CORBETT, JAMES-CHARLIE MITCHELL CABINET CARD (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 cabinet card of the two fighters put out by George W. Markens at the time of the fight.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original cabinet card which pictures both fighters squaring off with their bodies coming out of alligator bottoms against a backdrop of Florida palm trees. Minor soiling. Minor edge and corner wear. Image is bold. Mild center crease. Paper adhered to back. 4 1/4" x 6 1/2." Extremely rare, the only example we have seen.