Addendum (11/24 – 9:58 am): We have briefly edited the original description based upon new information provided to us by an eminent boxing historian. The changes deal strictly with a few minor historical inaccuracies relating to the boxer or boxers referenced here. All our original information pertaining to the item (or items) offered in the lot (condition, provenance, dimensions, etc.) remains unchanged and is accurate.
An original 1890s boxing cabinet card of James J. Corbett. Gentleman Jim Corbett is best known as World's Heavyweight Champion and the only man to defeat John L Sullivan. Corbett was undefeated until losing his championship to Bob Fitzsimmons in 1897. Corbett and his manager demanded a rematch, but Fitzsimmons refused to honor the boxer with a rematch partly due to Corbett's criticisms and public insults of Fitzsimmons. Corbett is an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and is widely credited as having brought 'science' into early gloved-era heavyweight boxing. Corbett was also a popular public figure and was considered a sex symbol for female fans in an era which had more Victorian attitudes towards sex. He was so popular he appeared in some 13 films and made many public appearances. The card measures 6.5x4.5" and was made by Elmer Chickering Royal Studios in Boston. Card is professionally graded and encapsulated by SGC and is graded as a SGC PR 1.