Background
James J. Corbett was born in San Francisco, California on September 1, 1866. In 1854, Jim's father, Patrick Corbett, had emigrated from Ballycusheen, Ballinrobe, County Mayo, Ireland to the US.
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James John Corbett
Edit ProfileEducation
He graduated from Sacred Heart College in San Francisco.
Career
He worked as a bank clerk and in his spare time boxed at the Olympic Club of San Francisco. His speed and boxing skill brought him numerous amateur victories and the nickname of "Dancing Master. " Starting to fight professionally in his early twenties, Corbett won national recognition when he boxed a four-hour, 61-round draw with Peter Jackson, who outweighed him by 20 pounds. Jackson was one of the leading heavyweights of the era, and Corbett later called him the greatest he fought. On September 7, 1892, Corbett won the title from the vaunted John L. Sullivan, knocking him out in 21 rounds at New Orleans and becoming the first heavyweight champion under the Marquess of Queensberry rules. Five years later, however, Corbett was a victim of Bob Fitzsimmons' famous solar plexus punch in the 14th round at Carson City, Nev. After Fitzsimmons had given up the title to Jim Jeffries, Corbett tried a comeback. On May 11, 1900, he entered a Coney Island arena in superb condition and held Jeffries at least even for 22 rounds, but became overconfident and was knocked out in the 23d round. Jeffries beat him in ten rounds three years later in a San Francisco match, which was the last fight of Corbett's career. His overall record was 20 victories, 7 defeats, and 6 draws. He retired to the stage, as "Gentleman Jim" made numerous successful tours of the vaudeville circuit, and even tried his hand at serious drama. On Feburary 18, 1933, Corbett died of a heart ailment at his home in Bayside, N. Y.
Achievements
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He 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.
Personality
Quotes from others about the person
"I remember Jim Corbett very well, for he was a very important part of the first motion picture that we made for public exhibition, " Thomas Edison wrote in a letter from 1930. "Yes, he can justly claim the distinction of being the oldest living film star, and I extend him my heart congratulations. "
Connections
Corbett was married to Mary Olive Morris Higgins from 1886 to 1895. After their divorce, he married the actress Jessie Taylor, also known by her stage name, Vera.
References
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Born
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Died
February 18, 1933 (aged 66) -
Resting place
Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, United States -
Nationality
American