A lot of arguments about the merits of a given win tend to turn on the assumption that a champion or challenger was inactive in the years leading up to a given fight. Obviously the fact that they did not have a scheduled fight during this period does not mean that they were necessarily inactive. They might have been involved in exhibitions, or actively sparring. Lets examine the evidence based on their known exhibitions: Sullivan In the year of 1890 Sullivan was involved in exhibitions throughout the year with Joe Lannon, with at least nine on record. In 1891 he is only known to have had three. Corbett Corbett was very active in fighting exhibitions, and only seems to have been truly inactive in the year of 1901. Fitzsimmons Seems to have been inactive in the year of 1898, but very active in the two years leading up to the Jeffries defense. Was very active throughout the period between the two Jeffries fights. Jeffries Inactive in 1905, two exhibitions in 1906, inactive through 1907 and 1908, became active again in 1909, presumably to prepare for the Johnson fight. Willard Two exhibitions known for 1918, and at least fourteen for 1919. Inactive for 1920 and 1921, becoming active again in 1922, presumably for his attempted comeback in 1923. Dempsey Active throughout 1924, 1925, and 1926.
Obviously these exhibitions might have been tame affairs, or they might have been short fights in all but name. I suspect that the fighters performance when they next have an official fight usually tells the story!
