So who thinks Peter Jackson would have beaten Sullivan?

You have a reading problem, Mcvey. My inital statement was backed up by two newspapers after you called me out. I suppose you feel the newspapers were making things up.

 

Rip This Thread.

 

I bailed out of this thread a few pages back, because I felt the point I was making was a very simple one to explain and understand.

Still, coming back two days and a few pages later, I see the conversation has centred pn the same debate.

I've haven't read all the posts, but there is one line that I've seen re-appear and it amuses me. I dont know why but I just find it funny :

 

With hindsight I think you were a whole lot smarter than me!,I thought the point had been proved beyond doubt ,but you can lead a horse etc.Another one He was ok until he stepped in the ring!

 

I had thought this thread dead as well but a last attempt;
Billy Madden in an article on top boxer's future ambitions.
"Before he got broken down in health...is an unhappy discontented man...Now his only ambition is to dawdle away his life in gay London sporting circles and eventually open up a public house."-on Peter Jackson.
The Independent, Massillon, Ohio.September 17, 1896.

 

I find it a bit humorous that some are excusing Jackson's poor showings for alcoholism but not discussing the same effect that might be made on Sullivan's career.

What is certain is that we can never know with the certitude that some here are proclaiming who would have won this fight. Some just enjoy arguing for the sake of argumentation.

I am more concerned with who would have won a drinking contest, Sullivan, Jackson or Battlin' Siki. Wait for my thread.

 

I think a lot of it is water under the bridge...

 

Jacksons poor showing was a result of having 10rds of boxing in 6 years as well as living a dissippated life..Plus having TB.I dont think there is anyone who doesnt think Sullivans defeat by Corbett,was aided by his hectic life style of booze and broads,Have you seen pictures or clips of John L after he retired?Have a look at him sparring on u tube its at the time of the Jeffries Johnson fight,he looks 70 but is in fact 52! The fat slob that Corbett wore down was a far cry from the dreadnought that Muldoon had rescued from the grog and brought back to beat Kilrain. Of course we can never know wether Sullivan or Jackson would have won,but its fun to speculate.The reason this thread went on so long had nothing to do with Jackson being excused for his bad showing due to his physical condition,but the assertion by another poster that he was in fine shape.The motive was to build up Jeffires,I dont enjoy arguing ,but if I think Im right I wont give in ,prove me wrong and I will concede,and apologise.Drinking contest?why Young Griffo and Lew Jenkins would beat the three of them.

 

As an Irishman, I propose Maher and Jack Doyle as a drink tag team.

 

Fun reading, You guys know your stuff, but did the author, Mr.Pollack make a case either way, Sullivan or Jackson?

 

At least you get it. Remembering Peter Jackson and sharing knowledge of him is important. It's why I love this sport, the oral history and the lineage, the plot lines and narrative.

But it seems some want to draw conclusions from idle 21st century speculation. I ask you, back in the days of the 1890's how many folks actually saw both fighters in multiple outings, their best and worst? How many of these were not associated with one camp or the other, and were to some degree objective? How many were really qualified even 120 years ago to speak on this subject? Maybe half a dozen? But today, through the mist of time and without any footage, some keyboard jockeys want to proclaim with absolute certitude that one would defeat the other. Please.

 

I think we all take it ,and ourselves too seriously at times,none of us are qualified to state with certainty who could defeat who,certainly not me,Im a fan not an expert,you get posters giving judgements on Sullivans capabilities based on him hitting a speed ball dressed in a Norfolk shooting coat and hat ,he is 52 looks 70 and is fat as a barrel,how can you make an opinion based on that?We read old reports ,glean what we can and make our minds up accordingly ,but we are really too dogmatic about it the next guys opinion on the old timers is as valid as mine ,probably more so.That said Jackson kos Sullivan in the 17th rd with a left uppercut following a right cross to the jaw.

 

No way do two drunken men survive into round 17-you need to do more research.

 

I agree. Irishman Jim Corbett did not make it to round 15 on St. Patrick's day.