Monday, August 28, 2017

AS SEEN ON TV - "GENTLEMAN JIM" CORBETT


'DEATH VALLEY DAYS'
"THE FIGHT SAN FRANCISCO NEVER FORGOT"

"GENTLEMAN JIM" CORBETT
portrayed by
JAMES DAVIDSON

From Wikipedia:
James John "Gentleman Jim" Corbett (September 1, 1866 – February 18, 1933) was an American professional boxer and a former World Heavyweight Champion, best known as the man who defeated the great John L. Sullivan. Despite a career spanning only 20 bouts, Corbett faced the best competition his era had to offer; squaring off with a total of 9 fighters who would later be enshrined alongside him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.


Dubbed by the media as "Gentleman Jim Corbett," he graduated from Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco and was rumored to have a college education. He also pursued a career in acting, performing at a variety of theaters. He has been called the "Father of Modern Boxing" for his scientific approach and innovations in technique.


This fight may have been fictional, despite the episode title.  Instead, they should have depicted this fight instead:

CORBETT vs. JACKSON
1891

From Wikipedia:
On May 21, 1891, Corbett fought Peter "Black Prince" Jackson, a much-heralded bout between crosstown rivals, since Corbett and Jackson were boxing instructors at San Francisco's two most prestigious athletic clubs. They fought to a no-contest after 61 rounds.

I have a feeling there's a reason why this true story was not depicted in 1966......


But of course, I can't prove that........

BCnU!

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