Benny Leonard vs. Jack Blackburn

With Gans .
Afro American - Google News Archive - May 9, 1942
... the ring scalingbelieve it or not 133 pounds a slight difference of POUNDS ... career He wastops in my childhood memories Vale Jack Blackburn youll l ...
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http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...J&pg=5311,2263870&dq=133+jack-blackburn&hl=en

 

Haven't researched Dixon enough (probably have next-day reports for several dozens of his bouts, including exhibitions. but haven't read enough of them to come to a conclusion).
Since Phila Jack O'Brien has been mentioned here, after a 3-round sparring with McFarland in 1908, he spoke of Packey:
"He is the cleverest boxer I ever saw, and when I say that I do not except Jim Corbett or Kid McCoy. Packey is as fast as any of the American fighters and his cleverness is wonderful. He is another one of those head fighters, and unless I miss my guess is another Joe Gans."
I have a very extensive scrap-book on McFarland (ask Clay Moyle, and he only saw an out-dated version of it).
Bested Freddie Welsh three times. Past-prime Jimmy Britt was better than Dave Holly ever was. Jack Britton didn't have a chance in several bouts. Outpointed Owen Moran (one of the cleverest boxers of that time) with ease. Mike Gibbons was as good as Langford, and unlike his inexperienced version vs Blackburn, was at or very near his prime. When Gans trained properly, he proved Blackburn didn't have a tiniest chance against him.

 

The author didn't even remember correct date for the bout with Willie. According to recollections of Phila Inquirer's editor several weeks later, Blackburn weighed around 150 against about 190 for Willie (Inquirer scored it for Willie, 3 rounds for Willie and 3 even). Willie was able to trim about 15 pounds more while preparing for the bout with Hart. When Blackburn actually tried to make the lightweight limit at 133 for Memsic (4.5 hours before they met in the ring), he was so drained, he couldn't get up a sweat even after a couple of rounds of boxing, and had the bout been scheduled for longer than 6 rounds, he'd be stopped without a doubt.

 

Senya
I'd love to know more about the O'Brein bout?

 

Touching story the way he said "I sure am" in response to Louis defeating Simon

 

I think Blackburn is very underrated. Fought a heap of greats and often was outweighed a great deal.

 

http://senya13.blogspot.com/2010/07/1908-06-10-philadelphia-jack-obrien-nd6.html