Rare 1897 James J. Corbett vs. Bob Fitzsimmons Fight Program

Sold For:

$3,300

Year:

1897

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

2525

Category:

Boxing/Golf/Other Cards or Memorabilia

Exceedingly rare fight program issued for the heavyweight championship bout between "Gentleman Jim" Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons, held in Carson City, Nevada, on March 17, 1897. While tickets from this famous fight are rare, the program is virtually nonexistent. This is one of only two examples we have ever seen, and the first we have ever handled. The cover to the 48-page program features portraits of the two boxers, the bout's two promoters, Don Stuart and W. K. Wheelockas, and a large illustration of Corbett and Fitzsimmons pictured squaring off in the ring. Both Corbett and Fitzsimmons are pictured again on two interior pages alongside their biographies. Also pictured are the boxers on the under card, as well as prominent attendees, including famed lawman Bat Masterson. None of the scoring sheets for the bouts have been scored. In an upset, Fitzsimmons knocked Corbett out in the 14th round to win the title. Corbett never regained the title and Fitzsimmons later relinquished the belt to Jim Jeffries. The program (8.5 x 5.5 inches), which features the original string binding, displays a heavy vertical crease, a few additional moderate creases, and handling wear commensurate with its age and former use. In Good to Very Good condition overall. Reserve $2,000. Estimate (open).