Background
Corbett, James John was born on September 1, 1866 in San Francisco, California, United States. Son of Patrick and Katherine (McDonald) Corbett.
Corbett, James John was born on September 1, 1866 in San Francisco, California, United States. Son of Patrick and Katherine (McDonald) Corbett.
No children.
Began boxing (as member Olympic Club), 1884. Defeated Joe Choynski in 28th round of bout which began May 30, 1889 and ended week later on barge in San Francisco Bay (after being stopped by police). Defeated Jake Kilrain, New Orleans, February 1890, Dominick McCaffrey, Brooklyn, April 1890.
Fought Peter Jackson to draw after 61 rounds. Fought John L. Sullivan in exhibition match of 4 1-minute rounds. Defeated Sullivan in 21 rounds, September 1892.
Defeated Charlie Mitchell (English champion) and Peter Courtney, 1894. Knocked-out by body blow from Robert Fitzsimmons, March 17, 1897. Toured country in play Gentleman Jack.
Beaten by Jim Jefferies in 23 rounds, 1900, again defeated by Jefferies, 1903. Retired from ring, appeared in drama and vaudeville.
Author: The Roar of the Crowd, 1925.
Member Olympic Club), 1884.
Married Olive Lake, June 8, 1886. Married second, Jessie Taylor, August 15, 1895.