CORBETT, JAMES J.-CHARLES MITCHELL ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT (1894)

HISTORY: On January 25, 1894 in Jacksonville, Florida heavyweight champion James J. Corbett defended his title against the English champion Charley Mitchell. Corbett made short work of Mitchell stopping him in the 3rd round. The men entered the ring and time was called at 2:50 pm. The referee ordered them to shake hands, but neither responded. Then the fight began. First Round—Corbett led with left on Mitchell's chin. They clinch. Exchanged body blows and Jim reaches Charlie's left eye, heavily. Mitchell reaches the ribs. Another exchange and Mitchell clinches. Mitchell gets in on Corbett's neck, and Jim lands right and right again. Just as time called good body blow. Honors easy in first round. It looks as if it was to be a wicked fight. Second Round—A wild exchange and a clinch. Corbett uppercuts his man as they come together. Mitchell lands hard on ribs, and as Mitchell came in Jim caught him on head, staggering him. Corbett uppercuts Mitchell again and lands with right on Charlie's ribs, Mitchell reaching Jim's chin as a sharp rally, with Corbett having all the best of it. They are going to get at it. Mitchell got in twice on Corbett's neck. Corbett knocks him down twice in succession Jim floored his man clearly and knocked him down again as he assayed to arise. The gong saved Mitchell. Third Round—Mitchell rather groggy. Corbett rushed at him swung right and left heavy on Mitchell's neck. Charlie went down. He took the full time to arise, and then Corbett rushed at him like a tiger. Mitchell clinched. Corbett threw him off and floored him with a stiff facer. Again he took all the time to rise, and when he advanced towards Corbett the latter swung his right with deadly effect on Charlie's nose. Mitchell reeled and fell on his face, helpless. Corbett wins easily. The referee counted 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Mitchell is knocked out. The referee declared Corbett winner of the match and champion of the world. Mitchell's face was covered with blood. He was carried to his corner in a helpless condition. Time of fight nine minutes. Offered here is an extremely rare, original, Articles of Agreement for this fight. This contract lays out the purse ($20,000 winner take all), venue (Duval Athletic Club), training expenses ($2500/each) and other particulars for the event. Signed by Billy Thompson, the American manager of Charles Mitchell and Harry Mason, the promoter of the fight. Mason ran a bank in Jacksonville and later served in the legislature in Florida.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, two page, typed contract which has been laid down on archieval paper for preservation. Bold ink signatures of Billy Thompson and Harry Mason. Includes original hand written portions. Minor corner stains and some chipping in corners which does not affect the text. 8 1/4" x 10." Exceedingly rare. We have not seen or offered another.