman Jim."
Rocky Marciano was also born on September 1 - 1923 for the Rock. If you're reading No Mas, I probably don't have to tell you much about Marciano. Personally, I've never been a big fan, but I was watching the first Jersey Joe Walcott fight the other night, really one of the great title fights of all time, and I was thinking, I shouldn't badmouth Marciano so much. Yeah, he was small, and primitive, and slow - and yeah, Tim Witherspoon probably would have kicked his ass - but still, that fucker could take some punishment. Jersey Joe beat the living hell out of him for 12 rounds and he kept coming. Guy had very little talent and otherworldy guts - the whole "Rocky" package. He deserves respect.
3 Comments:
Come back and post No Mas! I swear I'll start leaving comments! I even bought your ALI shirt. Which rocks.
Dear Large:
Please come back and do more posts. 18 days without No Mas.... This is not good.
seriously, come back. Nancy and I are so lonesome without you. What do you think about the contender? Say what you will about the boxing, but it certain makes a case for watching sports without announcers.
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