Under 185lb Tournament, Round 1: # 9 James J Corbett vs # 24 Tom Sharkey

That should be easy.

Sharkey wins by DQ after Corbetts seconds enter the ring!

 

One has to wonder if the 1891 Corbett had more left in him than the 1898 Corbett that Sharkey fought.

 

Perhaps, but I think Sharkey had his number.

 

I agree. When Corbett was champion, he met Sharkey in a 4-rounder (exhibition?) and by his own admission was fortunate to last the full four rounds. It was ruled a draw. When the two met several years later, Corbett had tried to conserve energy by blocking and ducking rather than using a lot of footwork. He misjudged once and Sharkey landed flush on his jaw, sending him to the canvas and injuring Corbett's ankle at the same time. From that point onward, Sharkey was all over him, and again Corbett admits that he couldn't last much longer when his seconds came into the ring, forcing a disqualification. It would appear that Sharkey's extraordinary toughness and endurance was too much for Corbett's skill.

 

Easy win for prime properly-trained Corbett.

 

Prime Corbett takes a decision,the Corbett Sharkey beat had been out of the ring for a year and a half.