The best Heavyweight (1890-2019) Tournament First Round Part Four

Worth noting Fitz actually challenged Corbett after KOing Dan Creedon in 1894, he already had wins over heavyweights like Choynski and Maher, and people had been talking of him challenging at heavyweight since he beat Dempsey, so he had plenty of basis for his challenge.

The knock down wasn't that heavy, no way it would have been a stoppage. You can see Fitz taking his time and waiting to get up.

 

From what I've read on it, the knockdown was sort of 'Long-Count-ish'. Corbett dropped Fitz and Bob grappled Corbett's legs and the count didn't start until the referee freed Corbett from Bob's grasp. We also don't know the extent of the blood. Was it a cut or from the nose? We just know he was bloodied. It was said he covered up on the ropes while Corbett flailed on him until the end of the round. Under modern rules, we just don't know how a referee today would react as we really don't know the extent of the damage Bob took in the 6th. Like I said, despite what we read, it's only conjecture.

 

You can watch 6th round by your own eyes. I doubt Fitz would be counted out even today.

 

Seen it many times, but just too murky for me to make a judgement call. So much is lost in depth and breadth. But lets just say it wouldn't be stopped on today's standards. My point is a peak Corbett of '92 would have beaten a peak Fitz. Obviously others feel differently, but I wanted to clarify my stance on the subject.

 

He sure didn't act that way vs Jack Sharkey. Tunney was a better version of Georges Carpentier who until he became injured was landing and doing reasonably well vs Dempsey. Movement gave Dempsey some fits. Tunney could box and move all night.