JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: On August 14, 1903 at Mechanic's Pavillion in San Francisco world heavyweight champion James Jeffries fought former champion James J. Corbett. Jeffries stopped Corbett in the 10th round. Jeffries was a 2 to 1 favorite. The ring was 24-foot square. Jeffries fought without bandages on his hands. Jeffries' left glove tore at the thumb in the fourth round, but the glove was not replaced until the end of the round, and this only at the insistence of the police constable on duty. Corbett seemed to benefit from the additional rest. Corbett's seconds administered oxygen to him after each round. Gate receipts amounted to $62,340. The fighters received 70% of the gate, with 75% going to the winner and 25% to the loser. The Baltimore Morning Herald reported the following on August 15, 1903: James J. Jeffries, champion heavyweight of the world, played with Jim Corbett for nine rounds and a half tonight and then Corbett's seconds motioned Referee Graney to stop the fight in order to save their man from needless punishment. The end came shortly after the beginning of the tenth round, when Jeffries planted one of his terrific left swings on Corbett's stomach. The man who conquered John L. Sullivan then dropped to the floor in agony, and the memorable scene at Carson City, when Bob Fitzsimmons landed his solar plexus blow, was almost duplicated. This time, however, Corbett struggled to his feet and again faced his gigantic adversary. With hardly a moment's hesitation, Jeffries swung his right and again landed on Corbett's stomach. Jim dropped to the floor, and then it was that Tommy Ryan, seeing that it was all over, motioned to Referee Graney to stop the punishment. Offered here is an original, souvenir program for this event.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original souvenir program which pictures James Jeffries on the front cover and referee Ed Graney on the back cover. 8 pages complete including covers. Fold out style. Includes photos and information on both fighters and a copy of the fight contract itself. Also pictures Frankie Neil and Harry Forbes who fought at same venue a day apart. Not scored or written in. Creased. No tears. Clean inside and out. Approximately 5" x 7." Exceedingly rare, a program we have not seen or offered before.
