FITZSIMMONS, ROBERT-JAMES J. CORBETT PRE FIGHT SUPPLEMENT POSTER

On March 17, 1897, at an arena located on this site, Carson City played host to Nevada’s first World Championship prizefight, a fourteen-round thriller in which the reigning heavyweight titlist, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, was dethroned by Robert Fitzsimmons. The Nevada Legislature had only recently legalized prizefighting and the match became the object of scathing criticism from the press and pulpit of other states, but fight fans arrived by the thousands. Promoter Dan Stuart put on a clean show and demonstrated that boxing need not be brutal or crooked. Corbett outfought the inferior, but game Fitzsimmons for much of the bout, but was felled in the 14th round by a hard punch to the solar plexus. Robert Fitzsimmons was the new world heavyweight champion. Offered here is an original pre fight supplement poster issued by the Police Gazette.
This is an original, paper supplement poster which pictures both fighters. Professionally linen backed. Bold color and print. Clean. Not creased or torn. Minor restoration at edges. 16 1/2" x 22 1/2."