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
The New York Yankees in 1980: A Tale of Determination
After winning back-to-back World Series in 1977 & 1978, the New York Yankees had
Two Safeties From The Miami Dolphins “No Name Defense”
During the first half of the 1970s, the Miami Dolphins had a couple of
Long Shot & Hot Favorites: Discussing Historical Super Bowl Winners’ Betting Odds
When the Philadelphia Eagles walked off the field of Caesars Superdome last February, very
Century For Stripes: From Billy Jeffrey to Fraser Kershaw
In the chronicles of American soccer history, one name stands out as a symbol
1970s Baltimore Colts (An Up and Down Decade)
The 1970s was an up-and-down decade for the Baltimore Colts. After a disappointing 8–5–1
Harlon Hill: From Florence State to the NFL
Stories about unknown or undrafted collegiate players making it big in the NFL, are
A Decade of Dominance and Drama: The West From 2010 – 2020
If you are looking for a division that is a microcosm of football’s high-intensity
Early Rule Changes In Basketball (The First 50 Years)
Let us take a trip to the past to look at some of the