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
Sports History On This Day: June 3
June 3, 1937 – One of the most prolific power hitters of all time, Josh
Sports History On This Day: June 2
June 2, 1935 – All good things must come to an end, in fact even
Aaron Tallent: A Seasoned Communications Professional Shares Some Football Stories
Aaron Tallent rides shotgun in the DeLorean to take us back to the days
Sports History On This Day: June 1
June 1, 1923 – The New York Giants did something no one had done before
Sports History On This Day: May 31
May 31, 1930 – At the famous St. Andrews Links in Scotland during the British
Concussions & CTE: Suggestions to Improve These Terrible Injuries
One of the biggest topics of conversation in football these days is concussions and
Sports History On This Day: May 30
May 30, 1955 – Sadness gripped the large Indianapolis 500 crowd during the big race.
Sports History On This Day: May 29
May 29, 1971 – Happy birthday to Al Unser Sr.! The driver gave himself a