John L. Wished He Coulda Fought Jeffries

Page 27, head of second column.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SCE0ypLQHGcC&dat=19290427&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

 

I find it interesting, and perhaps surprizing, that Lil Arthur puts Fitzsimmons at the top of his list.

As you all know Johnson defeated Fitzsimmons, but he was bemused that he received a lot of credit for it in the press, because he though that Fitzsimmons was completely shot. It is therfore hard to see how he formed such a high opinion of him.

Further to this, there is a well known trend for boxers to rate other boxers and punchers to rate other punchers. In this context many defensive fighters seem to identify with Fitzsimmons.

 

Sometimes fighters and the press disagree. Some in the press might give a fighter too much credit for beating old or shot fighters, but not enough credit for beating young, strong, or tricky fighters, who might be lesser known. Same as today. Johnson knew Fitz was a much better fighter years earlier than the version he fought. Also, many fighters like to laud fighters that they have beaten or beaten easily. Makes them look better. It is rare to see a fighter say his toughest fight or the best guy from his era was the guy who beat him.

 

I mean for the most part he ain't wrong lol