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1896 Middleweight Boxer Bob Fitzsimmons Signed Let

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1896 Middleweight Boxer Bob Fitzsimmons Signed Letter
This historic three-page typed letter from Bob Fitzsimmons is dated October 30, 1896 and is signed by the great boxer (10/10). At the time Fitzsimmons wrote the missive to an admirer, he had already distinguished himself as the World Middleweight Champion and was about to engage in the two matches that would define his career, the first against Jack Sharkey (he lost that bout which was fixed by referee Wyatt Earp) and then in early 1897, the championship brawl against the reigning title holder James J Corbett. He discusses both matches in this letter. First, Fitzsimmons incorrectly predicts that he would "defeat Sharkey …in 4 rounds" but the boxer goes on to speak of the famous Corbett battle. Many historians say that the slugfest in Carson City, Nevada, was among the greatest fights of all time. In this letter Fitzsimmons also wrote of the gate, the timing of the fight and opines, correctly it turned out, that "to tell you the truth, I don't think (Corbett) wants to fight me at all!" LOAs from PSA/DNA and JSA.

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