James J. Corbett is underrated

Sullivan and Mitchell were both way past their prime years when Corbett beat them.

His legacy could have been greatly improved if he had fought Jackson when he became champion. That would have unquestionably been his best win and would have solidified his claim to the world title rather than simply the American title.

Corbett had some good performances on the way up, was very inactive while champion, then had some good but ultimately losing performances after losing the title.

 

He really didn’t have that many good wins. But for being only the second man to hold the title I concur he doesn’t get mentioned much.

 

Some of his wins might gain luster, if we knew the full context, which we don't.

 

Very true. It’s plausible that many details have been lost over time. In Sullivan’s case though, I think we can agree based on reports that he was truly a shell of a fighter when he met Corbett

 

Hardly rocket science that's for sure and commonly found during proceeding era's. .