Jack Johnson easily despatched an ancient Bob Fitzsimmons in a couple of rounds and uncharacteristically refused to take any credit for it. Had they met in the timescale I gave ,what would have been the result?
This fight could go any way. An old Fitz tore Jeffries appart but could not stop him. A young Fitz may very well have finished the job. Johnson from Reno was as impressive as any fighter alive, albeit against an ancient and therefore poor opponent. Fitz is the ultimate trap setter and Johnson is the ultimate defensive fighter. Johnson's mauling and clinching theoretically should wear Fitz down so these rules are important. Fitz who you wouldnt think would be as strong as johnson would be up against it. Still, choynski showed what a hitter of Fitz' caliber could do to Johnson. Fitz did find a way to catch everyone with massive clean blows at some stage and only Jeffries avoided the KO. if he catches Johnson he wins the fight. This is no Tommy Burns who Johnson toyed with. In fact, an ancient Fitz actually bettered Tommy Burns in a 6 round exhibition. I dont think Johnson could Toy with Fitz. The actual fight had Fitz announcing in the ring before the fight that his arm was injured so it tells us nothing. Still, it may be telling that Fitz was finished off so quickly when Johnson cut loose. If Fitz struggled with Corbetts power, i think that Johnson proved he would struggle with his. Thinking of this, i think that Johnson's cautiousness is what might just cost him the fight. He doesnt press his advantages enough and eventually Fitz catches with a trap and finishes him off, against the run of play.
Johnson was a huge fan of Fitz's. Fitz was susceptible to the jab ,and Jack was probably the stronger man so he could probably nullify Bob in the clinches , this gives Jack the edge imo. But no cake walk!
Great fight. The greater defensive fighter wins it. Fitz can't do anything in close and at distance the Johnson jab dominates. Johnson by tenth round ko.
I would favour Fitzsimmons, merely on basis Fitz always came to the ring, in shape, ready to fight all fight, was a ring craftsman and had a punch to match. Johnson sadly did not always enter ring in shape or was willing to fight more than he needed too. With my trusty time machine i would happily return in time to view this fight, in all honesty either man on their day could defeat the other. Not biased at all of course being that Fitz was born in Kernow (Cornwall UK)
The matchup was against the Johnson of the Reno battle. Although Jack claimed he trained little for this fight he looked in great shape b
I think you'll find Johnson was generally in shape for the toughest defences,and in good enough shape for the White Hopes White America wanted him to defend against. Fitz was born in 61 Wendron Street Helston, pretty much the same isn't it?
