Peter Jackson vs Bob Fitzsimmons. Each in what you consider to be their heavyweight prime. Who wins, in fights of various durations? I favor Jackson up to eight rounds, Fitzsimmons twelve rounds and over, even at ten rounds.
Bob Fitzsimmons sparred with a faded Peter Jackson and got the worst of it. He later said that he had no desire to fight Peter Jackson. And nobody in their right mind at the time had any desire to fight Bob Fitzsimmons.
Succinct and balanced reply!:good I'm currently about 170 pages into apollacks Corbett book; but I've been peaking at his Fitzsimmons book, too. After his title loss to Fitzsimmons, Corbett says Fitzsimmons is the best guy he's faced; but, in his biographies, Corbett ranks Jackson higher. I think this is a great match up, Jackson's attrition versus Ruby Bob's sudden death.
Jackson fought in a similar fashion to Corbett, but you get the impression he was of a stronger body and sterner punch. On this simple basis and of documented opinion on the matter you would have to favour the Black Prince to spear at Fitzsimmons and counter his rushing tactics. Never like to count Fitzsimmons out, but Jackson would have made a big mark had the boxing laws let him of the leash.
Untill the war Corbett and Fitz made every top 10 list. Jackson would have been with them given half a chance. It is not out of the question that he could have outshined Sullivan or Jeffries.
Both Macean and I believed sparred together. Jackson lacked Fitzsimmons cockiness and Ruby Robert would of won before 1886; after until 1894 you would favor Jackson, post 1894 Jackson demons would of meant Fitzsimmons would be favoured once more.
Jackson did not have Corbett's remarkable mobility with his feet, but he did have a good footwork, very fast hands, and was bigger / hit harder. I think the contest hinges on Fitz ability to land the knockout blow, because he could not out box Jackson. Based on news reads, Jackson's chin was pretty good, but big hitters like Goddard could floor him. This gives Fitz his opening. Fitz could end a match at any time to the head or the body. Fitz was a master at the art of setting up the knockout blow with traps, feints, and change up speeds. It is a shame Fitzs KO over Ruhlin and Sharkey on film are lost. Wellthe Ruhlin film might still be out there. Who wins? I like Jackson via late round TKO ( Rounds 13-20 ), but it is very close and Fitz could certainly win at any time too. If the bout went the distance, I think Jackson wins on points.
