What was the nickname of the reigning, retired heavyweight champion at the time of the Fitzsimmons vs. Sharkey Heavyweight Championship boxing match?
James J. Corbett James John "Gentleman Jim" Corbett (September 1, 1866 – February 18, 1933) was an American professional boxer and a former World Heavyweight Champion, best known as the man who defeated the great John L. Sullivan. Despite a career spanning only 20 bouts, Corbett faced the best competition his era had to offer; squaring off with a total of 9 fighters who would later be enshrined alongside him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Peter Maher (boxer) Peter Maher (born 16 March 1869, in Gunnode, Tuam, County Galway, Ireland – 22 July 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland) was an Irish boxer known for his powerful punch. Early in his career Maher won the 1888 Middleweight Championship of Ireland, and the 1890 Heavyweight Championship of Ireland. After moving to the United States he won the 1895 Heavyweight Championship of the World match by knocking out Steve O'Donnell in the first round. In 1896 Bob Fitzsimmons defeated Maher in a fight in Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, and took the Heavyweight title.