May 13, 1905 – World heavyweight boxing champion James J. Jeffries retired undefeated after 7 title defenses. The Pugilistic Champion would return to the ring some five years later in 1910 only to be defeated by Jack Johnson.
Jeffries was a champ beloved by the crowds. He was big and powerful, and this physical specimen appears to fans that he could never be knocked off by opponents. He also used a unique technique of fighting. The style, taught to him by his trainer, former Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Tommy Ryan, had Jeffries fight out of a crouched position with his left arm extended forward.
With this, he was able to absorb tremendous punishment while wearing his opponents down to the point of exhaustion, and then go on the offensive. It was said by many fighting experts at the time that he would be the king of the ring in any era because he was just that talented at boxing.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
How Sports Podcasts are Enhancing Connections Between Fans and Athletes
The days when sports fans had to rely on live broadcasts and the next
Unforgettable Rivalries: College Football’s Greatest Showdowns
College football rivalries aren’t just games; they are spectacles that encompass history, pride, and
Earnie Shavers: Boxing’s Heavy Hitter
Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes called him the hardest puncher they ever faced, harder
A Brief History of Sports Video Games
As the new NFL, Premier League, and, a bit later, NBA seasons get underway,
YESSIREE, BOB…BACKLUND! ONE NITE ONLY
INTRO: A CHORUS OF CRUNCHY HEAVY METAL GUITARS ANNOUNCER: Welcome to another head-banging, rocket-fueled,
Beating Your Division Rivals (NFL Division Totals From the 1970s)
On one of my recent posts on my Facebook page The NFL in the
What West Ham Fans Do Between Matches
Being a West Ham supporter has got a rhythm to it, one that an
Recounting The 1975 NFC Division Round Game (Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Hello, sports fans, and welcome once again to Yesterday’s Sports on the Sports History