Who coined the phrase "The bigger they are the harder they fall"?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by janitor, Oct 4, 2009.


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  1. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    This phrase has become embeded in the English language but opinions differ as to who coined it.

    It has been atributed to John L Sullivan, Barbados Joe Walcott and Bob Fitzsimmons.
     
    janitor, Oct 4, 2009
    janitor, Oct 4, 2009
    #1
  2. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    John L. is the earliest boxer I know to have used a phrase along similar lines. I don't know if he was actually the first though.
     
    fists of fury, Oct 4, 2009
    fists of fury, Oct 4, 2009
    #2
  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    I used to know this. I will get back to you. It is way earlier than you think it ought to be. An Englishman.
     
    McGrain, Oct 4, 2009
    McGrain, Oct 4, 2009
    #3
  4. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    David did just before he went and twatted Goliath
     
    PowerPuncher, Oct 4, 2009
    PowerPuncher, Oct 4, 2009
    #4
  5. AlFrancis

    AlFrancis Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I wanna know who who it was that said " The bigger they are the harder they hit you."
    Maybe Billy Conn
    Mike Spinks.
    Bob Foster
    John Henry Lewis.
    maybe none but appropriate for all.
     
    AlFrancis, Oct 4, 2009
    AlFrancis, Oct 4, 2009
    #5
  6. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    Goliath would have won the rematch.
     
    janitor, Oct 4, 2009
    janitor, Oct 4, 2009
    #6
  7. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    He was past prime and hampered by eye sight problems from his prior 100 straight fights. David jumped at the chance to take on a shot Goliath
     
    PowerPuncher, Oct 4, 2009
    PowerPuncher, Oct 4, 2009
    #7
  8. dpw417

    dpw417 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Personally, I thought it was Fitz.
     
    dpw417, Oct 4, 2009
    dpw417, Oct 4, 2009
    #8
  9. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    I will need a primary source before I consider the matter closed pending an earlier refference.
     
    janitor, Oct 4, 2009
    janitor, Oct 4, 2009
    #9
  10. Minotauro

    Minotauro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I always though it was Walcott but Fitz made it famous when talking about Jeffries.
     
    Minotauro, Oct 4, 2009
    Minotauro, Oct 4, 2009
    #10
  11. Duodenum

    Duodenum Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    It's always been my understanding that Fitz said this right before he retired 6'3-1/2" 260 pound Ed Dunkhorst in two rounds.
     
    Duodenum, Oct 4, 2009
    Duodenum, Oct 4, 2009
    #11
  12. MrSmall

    MrSmall Member Full Member

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    Bob Fitz wasn't it?

    Or Kid McCoy?
     
    MrSmall, Oct 4, 2009
    MrSmall, Oct 4, 2009
    #12
  13. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    It was the Barbados Demon.
     
    red cobra, Oct 4, 2009
    red cobra, Oct 4, 2009
    #13
  14. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    :lol::lol::lol:

    I love how legends end up.
     
    Russell, Oct 4, 2009
    Russell, Oct 4, 2009
    #14
  15. My2Sense

    My2Sense Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I'd always heard it was Fitzsimmons prior to his fight with Dunkhorst. Although what he is actually quoted as saying is, "The bigger they are, the heavier they fall."
     
    My2Sense, Oct 4, 2009
    My2Sense, Oct 4, 2009
    #15
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