Bob Fitzsimmons
Born on 26th of May 1863
(full name and title: Robert James Fitzsimmons)
Born: May 26, 1863. Died: October 22, 1917
Bob Fitzsimmons, known as Ruby Robert, was the first boxer in history to be world champion at three weights. Fitzsimmons was born, the youngest of 18 children, in the town of Helston in Cornwall. Whilst young Robert was still only nine years old his family moved to New Zealand, where his brother started working as a blacksmith. Young Fitzsimmons worked for his brother at the forge and it is this hard work that is credited for developing his enormous punching power.
He began boxing in his late teens and soon turned professional, often competing in bare knuckle bouts. He developed a reputation as a fierce puncher and soon moved to Australia to continue as a professional fighter. After some mixed success in Australia he moved to America in 1891. His first world title attempt was at Middleweight where he beat Jack Dempsey (not the famous Jack Dempsey!) to take the belt.
He moved up to Heavyweight a few years later, in one fight taking on Tom Sharkey in a bout refereed by none other than Wyatt Earp, the infamous OK Corral lawman. The fight ended on a sour note when Fitzsimmons was disqualified for hitting Sharkey whilst he was down.
He finally claimed the World Heavyweight crown in 1897, beating 'Gentleman' Jim Corbett in one of the most famous and, reputedly, one of the best bouts in boxing history. Wyatt Earp was once again present, this time in the audience, together with many of the wealthiest names in America.
He lost the title in 1899 and after an unsuccessful attempt to regain it, moved down to Light Heavyweight. He became the first person to win world title at three different weights in 1903, beating George Gardner by a decision after 20 rounds. He went back to boxing heavyweight after this and had mixed success. Fitzsimmons unfortunately died while still only 44 when he succumbed to cancer in 1917.
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