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
Reliving The 1986 Chicago Bears’ Season
Much has been said and written about the 1985 Chicago Bears, but what about
Unveiling the Real Lives of Wrestling Superstars in “350 Days” Documentary
The most common regret expressed by people before they die is: “ I wish
Reliving The 1974 Dallas Cowboys’ Season
After appearing in the NFC Championship game four years in a row, from 1970
Dick Tracy and the Chicago Cardinals
Long before we could watch football games on our phones, or talk with our
Key Buffalo And New England Playmakers Who Could Shape Momentum
As NFL Week 15 arrives, the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots stand at
Touchdowns and Time: A Brief History of the NFL
The National Football League (NFL), America’s preeminent professional football organization, has a rich and
NFL Game Plan Gifts From The 1970s
There have been two documented cases that I know of during the 1970s where
Detroit Lions Dynasty of the 1950s
The Detroit Lions franchise began in 1930, but they were the Portsmouth Spartans for