Marvin Hart: Who was he?

Harts problem was that he was never "the man who beat the man" and he also followed an extremely popular champ. When Jeffries retired he nominated Hart and Root to fight for his old title even though Tommy Burns had a very good case to be included, Hart then lost the title at the first defence to Burns.

 

The trouble with Hart, and Burns to an extent, is that their claim to the lineal HW title was made null and void by Jeffries comeback to fight Johnson, that his title reign was unspectacular has added to his anonimity.

That said, his autograph is the rarest and most valuable of all the gloved HW champs

 

There was, I cant find it on there now, a list of the Lineal HW champs on Wikipedia explaining how they came to own the title, Briggs was recognised as the Lineal Champ after Foreman, not a great one obviously, but one none-the-less

 

Hart has been called the forgotten champion by historians.

He won a controvertial decision over Jack Johnson. This decision is devisive on the classic forum today, but if you cut through the bluster, the press vas divided on who deserved the nod and it was not clear cut. Hart was rewarded heavily for agresion while Johnson outboxed him.

The circumstances of Hart winning the title are dubious. After Jim Jeffries retired, a promotor decided to organise a fight between Marvin Hart and Jack Root for the title. The press at the time did not take the claim seriously.

What salvaged Harts title claim was the fact that he lost to Tommy Burns who went on to travel the world fighting the top champions of Britain, Australia etc. Since Burns was recognised as champion Hart was accepted retrospectivley.

Hart seems to have been a Joe Frazier style swarmer, tough as nails.

Some historians consider him verry under rated.

Incidentaly, if you have queeries like this you should post them on the classic forum where you would be most welcome Mr Thomas.

 

Briggs title claim is prety solis from a historical poit of view.

A good few lineal champions who have been witten in stone as part of the line have poor claims in my eye.

Hart is one of them although ironicaly he might have justified the claim based on who he beat.

 

I always found the Marvin Hart story very interesting but have only a glossed over knowledge of the man from sites such as wikipedia. Any one know if there is a biography or a good book detailing the times of the man. I am not expecting anything like Unforgivable blackness which was fantastic.

 

I didn't know that...

 

Oh I'm full of useless crap like that

From Jo Sports Boxing Memorabilia site

'The most valuable fighter's signature today is that of Marvin Hart, who reigned briefly as heavyweight champion in 1905. Once, Hart's signature was of minimal value. Now, because of its scarcity, a well-documented Hart signature in good condition can be sold for up to $10,000'

 

Buy unforgivable Blackness the Jack Johnson book. Brilliant although a little hard going due to the depth at times but very rewarding.

I have a copy if you want it.

 

Or maybe he could post it to you, you could read it and then send it back to him.....atsch

 

Yes but did he really beat Foreman, we know what the scorecards read but many disagreed.