Some nicely editted Corbett-Fitzsimmons footage that shows the solar plexus punch

Thanks for showing this. The clearest footage and seems to be run at a proper speed. From past posts I understand that many have a low opinion of Fitz and Corbett off this footage. They do carry their hands low, but I think both show a great deal of athletic talent and, by the way, move very fast and gracefully when projected at the proper speed.

 

A minor observation.

Fitzsimmons later claimed that it was not a solar plexus punch but a blow to the inner margin of the lower rib where it passes over the heart.

 

A pure bare knuckle style if i've ever seen one. Hands nicely in position to protect the hips, a tentative style based mostly on single shots followed by potential single counters or clinches. The way Fitz leans back with his back making an angle backward is the biggest no-no in boxing that you won't even see in amateur boxing. It's impossible to generate power from that position, you're off balance and basically inviting to be taken out.

I do feel for Corbett though, body shots can paralyze you and you can clearly see he tries to get up but his body simple says "no".

 

we are in 100% agreement. That style right there is not the type of style i am being taught in the gym.

 

we are in 100% agreement. That style right there is not the type of style i am being taught in the gym.

 

I am rapidly coming to the colclusion that the "bare knuckle style" went long before the queensbury rules were universaly adopted.

I think that fighters like Jem Mace have more in common with modern gloved fighters than they do with the genaration of bareknucklers who presceded them.

 

Just because you are not taught a given style in the gym dosnt mean it isnt a viable way of doing things.

A lot of great fighters have had styles that would be alien to anything you learn in the gym Muhamad Ali and Roy Jones being prime examples.

 

If it is imposible to generate power from that position then Fitz would have punched a hole in the earths crust from the correct position.

 

mayorga a wild swinging fighter who does as many no nos in boxing stopped a modern day boxing specimen of technique and training in vernon forrest.
an example of odd styles that just beat modern day technical "brilliance"

corbett doesnt look that far wrogn from roy jones at the start. with his body jab.

 

just imagine fitz and corbett getting thrown in with a freak super southpaw like corrie sanders!! GOOD NIGHT!!

 

Ali and Jones had freakish speed for their size; Fitzsimmons did not. Also note that Ali and Jones had to move 10 and 8 oz gloves.. their gloves were what, 4 oz? Takes something out of the speed.

Besides, Ali used to lean back a bit, but usually either moved sideways or countered. Fitzsimmons leans back all the way, almost falling backwards. Didn't use angles either; just in back in a straight line. If you go back normally, you can afford to do so as you can still pivot, but if your head is aligned behind your front foot, it's not really a good idea.


He'd be laughed at in a modern gym, and not because of those pants. It's a bare knuckle style.