James J. Jeffries Survives Bob Fitzsimmons’ Attack In Brutal 1902 Classic

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The 20-over match was of great importance. Jeffries was making his fifth defense of the heavyweight championship he took from Fitzsimmons three years ago with an 11th round knockout in Coney Island. Many believed that the rematch would determine whether the younger, more physically capable Jeffries or the older boxer still dominated the game.

Jeffries entered the ring as almost a 10-4 betting favorite due to his incredible physical advantages. The “Boilermaker” weighed 219 pounds, about 50 pounds heavier than the 172-pound Fitzsimmons, who was approaching 40 years old. Despite offering great size and over ten years of age, “Ruby Robert” remains one of the most feared boxers and the best contender of the tournament.

The fight drew a gate of $31,880, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $20. Jeffries raised $14,346 in cash, while Fitzsimmons raised $9,564. The San Francisco Athletic Club shelled out about $7,970 after expenses, including a $500 payment to umpire Eddie Graney. The octagonal Arena seats about 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, almost every seat occupied by the heavyweight champion.

For seven rounds, Fitzsimmons was playing good boxes. Using a high foot and sharp punches, he repeatedly hit the champion at his target. By the second round, Jeffries’ nose was broken. Deep wounds surround both eyes. Blood flowed from the champion. Fitzsimmons kept the clean sheet against the big man. Jeffries did not agree.

Fighting with his trademark, he received punishment while waiting for his turn. Although badly swollen and almost blinded with blood, the champion remained dangerous due to his toughness and piercing power.

The end came suddenly in the eighth round. After another exchange, Fitzsimmons paused and spoke to Jeffries. Reports at the time differ from what was said. Some believe that Fitzsimmons mocked the champion. Some believe that exhaustion prompted him to invite Jeffries to throw his best punch.

Only one opening was required. Jeffries fired a crushing right hand to the body before a vicious left hook hit Fitzsimmons’ jaw. The former champion fell unconscious and fought with Jeffries, and he won by knocking him down even though he seemed to have lost almost every round.

Although victorious, Jeffries looked like a beaten man. His face was incredibly swollen and badly cut, while Fitzsimmons showed relatively little visible damage. Observers noted that anyone who saw the two fighters afterward probably guessed the wrong winner.

The incident prompted brief whispers that a fight was taking place, but those suspicions were quickly dispelled. Fitzsimmons dismissed any suggestion of wrongdoing, saying Jeffries deservedly won and that “it’s the best person to be honored.” Jeffries, peering into swollen eyes, returned the honor by calling Fitzsimmons “the most dangerous man alive” and later described him as the greatest fighter at his weight.

Referee Eddie Graney also dismissed the rumours, praising the contest as almost flawless and without any mistakes or questionable tactics. Veteran boxing writer, George Siler, came to a similar conclusion, crediting Jeffries’ resilience for wearing him down with punishment before delivering the decisive finish.

The victory extended Jeffries’ reign as heavyweight champion. He successfully defended the title two more times before retiring in 1905 without losing the championship in the ring. His only defeat came five years later after he came out of retirement to challenge Jack Johnson.

Fitzsimmons has added another amazing chapter to his career. Rather than retire, he dropped weight and became the world’s first three-division boxing champion by winning the light heavyweight championship.

Few heavyweight title fights have produced such dramatic reversals. After suffering seven rounds of punishment, Jeffries needed just one more break to preserve his championship and seal the most memorable victory of his career.