Born: James John Corbett
Heavyweight Champion 1892-97
James J. Corbett gained lasting fame when he knocked out the hugely popular John L. Sullivan to take the heavyweight title in 1892. The first heavyweight to win a championship under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, Gentleman Jim was a masterfulboxer who also prided himself on his sicial respectability. Altough grieving fans of Sullivan were slow to accept Corbett, the new champ's decent lifestyle attracted a better sort of audience for the fights.
The Boxing Register