On January 25, 1894, at the Duval Athletic Club in Jacksonville, Florida, World Heavyweight Champion “Gentleman Jim” Corbett made the first defense of the title he had taken from John L. Sullivan back in 1892. His opponent was Charley Mitchell of England. Mitchell, winner of his thirty previous fights, came in almost twenty pounds lighter than Corbett and was, from the start, no match for the champ. Corbett stopped Mitchell easily in the third round. Presented here is the championship trophy awarded to James J. Corbett by the Duval Athletic Club. The trophy is silver and stands 20 inches in height. It has tarnished from age, but the inscription remains clear: "CHAMPION OF THE WORLD JAMES J. CORBETT JANUARY 25, 1894 DUVAL ATHLETIC CLUB JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA". Trophies won by these early champions are exceptionally rare. Originates from the Duke Hott collection.