Monthly heavyweight rankings from 1882 onwards

January 1890

January 1890 was a quiet month, with no notable fights to report.

Discussions regarding a fight between John L Sullivan (#1) and Peter Jackson (#2) were in progress, with the California Athletic Club offering to host such a fight in April or May. Peter Jackson sent a telegram accepting the offer and sailed from England to America. It was reported that Sullivan initially accepted an offer for $15,000, but in late January it was reported that Sullivan was unavailable due to ongoing legal troubles in Mississippi following his fight with Kilrain.

1) John L Sullivan
2) Peter Jackson
3) Jake Kilrain
4) Joe McAuliffe
5) Frank Slavin
6) Charlie Mitchell
7) Pat Killen
8) George Godfrey
9) Patsy Cardiff
10) James Smith

February 1890

2/2/90 Jake Kilrain (#3) beat Felix Vacquelin by 3rd round KO.
5/2/90 Jack Fallon beat Pat Farley by 2nd round KO.
6/2/90 Jack Fallon fought a 3-round no-decision match with Frank Faber.
7/2/90 Jack Fallon beat Bill Gabig by 3rd round KO.

7/2/90 Charlie Mitchell (#6) beat former champion Jem Mace on points over 4 rounds. The fight was billed as for the Heavyweight Championship of England, with 2-minute rounds. Mace was 58 years-old old and long retired, but had challenged Mitchell in a newspaper article.

18/2/90 James J Corbett beat Jake Kilrain (#3) on points over 6 rounds. Kilrain was the favourite, but the result was a surprise as the relatively unknown Corbett proved himself the better man against the veteran.

20/2/90 Peter Jackson (#2) beat James Walker by 1st round KO.
21/2/90 Peter Jackson (#2) beat Guy Gypsy by 2nd round KO.

1) John L Sullivan
2) Peter Jackson
3) Joe McAuliffe - up by 1
4) Frank Slavin - up by 1
5) James J Corbett - new entry due to win over Kilrain
6) Jake Kilrain - down by 3 due to loss to Corbett
7) Charlie Mitchell - down by 1
8) Pat Killen - down by 1
9) George Godfrey - down by 1
10) Patsy Cardiff - down by 1

James Smith drops out due to Corbett's entry.

March 1890

4/3/90 Jack Fallon drew over 2 rounds with Jack Ashton when police intervened.
4/3/90 Peter Jackson (#2) fought a 2-round no-contest bout with Jack Fallon.
5/3/90 Peter Jackson (#2) fought a 4-round no-contest bout with Gus Lambert.

On 15th March 1890, it was reported that Peter Jackson (#2) had been attacked with rotten eggs and stones by supporters of John L Sullivan (#1) in Baltimore.

26/3/90 Joe Choynski beat Billy Wilson by 2nd round KO.

1) John L Sullivan
2) Peter Jackson
3) Joe McAuliffe
4) Frank Slavin
5) James J Corbett
6) Jake Kilrain
7) Charlie Mitchell
8) Pat Killen
9) George Godfrey
10) Joe Choynski - new entry due to win over Wilson

Patsy Cardiff drops out due to Choynski's entry.

April 1890

1/4/90 Peter Jackson (#2) beat Dick Keating by 1st round KO.
5/4/90 Joe McAuliffe (#3) beat Jack Burns by 2nd round KO.
14/4/90 James J Corbett (#5) beat Dominick McCaffrey by TKO in the 4th round.

On 29th April 1890, Joe McAuliffe (#3) challenged John L Sullivan (#1) in a public letter:

To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN—I am prepared to arrange a match with John L. Sullivan, Frank P. Slavln or Jake Kilrain, with gloves, for $5,000 a side, the "Police Gazette" championship belt and championship of the world. I will meet Sullivan in a six-round glove contest In the Puritan Athletic club, and the latter organization has agreed to deposit that amount with a responsible party if Sullivan will accept the offer. Should Sullivan refuse to accept this proposition. I will meet Jake Kilrain for the purse of $5,000 the Puritan Athletic Club will offer. Should both Sullivan and Kilrain refuse to meet me I will arrange a match with Frank P Slavin. the champion of Australia, for a purse of $5,000, the "Police Gazette” champion belt, and the championship of the world in either the Pelican or the Ormonde Clubs, London, England. To prove I am in earnest. I have posted $500 forfeit and I trust Sullivan or Kilrain will not allow my fair proposition to go unanswered, for I mean business. - Joe McAuliffe

The Police Gazette gave Sullivan a 6-month deadline to accept this challenge, or forfeit his title.

No change to the rankings.

May 1890

5/5/90 Joe McAuliffe (#3) beat Jack Fallon on points over 3 rounds.

8/5/90 George Godfrey (#9) fought Patsy Cardiff (#10). The Police Gazette called Godfrey the “Colored Heavyweight Champion of America”. The men fought with two-ounce gloves for a purse of $1,500. Godfrey was knocked down in the 8th round, and Cardiff was knocked down in the 12th. In the 16th round, Godfrey landed a number of blows to the head, knocking Cardiff down once more. He could not beat the count, and Godfrey won by 16th round KO. John L Sullivan (#1) was in the audience.

On 18th May 1890, Frank Slavin (#4) challenged Sullivan (#1), Corbett (#5), Kilrain (#6) and McAuliffe (#3).

19/5/90 Peter Jackson (#2) beat "Denver" Edward Smith, the champion of Colorado on points over 5 rounds. Smith was down 3 times in the first round, but made a good showing in the later rounds. Smith challenged any man in the world, except Sullivan, McAuliffe and Jackson.

On 24th May 1890, Frank Slavin (#4) said he would rather not fight McAuliffe, on the basis that Peter Jackson had defeated McAuliffe, but said he would fight the winner of the Sullivan-Jackson fight or James J Corbett.

26/5/90 Joe Choynski (#10) beat Jack Davies by 9th round KO.

1) John L Sullivan
2) Peter Jackson
3) Joe McAuliffe
4) Frank Slavin
5) James J Corbett
6) Jake Kilrain
7) George Godfrey - up by 2 due to win over Cardiff.
8) Charlie Mitchell - down by 1
9) Pat Killen - down by 1
10) Joe Choynski

June 1890

In June 1890, James J Corbett (#5) wrote a letter to the Police Gazette, stating his intention to fight for the Police Gazette Championship Belt in the summer of 1891, whether Sullivan (#1) still held the title or not. He stated that he was unavailable before then as he had commitments as a boxing instructor at the Olympic Club.

10/6/90 Jake Kilrain (#6) beat Frank Bosworth by 3rd round TKO.
12/6/90 Jake Kilrain (#6) beat Frank Straub by 4th round KO.
13/6/90 Jake Kilrain (#6) beat Tommy McManus on points over 3 rounds.

On 14th June 1890, it was reported that World Champion John L Sullivan (#1) was to retire, and that he had plans to become an actor. In the absence of a direct quote or a formal announcement, he remains in my rankings for now, but any confirmation of his retirement will result in him being removed.

18/6/90 Jake Kilrain (#6) beat Dick Mayel on points over 3 rounds.

24/6/90 Joe Goddard beat Mick Dooley by 21st round KO to win the vacant Australian Heavy Title. Although the best 2 fighters from the region were considered to be Jackson and Slavin, this fight established Goddard as the 3rd best fighter from down under.

On 27th June 1890, it was reported that John L Sullivan’s trial had completed, resulting in him being fined $500 for prize-fighting against Kilrain. This was a good result, considering the original overturned judgement had been a year in prison. Following the trial, Sullivan confirmed his reported retirement. He stated “I have quit the ring, and will never appear inside the ropes again”.

Based on that unequivocal statement, John L Sullivan is treated as retired and removed from the rankings.

1) Peter Jackson - up by 1
2) Joe McAuliffe - up by 1
3) Frank Slavin - up by 1
4) James J Corbett - up by 1
5) Jake Kilrain - up by 1
6) George Godfrey - up by 1
7) Charlie Mitchell - up by 1
8) Pat Killen - up by 1
9) Joe Goddard - new entry due to win over Dooley
10) Joe Choynski

John L Sullivan is removed from the rankings due to his retirement.

 

July 1890

On 14th July 1890, Frank Slavin (#3) and Joe McAuliffe (#2) signed articles to fight in October 1890. This was to be for the Police Gazette belt following Sullivan's retirement.

22/7/90 Peter Jackson (#1) beat Tom Johnson on points over 4 rounds.

No change to the rankings.

August 1890

1/8/90 Jake Kilrain (#5) beat Jerry Slattery by 2nd round KO.
22/8/90 Jake Kilrain (#5) beat Arthur Chambers on points over 3 rounds.
30/8/90 Peter Jackson (#1), having travelled back to Australia, fought a friendly bout with Mick Dooley over 4 rounds. He told the assembled crowd that he had failed to obtain a match with Sullivan but hoped it would happen in the near future.

No change to the rankings.

September 1890

In early September 1890, Peter Jackson (#1) fought a number of friendly no-decision bouts with Jack Burke, Martin Costello, Mick O’Brien, WH Watson and William Power.

27/9/90 Frank Slavin (#3) fought Joe McAuliffe (#2). This was for the National Police Gazette World Heavyweight Championship. McAuliffe was the betting favourite at 5/4, and had the best of the first round. Things changed in the second round, however, and Slavin landed a big right hand on McAuliffe’s jaw which sent him down heavily. The fight had only lasted 5 minutes, and Slavin had won by KO in the 2nd round to become the new Police Gazette World Heavyweight Champion.

Retired champion John L Sullivan commented that he didn’t consider Slavin to be champion. When asked if he would fight Slavin, he confirmed that he was retired, stating that he had left pugilism behind forever.

It was reported that Slavin would seek a fight with Peter Jackson (#1).

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin - up by 1 due to win over McAuliffe
3) Joe McAuliffe - down by 1 due to loss to Slavin
4) James J Corbett
5) Jake Kilrain
6) George Godfrey
7) Charlie Mitchell
8) Pat Killen
9) Joe Goddard
10) Joe Choynski

October 1890

20/10/90 Peter Jackson (#1) fought Joe Goddard (#9) over 8 rounds in a fight refereed by former Australian Champion William Miller. Goddard fought well and is reported to have had the best of the action, but the 2 judges disagreed on a winner and the referee declared the contest a draw. As a result, Jackson retained his British Empire Title, and Goddard retained his Australian Title. Jackson stated his willingness to postpone his planned departure to America in order to fight to a finish if enough money could be offered.

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin
3) Joe McAuliffe
4) James J Corbett
5) Jake Kilrain
6) Joe Goddard - up by 3 due to draw with Jackson
7) George Godfrey - down by 1
8) Charlie Mitchell - down by 1
9) Pat Killen - down by 1
10) Joe Choynski

November 1890

1/11/90 Joe Goddard (#6) defended his Australian Heavy title with a 7th round KO over Mick Dooley.
24/11/90 Jack Fallon fought a 3-round no-decision bout with Peter Maher.
24/11/90 Joe Choynski (#10) beat Jim Fogarty by 10th round retirement.
25/11/90 George Godfrey (#7) beat “Denver” Edward Smith by TKO in the 23rd round.

On 26th November 1890, Peter Jackson (#1) travelled to America.

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin
3) Joe McAuliffe
4) Joe Goddard - up by 2 due to win over Dooley
5) James J Corbett - down by 1
6) George Godfrey - up by 1 due to win over Smith
7) Jake Kilrain - down by 2
8) Charlie Mitchell
9) Pat Killen
10) Joe Choynski

December 1890

On 1st December 1890, Jake Kilrain (#7) beat George Harris by 2nd round KO.
On 3rd December 1890, Jake Kilrain (#7) beat Mike Brennan on points over 3 rounds.
On 4th December 1890, Jake Kilrain (#7) beat George Maguire by 2nd round KO.
On 19th December 1890, Pat Killen (#9) beat Joe Sheehy by 2nd round disqualification.
On 31st December 1890, Harry Laing beat Owen Sullivan by 44th round TKO.

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin
3) Joe McAuliffe
4) Joe Goddard
5) James J Corbett
6) George Godfrey
7) Jake Kilrain
8) Pat Killen - up by 1 due to win
9) Charlie Mitchell - down by 1
10) Joe Choynski

1890 Year End Rankings

My rankings at the end of 1890 are therefore as follows:

1) Peter Jackson – Aged 29 - World Coloured Champion and British Empire Champion (beat Godfrey & McAuliffe in '88, beat Cardiff & Smith in '89, drew Goddard in '90)
2) Frank Slavin – Aged 28 - National Police Gazette World Champion (beat Smith in '89, beat McAuliffe in '90)
3) Joe McAuliffe – Aged 26 - American fighter (lost to Jackson in '88, beat Killen in '89, lost to Slavin in '90)
4) Joe Goddard – Aged 29 - Australian Champion (beat Dooley twice and drew with Jackson in '90)
5) James J Corbett – Aged 24 - American contender (beat Kilrain in '90)
6) George Godfrey – Aged 37 - Canadian Coloured Champion of America (beat Ashton in '89, beat Cardiff in '90)
7) Jake Kilrain – Aged 31 - Former National Police Gazette World Champion (drew/beat Smith in ‘87, lost to Sullivan in '89, lost to Corbett in '90)
8) Pat Killen – Aged 29 - American fighter (beat Cardiff in '88, lost to McAuliffe in '89, unbeaten in '90)
9) Charlie Mitchell – Aged 29 - English champion (drew Sullivan in '88, beat Mace in '90)
10) Joe Choynski – Aged 22 - American fighter (lost to Corbett in '89, beat Wilson in '90)

 

There were reports that a fight between Killen and Sullivan was being made in late 1886, but it seems Killen did not want the fight. He challenged any man in the world, Sullivan excluded.
Sullivan would fight Cardiff in early 1887 instead, injuring his hand and taking time out of the ring. Killen would draw with Cardiff in ,87 and beat him in ‘88, before being knocked out by McAuliffe in ‘89.

I see your point re. McAuliffe, but he was seen as the favourite for the NPG belt going into the Slavin bout and had beaten Killen. His losses to the clear top 2 fighters in the world aren’t enough in my view to put him below the relatively untested Goddard or Corbett at this point.

 

January 1891

January 1891 was a quiet month, with no notable fights to report.

It was reported that Peter Jackson (#1) was to fight James J Corbett (#5), with the winner slated to fight Frank Slavin (#2) for the championship of the world.
It was reported that Joe Choynski (#10) had been matched against Joe Goddard (#4), with the fight to come off in February.

No changes to the rankings.

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin
3) Joe McAuliffe
4) Joe Goddard
5) James J Corbett
6) George Godfrey
7) Jake Kilrain
8) Pat Killen
9) Charlie Mitchell
10) Joe Choynski

February 1891

On 8th February 1891, Sullivan's former opponent and sparring partner Mike Donovan wrote the following:

"At present we have no champion. Sullivan has retired from the ring. A champion must be always ready to defend his belt. He must come into the ring within six months after receiving a challenge properly given and supported. If he does not do so, the challenger becomes champion by default. I do not think anyone is in the position to claim this honour from Sullivan at present."

Donovan also stated that the winner of the upcoming fight between Corbett (#5) and Jackson (#1) should be considered for the American title, and the winner should fight the champion of England and Australia, Frank Slavin (#2), for the world championship. It should be remembered that Slavin also held the Police Gazette belt, so this hypothetical fight would unify all the competing championship claims, subject to Sullivan remaining retired.

10/2/91 Joe Goddard (#4) defended his Australian Heavy Title with a win over Joe Choynski (#10). Goddard dominated the fight over 4 rounds, and a newspaper article in America stated that he ranks with Slavin, Corbett and Jackson.

On 28th February 1891, Frank Slavin (#2) challenged Corbett (#5) and Sullivan.

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin
3) Joe Goddard - up by 1 due to win over Choynski
4) Joe McAuliffe - down by 1
5) James J Corbett
6) George Godfrey
7) Jake Kilrain
8) Pat Killen
9) Charlie Mitchell
10) Joe Choynski

March 1891

7/3/91 NPG World Champion Frank Slavin (#2) beat Jack Ellis by 2nd round KO

13/3/91 Former NPG Champion Jake Kilrain (#7) beat Former American Coloured Champion George Godfrey (#6) by 44th round KO. Kilrain did all the fighting in the first 5 rounds, and Godfrey clinched frequently. There were more exchanges in the next 4 rounds, and the fighting was more even. Later in the fight, Kilrain began to dominate, but Godfrey was game and continued to make a fight of it until the knockout finally came in the 44th round.

19/3/91, Joe McAuliffe (#4) fought Jim Daly over 6 rounds. Daly lasted the distance and therefore claimed the official win, although McAuliffe was the better man despite breaking a knuckle in the fourth round.

1) Peter Jackson
2) Frank Slavin
3) Joe Goddard
4) James J Corbett - up by 1 (previous win over Kilrain looks better given Kilrain's win over Godfrey)
5) Jake Kilrain - up by 2 due to win over Godfrey
6) Joe McAuliffe - down by 2
7) George Godfrey - down by 1 due to loss to Kilrain
8) Pat Killen
9) Charlie Mitchell
10) Joe Choynski

April 1891

On 4th April 1891, Peter Jackson (#1) is reported to have severely injured his ankle, putting a halt to his training for the upcoming bout with James J Corbett (#4).

11/4/91 Joe Goddard (#3) drew with Mick Dooley over 3 rounds by newspaper decision.

On 14th April 1891, Charlie Mitchell (#9) and Frank Slavin (#2) began a journey together from England to America. Slavin was looking for a fight with retired champion John L Sullivan. Mitchell stated that he did not intend to enter the prize ring again under LPR rules, but he would box 6 rounds with any challenger with gloves. The 2 men arrived on 24th April, and were scheduled to fight a series of exhibitions against each other over 10 weeks.

On 27th April 1891, NPG World Champion Frank Slavin (#2) issued a challenge in person to John L Sullivan, but Sullivan declined the challenge. Sullivan reiterated that he was permanently retired from the ring, having taken up acting. As a result, Slavin withdrew his challenge.

On 29th April 1891, it was reported that Frank Slavin (#2) would fight Jake Kilrain (#5) within 6 weeks, and then fight the winner of the upcoming fight between Corbett (#4) and Jackson (#1).

30/4/91 NPG World Champion Frank Slavin (#2) beat Jim Daly by 3rd round KO. At the same event, Charlie Mitchell (#9) fought an exhibition with lightweight champion Jack McAuliffe, then Slavin and Mitchell had a friendly 4-round contest. Slavin was described as slow-legged but with surprisingly quick hands. Mitchell was described as excessively fat and far from condition. Slavin was introduced as the champion of the world, much to the New York crowd’s displeasure, who chanted the name of John L Sullivan in reply. After the bout with Daly, Slavin addressed the crowd, saying “I don’t claim the championship of the world, and don’t want the title. I am working for bread and beef, and will fight any man here or elsewhere for as much money as he can raise”.

No changes to the rankings.

May 1891

On 2nd May 1891, Frank Slavin (#2) and Jake Kilrain (#5) signed articles to fight in June.

4/5/91 Joe Goddard (#3) beat Billy McCarthy by 6th round retirement.

21/5/91 James J Corbett (#4) fought Peter Jackson (#1). The fight began with some good fighting, and both men landed heavy shots. As the bout progressed, the fighters grew tired, and after 4 hours were so exhausted that the referee declared the bout over, after 61 rounds. The official verdict was a no-contest to save the club from paying out a purse, but it was effectively a draw. This highlighted a problem with fights "to a finish" under Marquess of Queensbury rules. Without a set number of rounds, and with no judges, there was no incentive to take risks and score points.

It had been hoped that this fight would eliminate a contender from the championship tussle, but it was not to be. It was reported that Peter Jackson broke 2 ribs in this fight, and that both men were "extremely weak and suffering great pain".

25/5/91 Joe Choynski (#10) beat Mick Dooley by 2nd round KO.

26/5/91 Joe Goddard (#4) beat Tom Lees by 9th round TKO.

On 26th May 1891, James J Corbett (#2) was offered a purse to fight Frank Slavin (#3), but stated that he intended on taking a year out of the ring.

On 28th May 1891, Peter Jackson (#1) challenged James J Corbett (#2) to a rematch.

On 30th May 1891, Peter Jackson (#1) was informed by cablegram that Joe Goddard (#4) had failed to deposit a forfeit to fight him, so he need not travel back to Australia as he had originally planned.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett - Up by 3 due to draw with Jackson
3) Frank Slavin - down by 1
4) Joe Goddard - down by 1
5) Jake Kilrain
6) Joe McAuliffe
7) George Godfrey
8) Pat Killen
9) Joe Choynski - up by 1 due to win
10) Charlie Mitchell - down by 1

June 1891

On 3rd June 1891, The Referee stated that John L Sullivan was retired, and the next battle between Slavin, Jackson and Corbett would decide the championship.

16/6/91 NPG World Champion Frank Slavin (#3) beat former NPG World Champion Jake Kilrain (#5) by TKO in the 9th round to defend his belt. There was some controversy around whether Kilrain had been knocked out, but Slavin had the best of the fight and received the winner’s share of the purse.

20/6/91 Joe Choynski (#9) beat Owen Sullivan by 2nd round KO.

On 27th June 1891, it was reported that retired champion John L Sullivan would fight Frank Slavin (#3) upon his return from Australia in December 1891. He will remain retired from my rankings until articles for a fight are signed, at which point I will discuss his ranking.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett
3) Frank Slavin
4) Joe Goddard
5) Jake Kilrain
6) Joe McAuliffe
7) George Godfrey
8) Joe Choynski - up by 1 due to win
9) Pat Killen - down by 1
10) Charlie Mitchell

 

July 1891

20/7/91 In a rematch of their fight earlier in the year, Joe Goddard (#4) beat Joe Choynski (#8) by 4th round KO to defend his Australian title.

On 22nd July 1891, having travelled back to England together, Frank Slavin (#3) and Charlie Mitchell (#10) were fighting a friendly exhibition, which turned violent. Mitchell drew blood from Slavin’s nose with a severe blow, and a fierce fight ensued which continued after the curtain was hastily brought down. The men appear to have reconciled afterwards.

On 27th July 1891, James Smith lost to Ted Pritchard in a gloved contest. Pritchard was only a middleweight, and Smith’s claim to the English title had always been based on his bareknuckle results, so any claim of Pritchard to the title was rejected by Smith. It was doubtful whether Smith could still claim the title after losing to Kilrain, Jackson and Slavin.

No changes to the rankings.

August 1891


August 1891 was a quiet month, with no notable fights to report.

On 12th August 1891, Frank Slavin (#3) said he would accept John L Sullivan’s challenge, and that he had “not the slightest doubt as to the outcome”.

On 13th August 1891, James J Corbett (#2) deposited $1,000 with the New York World to fight “any man above ground”, preferably Frank Slavin (#3) or Charlie Mitchell (#10).

On 19th August 1891, Frank Slavin (#3) and Charlie Mitchell (#10) announced that they were sailing once more for America on September 24th, to go on another sparring tour. Slavin stated that if he saw there was no opportunity for a fight with John L Sullivan, he would accept the challenge of Corbett (#2).

No changes to the rankings


September 1891

21/9/91 In a rematch of their fight in May, Joe Goddard (#4) drew over 8 rounds with Tom Lees. Goddard was knocked down in the first round, but came back strongly in the remainder of the fight.

No changes to the rankings

October 1891

2/10/91 Joe Goddard (#4) beat Jack Ashton on points over 8 rounds. Ashton was seconded by retired champion John L Sullivan, who struggled to hide his laughter at his own man’s feeble punching.

8/10/91 James J Corbett (#2) beat Ed Kinney over 4 rounds.
11/10/91 Pat Killen (#9) beat Bob Ferguson by 6th round KO to defend the Northwest American Heavyweight Title.

On 21st October 1891, just 10 days after his win over Ferguson, Pat Killen (#8) died at the age of 29. His death was reportedly due to Erysipelas brought on by severe alcoholism.

31/10/91, Peter Maher beat Jack Fallon by 2nd round TKO.

In October 1891, Harry Laing was sent to prison for 1 year.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett
3) Frank Slavin
4) Joe Goddard
5) Jake Kilrain
6) Joe McAuliffe
7) George Godfrey
8) Joe Choynski
9) Charlie Mitchell - up by 1 due to Killen's death
10) Peter Maher - new entry due to win over Fallon


Pat Killen is removed from the rankings due to his untimely death.

November 1891

On 13th November 1891, retired World Champion John L Sullivan formally challenged NPG World Champion Frank Slavin (#3) to a fight for the championship. He deposited $2,500 forfeit in order to arrange a match for September or October 1892, with a deadline of 1st January 1892 for Slavin to match the deposit.

18/11/91 Peter Maher (#10) beat Tom Lynch by 2nd round KO.


No changes to the rankings.

December 1891

On 16th December 1891, Peter Jackson (#1) and Frank Slavin (#3) signed articles to fight in London in May 1892.

17/12/91 Peter Maher (#10) beat Charles Brown by 1st round TKO.
17/12/91 Joe Choynski (#8) beat Billy Woods by 34th round KO.
19/12/91 Peter Maher (#10) fought a no-decision bout with Jack Fallon.

On 20th December 1891, Frank Slavin (#3) and Charlie Mitchell (#9) arrived in America, looking to arrange fights with Sullivan or Corbett.
On 23rd December 1891, James J Corbett (#2) and Charlie Mitchell (#9) signed articles to fight within 7 weeks.

29/12/91 Joe McAuliffe (#6) beat Patsy Cardiff by TKO in the 15th round.

On 31st December 1891, it was reported that discussions between Frank Slavin (#3) and the representatives of retired champion John L Sullivan were still ongoing. Sullivan wished to sign for a fight in September 1892, on the condition that Slavin did not lose to Peter Jackson in their fight in May 1892. Slavin was reluctant to make a deal with such a provision, but was willing to fight Sullivan before Jackson. The meeting concluded with Slavin agreeing to consult with his backers, and Sullivan's deposit would remain in place until he had done so, thereby extending the deadline of 1st January.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett
3) Frank Slavin
4) Joe Goddard
5) Jake Kilrain
6) Joe McAuliffe
7) George Godfrey
8) Joe Choynski
9) Peter Maher - up by 1 due to wins
10) Charlie Mitchell - down by 1



1891 Year End Rankings

My rankings at the end of 1891 are therefore as follows:

1) Peter Jackson – Aged 30 - World Coloured Champion and British Empire Champion (beat Cardiff & Smith in '89, drew Goddard in '90, drew Corbett in '91)
2) James J Corbett – Aged 25 - American contender (beat Kilrain in '90, drew Jackson in '91)
3) Frank Slavin – Aged 29 - National Police Gazette World Champion (beat Smith in '89, beat McAuliffe in '90, beat Kilrain in '91)
4) Joe Goddard – Aged 30 - Australian Champion (beat Dooley twice and drew with Jackson in '90, beat Choynski twice in '91)
5) Jake Kilrain – Aged 32 - Former National Police Gazette World Champion (lost to Sullivan in '89, lost to Corbett in '90, beat Godfrey and lost to Slavin in '91)
6) Joe McAuliffe – Aged 27 - American fighter (beat Killen in '89, lost to Slavin in '90, beat Cardiff in '91)
7) George Godfrey – Aged 38 - Canadian Coloured Champion of America (beat Ashton in '89, beat Cardiff in '90, lost to Kilrain in '91)
8) Joe Choynski – Aged 23 - American fighter (lost to Corbett in '89, beat Wilson in '90, lost twice to Goddard, beat Dooley in '91)
9) Peter Maher - Aged 22 - Irish Champion (lost to Jackson in '89, won Irish title in '90, beat Fallon in '91)
10) Charlie Mitchell – Aged 30 - English champion (drew Sullivan in '88, beat Mace in '90, fought exhibitions in '91)

Note - I'm fairly unhappy with having Mitchell at #10, because he has done so little to deserve it in recent years since drawing with Sullivan in '88. That said, I'm struggling to see who realistically replaces him. He is clearly still respected, has a reasonable claim to being the English champion, is being challenged by Corbett and used by Slavin as his main sparring partner. He's also not obviously over the hill at 30, which is the same age as Jackson, Goddard and younger than Kilrain and Godfrey. I think that all adds up to deserving the #10 spot, but any decent win by somebody else should knock him off. Running through the list of alternatives I considered, I have the following:

Laing - Lost to Slavin in '88 and Burke in '89, and is in Prison for a year from October '91.
Cardiff - Lost to Killen in '88, Jackson in '89, Godfrey in '90 and McAuliffe in '91.
J.Smith - Lost to Kilrain in '87, inactive in '88, lost to Jackson in '89, lost to Pritchard in '91
Pritchard - Beat unranked Smith in '91 in his only Heavyweight fight, then returned to fighting at 160Lbs.
Fallon - Lost to Jackson in '89, McAuliffe in '90 and Maher in '91.
Lees - Lost to Fallon in '88, Fallon and McAuliffe in '89 and Goddard in '91
Woods - Lost to Choynski in '91
E.Smith - Lost to Jackson and Godfrey in '90

None of those jump out at me as deserving of a #10 spot, so Mitchell stays in for now.

 

@mattdonnellon - Any comments or corrections for 1890 or 1891?

 

January 1892

2/1/92 Joe Goddard (#4) beat Ned Ryan by 5th round KO.

On 3rd January 1892, it was reported that the backer of Frank Slavin (#3), George Piesse, was reluctant to put up the money for a fight with John L Sullivan in America. In a letter, he said:
“Even after seeing the paper I am without the merest detail of the proposed match with Sullivan, and should like to see the Jackson contest through first. The amount of gas and bluff which surrounds ‘John L’ justifies me in thinking that only an advertisement is wanted, any-how, so far as he is concerned. I should not mind posting the money with the Sportsman, provided the match was to be decided in London”.

On 4th January 1892, the proposed match between Frank Slavin (#3) and John L Sullivan was called off. Slavin’s backer in London had withdrawn due to issues with the fight’s conditions, being unwilling to make the match conditional on Slavin beating Jackson (#1) and unwilling to tie up their forfeit money until October. Sullivan’s $2,500 forfeit was returned to him.

Slavin was quoted as follows:

“Sullivan’s backers told me in New York that he could not fight within 3 months, and that a match could not be made until October or later. I will face no man until after my fight with Jackson, and then I will be prepared to meet the American champion. If Sullivan will not fight, then I will meet Corbett or any other good man”

As a result of Slavin failing to accept Sullivan’s challenge, the National Police Gazette stripped Slavin of their title, and awarded it to John L Sullivan by default.

On 5th January 1892, the California Athletic Club proposed hosting a series of fights to decide the heavyweight championship. They named the following candidates: Sullivan, Slavin (#3), Mitchell (#10), Corbett (#2), Jackson (#1), Maher (#9), Choynski (#8), Goddard (#4) and McAuliffe (#6).

11/1/92 Peter Jackson (#1) beat Jack King by 3rd round TKO. Later that day, he beat John Dalton by 3rd round KO.
16/1/92 Peter Maher (#9) beat Joe Godfrey by 1st round KO.

On 20th January 1892, Peter Jackson (#1) was interviewed in advance of his upcoming fight with Frank Slavin (#3). When asked “If you beat Slavin, and Sullivan refuses to fight you on account of your colour, will you claim the championship of the world?” Jackson replied: “No sir, I will not. I have never claimed credit for anything that I did not fairly earn, and if I were to claim the championship without beating John L Sullivan, who is the recognised champion, I would do an injustice to Sullivan, and a very foolish thing.”

On 31st January 1892, it was reported that the planned fight between Charlie Mitchell (#10) and James J Corbett (#2) was unlikely to go ahead, due to Corbett being ill.

No changes to the rankings

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett
3) Frank Slavin
4) Joe Goddard
5) Jake Kilrain
6) Joe McAuliffe
7) George Godfrey
8) Joe Choynski
9) Peter Maher
10) Charlie Mitchell

February 1892

On 2nd February 1892, Frank Slavin (#3) was asked about a potential fight with John L Sullivan. He replied that he would be in a position to discuss it after his fight with Peter Jackson (#1) in May.

On 7th February 1892, retired Champion John L Sullivan made the following statement to the press:

“I’ll meet the winner of the Slavin-Jackson fight, and put up my own money too, whether or not an outside purse is put up”.

On 15th February 1892, Frank Slavin (#3) challenged James J Corbett (#2) to a fight for a purse of $5,000, in response to Corbett saying he could knock him out in 6 rounds.

16/2/92 James J Corbett (#2) fought held an exhibition, in which he announced that he would knock out 3 men within 3 rounds, the last being Joe Lannon. He knocked out the first 2 men before going the 3-round distance with Lannon. There were reports that the first 2 bouts were pre-arranged, and Corbett was criticised by some in the press for his failure to knock out Lannon.

17/2/92 Peter Jackson (#1) beat a Joe Butler over 3 rounds. The next week, he left America for England in advance of his fight with Slavin in May.

No changes to the rankings

March 1892

2/3/92 Charlie Mitchell (#10) beat Arthur Upham over 3 rounds
2/3/92 Frank Slavin (#3) beat Felix Vaquelin over 3 rounds
2/3/92 Frank Slavin (#3) and Charlie Mitchell (#10) had a lively 3-round contest in which neither man had an obvious advantage over the other.
2/3/92 Middleweight champion Bob Fitzsimmons beat Peter Maher (#9) in the 12th round.

Despite this win over a top 10 heavyweight, Fitzsimmons continued to campaign as a middleweight, so is not included in the heavyweight ranks at this stage.

On 4th March, retired World Champion John L Sullivan stated the following in response to a challenge by Charlie Mitchell (#7):

“If the Olympic club will put up a purse of $25,000, I will fight Mitchell for it if he will bet $10,000 on the side, the fight to come off the last week in August or the first in September. I would prefer Slavin, because he is the better man, but I’ll meet Mitchell only to end his talk. I may meet Slavin yet, if that n****r doesn’t kill him.

Note: I have censored the word used by John L Sullivan to refer to Peter Jackson due to modern sensibilities. No such censoring was present in the original article.

On 5th March 1892, retired World Champion John L Sullivan issued a challenge to fight any white fighter in August or September 1892, for a purse of $25,000 and a bet of $10,000. The targets of his challenge were Frank Slavin (#3), Charlie Mitchell (#10) and James J Corbett (#2).

“I give the precedence to Slavin, of Australia, as he and his backers have done the greatest amount of blowing; the second preference is to the bombastic sprinter, Charlie Mitchell, of England, whom I would rather whip than any man in the world; my third preference is James Corbett, of California, who also has achieved some share of bombast. But I include all fighters, first come, first served, who are white. I will not fight a negro; I never have, I never shall.”.

Despite Sullivan’s comments a month earlier stating that he would meet the winner of the Slavin-Jackson fight, he now stated that he would not fight Peter Jackson (#1) even if he were to triumph over Frank Slavin (#3).

On 11th March 1892, the president of the Olympic Club offered $20,000 to Sullivan and Corbett, to “settle the question of the American championship”.

On 15th March 1892, John L Sullivan signed articles with James J Corbett (#2) to fight later in the year and is therefore reinstated into the rankings. Although there is an argument for placing Sullivan lower in the rankings, I have reinstated him at #1 due to none of the other contenders making themselves the clear leader at this stage.

21/3/92 Peter Maher beat Mike Monoghan by 1st round KO.

In late March 1892, James J Corbett (#3) and Charlie Mitchell (#10) had an argument in a New York bar.

1) John L Sullivan - reintroduced to the rankings after return from retirement
2) Peter Jackson - down by 1
3) James J Corbett - down by 1
4) Frank Slavin - down by 1
5) Joe Goddard - down by 1
6) Jake Kilrain - down by 1
7) Joe McAuliffe - down by 1
8) George Godfrey - down by 1
9) Joe Choynski - down by 1
10) Charlie Mitchell

Peter Maher drops out due his loss to Fitzsimmons and Sullivan's re-entry.

April 1892

6/4/92 James J Corbett (#3) beat John McCann by 1st round TKO.
9/4/92 Joe Choynski (#9) beat Joe Godfrey by 1st round KO.
30/4/92 Joe Choynski (#9) beat “Denver” Edward Smith by 4th round stoppage.

1) John L Sullivan
2) Peter Jackson
3) James J Corbett
4) Frank Slavin
5) Joe Goddard
6) Jake Kilrain
7) Joe McAuliffe
8) Joe Choynski - up by 1 due to win
9) George Godfrey - down by 1
10) Charlie Mitchell

 

May 1892

16/5/92 George Godfrey (#9) beat Joe Lannon by 5th round retirement in an exciting fight.

On 19th May 1892, an Australian newspaper reported that “There is great interest taken in athletic circles in connection with the approaching glove fight between Slavin and Jackson for the championship of the world”.

On 21st May 1892, Mike Donovan gave his opinion on the state of the Heavyweight Championship. He stated that no man was champion of the world, that the Sullivan-Corbett fight is for the American Championship, and the Slavin-Jackson fight is for the championships of England and Australia. He said that the winners would have to meet in order to crown a World Champion.

On 24th May 1892, Charlie Mitchell (#10) got into an argument with George Piesse, the financial backer of Frank Slavin (#4) and part-owner of the National Sporting Club. As a result, Mitchell was barred from entering the club for the upcoming Slavin-Jackson fight. This was bad news for Slavin, who had intended on having Mitchell in his corner.

30/5/92 British Empire Champion Peter Jackson (#2) fought Frank Slavin (#4) at the National Sporting Club in London. This fight was described as being for the “World’s Championship” by The Sportsman. An Australian newspaper said that this fight “was virtually for the championship of the world”.

After dominating much of the fight, Jackson landed a swinging blow to the throat in the tenth round, knocking Slavin against the ropes, then attacked with both hands, knocking Slavin out.

Whether or not you accept this fight as being for the World Championship (as it was seen by some of the English and Australian press) or as a fight between 2 top contenders (as it was seen in America), it is clear that Jackson had established himself as the #1 fighter in the world. As an American newspaper put it, “This is a great big feather in Jackson’s cap, and places him at the top of the pugilistic ladder”. An Australian newspaper wrote “By his victory over Slavin, Peter Jackson now stands as one having equal claims with anyone for the world’s championship.”

It has been reported in subsequent books that Jackson broke 2 ribs and punctured a lung in this fight, but this is not mentioned in the reports at the time. A report the following month did mention that he had broken a bone in his right wrist and was wearing a sling.

1) Peter Jackson - up by 1 due to win over Slavin
2) John L Sullivan - down by 1
3) James J Corbett

4) Joe Goddard - up by 1
5) Frank Slavin - down by 1 due to loss
6) Jake Kilrain
7) Joe McAuliffe
8) Joe Choynski
9) George Godfrey
10) Charlie Mitchell

June 1892

On 17th June 1892, an article discussed the ramifications of Peter Jackson’s win over Frank Slavin.

"As the pugilistic “big four” today consists of John L Sullivan, James J Corbett, Peter Jackson and Frank Slavin, one of whom holds and all of whom desire the World’s Heavyweight Championship, there was great curiosity to see whether Slavin or the negro would be eliminated from the championship quest. Contrary to general expectation Jackson easily proved a winner.

The Corbett-Sullivan contest in New Orleans in the fall will probably settle the championship question for some time. Of the three aspirants, Slavin’s defeat ends his chance of meeting Sullivan, the champion declares that he will never fight Jackson or any other colored man, consequently Corbett is the only man left for Sullivan to dispose of.

Many people will wonder, however, how Sullivan, if he whips Corbett, can ignore so good a man as Jackson and claim to be pugilistic king without giving Jackson a chance to defeat him."

23/6/92 Peter Maher fought a 3-round no-decision bout with Ted White.
24/6/92 Peter Maher beat George Neilson by 2nd round KO.

30/6/92 Joe Goddard (#4) beat Joe McAuliffe (#7) by KO in the 15th round. McAuliffe was the betting favourite and the bigger man. Goddard was knocked down twice in the early rounds, but grew stronger as the fight progressed. After multiple knockdowns in the 15th round, McAuliffe was counted out. After the fight, Goddard was described as “fit to be matched against Jackson”, whereas McAuliffe was described as “a third-rate man, having been whipped by Peter Jackson, Frank Slavin and Joe Goddard”.

1) Peter Jackson
2) John L Sullivan
3) James J Corbett
4) Joe Goddard
5) Frank Slavin
6) Jake Kilrain
7) Joe Choynski
8) George Godfrey
9) Charlie Mitchell - up by 1
10) Joe McAuliffe - down by 1 due to loss

July 1892

15/7/92 Peter Maher beat Bus Tierney by 1st round KO.

On 21st July 1892, Bob Fitzsimmons confirmed that he considered himself a middleweight, saying “I have no desire to go out of my class any more”. He said he would only fight Joe Choynski (#9) at 158 pounds, but would be willing to fight Corbett (#3) should he beat Sullivan (#2).

22/7/92 Peter Maher beat Pat Tracey by 2nd round KO.

No changes to the rankings

August 1892

15/8/92 George Godfrey (#8) beat Charles AC Smith over 4 rounds. The bout was described as “disappointing”, and “4 rounds of yellow work”.
15/8/92 Peter Maher beat Terry Flanagan by 1st round KO.

On 19th August 1892, Joe Goddard (#4) sent the following letter to his manager, which was published in the press:
I want to fight the winner of the Corbett and Sullivan fight for $5,000 of my own money, and I have not asked any American to put up a dollar for me as yet. I think If Corbett wins he will sleep on it, and we will be old men before he will give me a chance. I think he was shrewd in meeting Sullivan, for the latter is the most overrated pugilist alive. I am not a clever fighter, but I am ready to fight anyone and take my chance. I think Jackson is the best fighter in the world, and if l cannot get on a match with Corbett or Sullivan I will fight Jackson for the championship of the world. I leave on Aug 28 for New Orleans.

On 25th August 1892, Joe Goddard (#4) fought Billy Smith over 8 rounds. Despite the official decision being a draw, Smith was dropped frequently and the bout was stopped by police.

No changes to the rankings

September 1892

The Police Gazette wrote that the fight between John L Sullivan (#2) and James J Corbett (#3) will settle the question of whether Sullivan still holds their belt and the championship. They stated the winner would have contention from Jackson (#1), Goddard (#4) and Slavin (#5).

7/9/92 National Police Gazette champion John L Sullivan (#2) took on challenger James J Corbett (#3). There was disagreement as to whether this was a fight for the World Championship or simply the Championship of America. Corbett won by KO in the 21st round, and Sullivan immediately retired from boxing. Corbett was the new Police Gazette World Champion, and the champion of America.

After winning the title, Corbett (#2) announced he would take a year off to act on stage.

On 9th September 1892, Peter Jackson (#1) stated that Corbett’s (#2) title to the championship of the world cannot be clear until he meets and defeats him.

13/9/92, Joe Goddard (#3) beat Tom Moore by 2nd round KO.

On 15th September 1892, its was reported that middleweight Bob Fitzsimmons had decided not to challenge Corbett, believing the latter is too swift for him.

19/9/92 Joe Goddard (#3) beat Dick Wiley by 1st round TKO.
20/9/92 Peter Maher (#10) beat Steve Taylor by 1st round KO.

On 20th September 1892, the president of the Olympic Club stated that they would not offer any purse for Peter Jackson (#1) to fight Joe Goddard (#3), because southern people do not like to see contests between white men and “negros”.

21/9/92, Joe Goddard (#3) fought a 3-round no-decision bout with middleweight Joe Butler. Both men scored knockdowns before police stopped the fight.

On 21st September 1892, Charlie Mitchell (#9) challenged James J Corbett (#2). Mitchell said that Corbett must fight within 6 months or forfeit the title. He stated that he believed Peter Jackson (#1) had a much greater right than Corbett to call himself World Champion, as he had fought and taken on the best in 3 countries.

24/9/92 Joe Goddard (#3) fought a 4-round no-contest bout with Mike Brennan.

On 24th September 1892, John L Sullivan’s old trainer William Muldoon was quoted in the Police Gazette:

"If I was Corbett I would at once draw the color line and fight no-one but white men. I do not say that because I think Jackson could defeat Corbett because I do not. What I mean is this: There should be colored champions and white champions, and I would like to see the line drawn once and for all."

On 30th September 1892, James J Corbett (#2) was interviewed. He stated that there were only 2 men he was interested in fighting, those being Charlie Mitchell (#9) and Peter Jackson (#1). He said that Mitchell had insulted him and backed out of their planned fight, but he would love to fight him. He said that Jackson had a right to try fight him again following their previous encounter which did not result in a winner. However, he would only fight after his theatrical season had finished.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett - up by 1 due to win over Sullivan
3) Joe Goddard - up by 1
4) Frank Slavin - up by 1
5) Jake Kilrain - up by 1
6) Joe Choynski - up by 1
7) George Godfrey - up by 1
8) Charlie Mitchell - up by 1
9) Joe McAuliffe - up by 1
10) Peter Maher - new entry due to Sullivan's retirement.

 

October 1892

On 7th October 1892, Charlie Mitchell (#8) was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment and hard labour for an assault against an elderly man. He appealed, and the sentence was postponed until the appeal was heard.

On 19th October 1892, Peter Jackson (#1) said that his ambition is to meet Corbett (#2) in the ring, and he would prefer the contest to take place at the National Sporting Club in England. He stated that he ruled out no place, so long as the colour line is not drawn. Jackson said that he intended for the Corbett bout to be his last, win or lose. He was quoted as saying “A man cannot go on at this game forever, and I have been before the public for 10 years. I am 31 years of age, and I feel that it is about time that I stopped.” He said that if Corbett decided to take a year out of the ring, he would probably retire, as he had no wish to fight anyone else.

On 29th October 1892, the Police Gazette stated that their champion James J Corbett (#2) must accept one of the challenges by Charlie Mitchell (#8) or Joe Goddard (#3) within 6 months or lose his title.

An article in October 1892 discussed the Heavyweight Championship:
“Undoubtedly the question of who is the champion boxer of the world rests between two men only, and these men are Peter Jackson and James Corbett. They have already met and fought a draw of 61 rounds. Since then Jackson has defeated Slavin, while Corbett has improved his claim by beating John L Sullivan. Consequently it is to be hoped the enterprise of the National Sporting Club will result in a meeting here at home between these celebrated Heavy Weights.”

On 31st October 1892, 24-year-old Joe Choynski (#6) beat 39-year old George Godfrey (#7) by 15th round KO.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett
3) Joe Goddard
4) Frank Slavin
5) Joe Choynski - up by 1 due to win over Godfrey
6) Jake Kilrain - down by 1
7) Charlie Mitchell - up by 1
8) George Godfrey - down by 1 due to loss
9) Joe McAuliffe - down by 1
10) Peter Maher - up by 1

November 1892

On 4th November 1892, Peter Jackson’s manager said that James J Corbett (#2) must fight if he wishes to continue to call himself the Champion of America. He stated that Jackson (#1) had no intention of claiming the title by default, but that he was keen to meet Corbett in the ring.

21/11/92 Joe Choynski (#5) beat Charles AC Smith by 4th round KO.
24/11/92 Joe Choynski (#5) beat Denny Kelliher on points over 2 rounds.
26/11/92 Joe Choynski (#5) beat Jack Fallon by 4th round KO.

On 27th November 1892, an article by Macon McCormick stated that Corbett (#2) was not the world champion, but simply the American champion, just as John L Sullivan had been. He predicted that Corbett would beat Mitchell (#7).

James J Corbett (#2) wrote an article in which he laid out his plans for defending his title:
“I will carry out the theatrical contracts I have entered into; these will run up to a year almost from the present date. Then I will cheerfully meet Charlie Mitchell, of England; Peter Jackson, of Australia, or any other man who is anxious to win fistic fame and wealth. I draw no colour line, but I will give Mitchell the first chance. Should good fortune remain with me in my contest with Mitchell, as I feel confident it will, I will again resume my stage career and not fight again for a reasonable length of time, say one year. Then I will be prepared to meet Peter Jackson or the best pugilist at that period before the public. After that I will in all probability retire from the prize ring for good.”

He also addressed the rules of defending his title:
"The talk that I must fight within 6 months from the date of a challenge, backed by a forfeit, is ludicrous. That was the rule, I admit, in days gone by when the London prize ring was in its glory. That rule, however, like the “London Prize Ring” institution, is obsolete."

28/11/92 Peter Jackson (#1) beat Denny Kelliher over 3 rounds.



No changes to the rankings.

December 1892

On 7th December 1892, Charlie Mitchell (#7) withdrew his appeal against his sentence, and was taken to Pentonville Prison for 2 month’s imprisonment.

8/12/92 Joe Goddard (#3) beat Peter Maher (#9) by 2nd round KO.
29/12/92 Joe Choynski (#6) beat Bob Ferguson on points over 4 rounds and Mike Boden by 4th round KO.

1) Peter Jackson
2) James J Corbett
3) Joe Goddard
4) Frank Slavin
5) Joe Choynski - up by 1 due to win over Maher
6) Jake Kilrain - down by 1
7) Charlie Mitchell
8) George Godfrey
9) Joe McAuliffe
10) Peter Maher

1892 Year End Rankings

My rankings at the end of 1892 are therefore as follows:

1) Peter Jackson – Aged 31 - World Coloured Champion and British Empire Champion (drew Goddard in '90, drew Corbett in '91, beat Slavin in '92)
2) James J Corbett – Aged 26 - National Police Gazette World Champion and American Champion (beat Kilrain in '90, drew Jackson in '91, beat Sullivan in ‘92)
3) Joe Goddard – Aged 31 - Australian Champion (drew Jackson in '90, beat Choynski twice in '91, beat McAuliffe and Maher in '92)
4) Frank Slavin – Aged 30 - Former NPG World Champion (beat McAuliffe in '90, beat Kilrain in '91, lost to Jackson in '92)
5) Joe Choynski – Aged 24 - American fighter (beat Wilson in '90, lost twice to Goddard, beat Dooley in '91, beat Godfrey in '92)
6) Jake Kilrain – Aged 33 - Former National Police Gazette World Champion (lost to Sullivan in '89, lost to Corbett in '90, beat Godfrey and lost to Slavin in '91, inactive in '92)
7) Charlie Mitchell – Aged 31 - English champion (drew Sullivan in '88, beat Mace in '90, fought exhibitions in '91, unbeaten in '92)
8) George Godfrey - Aged 39 - Canadian Coloured Champion of America (beat Ashton in '89, beat Cardiff in '90, lost to Kilrain in '91, lost to Choynski in '92)
9) Joe McAuliffe – Aged 28 - American fighter (beat Killen in '89, lost to Slavin in '90, beat Cardiff in '91, lost Goddard in '92)
10) Peter Maher - Aged 23 - Irish Champion (won Irish title in '90, beat Fallon in '91, lost to Fitz and Goddard in '92)


Note - I complained about having Mitchell at #10 in the 1891 list, and now have him at #7. I therefore feel I have to justify this, if only to myself. Firstly, he has a good pedigree, earned his spot initially through a series of strong wins, had a great result getting a draw against Sullivan in '88, and hasn't lost since. He was active in 1892 and made a good showing of himself in a 3-round fight with Slavin, so isn't knocked down the rankings due to his performances. He was challenged by Sullivan and Corbett in the year, and was listed by a leading club in their list of contenders for the title. He is clearly still seen as a top level fighter and the best English boxer. Of the 9 fighters ranked above him in 1891, 6 of them are still above him. The 3 who have dropped below him are McAuliffe, Godfrey and Maher, all of whom have lost at least once in the year. Of the chasing pack, none have done enough to make an entry into the top 10 this year. I have reviewed each of these below:

Fitzsimmons - Would be in the top 10 if he campaigned at Heavyweight, but is still clearly choosing to remain at Middleweight.
Pritchard - Competing at middleweight since his 1 Heavyweight fight, lost twice in the year
Fallon - Lost to Jackson in '89, McAuliffe in '90, Maher in '91 and Choynski in '92
J.Smith - Lost to Kilrain in '87, inactive in '88, lost to Jackson in '89, lost to Pritchard in '91, inactive in '92
Laing - Lost to Slavin in '88 and Burke in '89, beat 2 middleweights in 1892 and drew with another.
Cardiff - Lost to Killen in '88, Jackson in '89, Godfrey in '90 and McAuliffe in '91, lost again in '92.
Lees - Lost to Fallon in '88, Fallon and McAuliffe in '89 and Goddard in '91, inactive in '92
E.Smith - Lost to Jackson and Godfrey in '90, and Choynski in '92

 

Just bumping this thread up the list, my update for 1892 is above. Feedback welcome and appreciated, I had to make a few tough decisions on how to rank the very top fighters in this year.

It was a year with 2 huge fights and a lot of talking. Ultimately this was a year of transition which saw 2 big punchers (Sullivan and Slavin) eclipsed by 2 more technical fighters (Jackson and Corbett). It’s not obvious to me who should be #1 between those two, and I think there is an argument for both of them. Ultimately I plumped for Jackson for his better overall resume and his big win this year being over a younger, more active and more “prime” fighter, who would have still been the Gazette champion had he not been let down by his financial backers.

Interested in the thoughts of @mattdonnellon as usual.