Another view of the Heavyweight Championship

[mking55]

I love what JeffR of Calgary (Go Stamps!) did with his history of the heavyweight division that I thought I would try it myself. I basically followed his setup except I wanted to start with John L. Sullivan and Dominick McCaffrey. However, there was no McCaffrey in the database that comes with the game. I used the first fighter Sullivan fought that has an entry in the game (Charley Mitchell) to crown an inaugral champion.

Then, like JeffR, I am going with whoever the champion is fights against the real-life champions challengers. I usually adjust the career stage in the following manner:
Under 25 years old: Pre-Prime
25 to 35 years old: Prime
36 and over: Post-Prime unless it is historically shown it was the end of the fighter's career. Then their stage is set to end.

I use a 3 judge scoring system of number of rounds won in case of decision.

Conditioning is left to chance. I like variables because this isn't real life and I didn't want to bother if I knew who the winners were before the fight occurred.

My posts will not be as detailed as JeffR's are, because he is better at it than I would be. I will basically just stick to the result of the simulated match and the result of the real life match. I have been very surprised at the difference between the results JeffR received and my results. I like the aspect of the game that leaves it a game in that anything can (and will) happen.

[mking55]

March 10, 1888
John L. Sullivan vs. Charley Mitchell for the inaugral championship of the world bout.
Sullivan broke training regularly while Mitchell was in top condition.
Sullivan by a TKO at 2:14 of Round 8.
(Real life: Draw)

July 7, 1889
John L. Sullivan vs Jake Kilrain. It doesn't look like this fight was a title fight, but I wanted to do it anyway. It was the fight before the Sullivan-Corbett fight. I thought John L. should have a few championship tune-up fights before facing Corbett.

Sullian is in top condition while Kilrain is over-trained.
Sullivan wins almost every round until during the 11th round he commits what is ruled to be a blatant foul for rabbit punching Kilrain. Sullivan is disqualified at 2:32 of the 11th round and Jake Kilrain is the new champion.
A very short-lived reign for John L.

(Real life: Sullivan KO)

[mking55]

September 7, 1892
Jake Kilrain defends against James J. Corbett
Kilrain is in top condition while Corbett shows to be over-trained.
Kilrain by a TKO at 1:18 of Round 8. (The blood was gushing from Corbett's nose).
(Real life: Corbett KO's Sullivan in the 21st).

January 25, 1894
Jake Kilrain defends against Charley Mitchell.
Mitchell lost the 1st title bout to John Sullivan. Now he can try his luck against the man who beat the man who beat him
Both fighters are in top condition.
The 3 judges see the fight in 3 totally different ways.
Judge 1 scores it 10-5 for Kilrain.
Judge 2 scores it 9-6 for Mitchell.
Judge 3 scores it 8-7 for Kilrain.
Kilrain retains the title by split decision.
(Real life: Corbett KO's Mitchell in 3)

June 24, 1896
Jake Kilrain defends against Tom Sharkey.
This does not appear to be a title fight for Corbett but Kilrain insisted on taking on the young Sharkey. I concurred with him.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Sharkey makes very quick work of Kilrain.
Sharkey KO's Kilrain at 1:22 of Round 2. A new champion is crowned.
(Real life: Corbett and Sharkey draw)

[mking55]

March 17, 1897
Tom Sharkey makes his first defense against Bob Fitzsimmons.
Sharkey is in top condition while Fitzsimmons appears to be undertrained.
It appears that Fitzsimmons was undertrained. Seriously undertrained.
Sharkey KO's Fitzsimmons at the 33 second mark of the 4th round.
(Real life: Fitzsimmons KO's Corbett in Round 14)

June 9, 1899
Tom Sharkey defends against James J. Jeffries.
Both fighters appear to be in top condition for what promises to be a battle to end the century.
Jeffries KO's Sharkey at 2:56 of the 10th round.
(Real life: Jeffries KO's Fitzsimmons in the 11th round)

The simulated champion and the real life champion finally intersect in time.

[mking55]

November 3, 1899
James J. Jeffries will defend against Tom Sharkey. This is a rematch of the title fight that Jeffries just won 5 months ago.
Jeffries is over trained while Sharkey is in top condition.
However, Jeffries proves his previous victory was no fluke.
Jeffries scores a TKO over Sharkey at 2:37 of the 10th round.
This means that both their fights ended in the 10th round within 19 seconds of each other.
(Real life: Jeffries outpointed Sharkey)

April 6, 1900
There was a real life title fight between Jeffries and Jack Finnegan. Finnegan is not in the database probably because he was knocked out in just 1 round.

May 11, 1900
James J. Jeffries will defend against James J. Corbett. Mr. Corbett had earlier lost a title fight against Jake Kilrain.
Jeffries is under trained this time while Corbett is in top condition.
Jeffries wins a close, unanimous decision. The judges score it 8-7, 8-7, and 8-6 for Jeffries.
(Real life: Jeffries KO's Corbett in Round 23)

November 15, 1901
Jeffries defends against Gus Ruhlin.
Jeffries is over trained (he can't seem to get it right) while Ruhlin is in top condition.
Jeffries KO's Ruhlin at 2:11 of Round 4 to show once again that training to him is but a farce.
(Real life: Jeffries by TKO over Ruhlin in the 5th)

July 25, 1902
Jeffries defends against Bob Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons was a real-life champion but a loser here earlier on to Tom Sharkey.
Jeffries is over trained (surprise, surprise) while Fitzsimmons is in top condition.
Jeffries wins by TKO at 54 seconds of the 7th round. Fitzsimmons eye is almost completely swollen shut.
(Real life: Jeffries KO's Fitzsimmons in Round 8)

August 14, 1903
Jeffries gives the 2-time loser James Corbett another chance.
Jeffries shocks everyone by appearing in top condition. Corbett is also in top condition.
Jeffries punishes Corbett for daring to appear in the ring with him once more. The fight goes just 40 seconds short of the distance.
Jeffries by a TKO at 2:20 of the 15th round.
(Real life: Jeffries KO's Corbett in Round 10)

August 26, 1904
Jack Munroe will be the 6th title defense for James J. Jeffries.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Jeffries KO's the Canuck Munroe at 2:25 of the 2nd round.
(Real life: Jeffries by TKO in the 2nd)

James J. Jeffries is allowed to retire in peace and walk off into the sunset. Or is he?

[mking55]

July 3, 1905
Marvin Hart and Jack Root will fight for the vacant heavyweight title.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Hart scores a TKO at 1 second of the 13th round as it seems the root of the problem is that Mr. Root ran out of gas.
(Real life: Hart KO's Root in Round 12)
Real life and simulated life continue on together.

February 23, 1906
Marvin Hart will make his 1st defense against that great Canadian Tommy Burns.
Both fighters appear in top condition.
Once again 3 judges see 3 different fights.
Judge 1 scores it 7-7.
Judge 2 scores it 10-4 for Burns.
Judge 3 scores it 8-5 for Hart.
The fight is declared a draw and the fighters will immediately regroup and re-fight.

Rematch:
Hart is in top condition while Burns shows to be inactive. (Even if they fought a few minutes ago).
Once again the fight goes to the judges.
Judge 1 scores it 6-6.
Judge 2 scores it 7-5 for Tommy Burns.
Judge 3 scores it 8-5 for Tommy Burns.
Finally! A majority decision and just like in real life Tommy Burns is the new champion.
(Real life: Burns outpoints Hart)

History remains in sync.

[mking55]

October 2, 1906
Tommy Burns will welcome Fireman Jim Flynn for his first title defense.
Burns is in top condition while Flynn fights too frequently.
Burns KO's Flynn at 2:25 of the 4th round.
(Real life: Burns KO's Flynn in the 15th)

November 28, 1906
Burns will defend against Philadelphia Jack O'Brien.
Burns shows to be inactive while O'Brien is in top condition.
Burns knocks O'Brien down 3 times.
Burns KO's O'Brien at 2:01 of the 9th round.
(Real life: They fought twice. Once was a draw and the 2nd time Burns won on points)

July 4, 1907
Burns next opponent is Bill Squires.
Both men are in top condition.
Burns beats on Squires until the referee stops it in the 3rd round.
Burns by TKO over Squires at 2:49 of Round 3.
(Real life: Burns KO's Squires in Round 1)

December 2, 1907
Burns meets up with Gunner Moir.
Both men are in top condition.
Burns is knocked down in the 4th round.
Moir is knocked down in the 5th round and twice in the 7th.
Burns KO's Moir at 2:39 of the 7th round.
(Real life: Burns KO's Moir in the 10th round)

February 10, 1908
Burns will meet up with Jack Palmer.
Burns shows as inactive while Palmer is over trained.
Burns scores a unanimous decision over Palmer by scores of 11-3, 10-4, 9-5.
(Real life: Burns KO's Palmer in Round 4)

March 17, 1908
Burns will face Jem Roche.
Burns is once again showing inactive while Roche is in top condition.
Burns gets active quickly and knocks Roche down 4 times in the 1st round.
Burns by KO over Roche at 2:41 of the 1st round.
(Real life: Burns KO's Roche in the 1st round)

April 18, 1908
Burns fights for the 3rd month in a row and the 4th time in 5 months. This time Jewey Smith is the opponent.
Both fighters will fight in top condition.
Burns KO's Smith at 2:46 of Round 9.
(Real life: Burns KO's Smith in Round 5).

June 13, 1908
Burns takes on Bill Squires once more after already beating him badly.
Both men are in top condition.
Squires lasts longer this time.
Burns by KO over Squires at 2:51 of Round 7.
(Real life: Burns KO's Squires in the 8th round)

August 24, 1908
Burns will face Squires for the 3rd time.
Burns is once more inactive while Squires is in top condition.
Squires gets one lucky punch and opens a gash over Burn's left eye that won't stop bleeding.
The party for Burns is over. The 3rd time is a charm for Squires.
Squires by TKO over Burns at 2:19 of the 2nd round.
(Real life: Burns KO's Squires in the 13th round)

Squires rules the simulation world!

[Lee Pullinger]

This is great also! Keep it up.
A few questions.
Are you using Generic Cornermen?
Are you using Generic Referee and Judges?
And Computer controlled strategies for the fighters on or off?
Sorry for the questions but just curious!

[mking55]

Lee,

I use generic everywhere and the strategies are computer controlled. The reason for this is twofold.

1. I am lazy.
2. I want to leave as much to chance so I can enjoy a variety of outcomes.

[mking55]

September 2, 1908
BIll Squires will make his first defense against Bill Lang.
Squires is over trained while Lang is in top condition.
Condition is nothing as the fight lasts until 32 seconds of the 2nd round.
Squires by KO over Lang at 32 seconds of the 2nd round.
(Real life: Burns KO's Lang in Round 6)

December 26, 1908
Bill Squires defends against Jack Johnson.
Both fighters are in top condition for this contest.
Squires is intimidated as Johnson toys with him and beats on him, making mincemeat of both his eyes.
Johnson by TKO over Squires 3 second mark of Round 11.
(Real life: Johnson on points over Burns)

Back to real life.

[mking55]

May 19, 1909
Jack Johnson will make his first defense against Philadelphia Jack O'Brien. O'Brien was knocked out by Tommy Burns during one of Burn's many defenses.
Both fighters appear in top condition.
Johnson KO's O'Brien at 2:49 of Round 3. Good fight Mr. O'Brien!
(Real life: Johnson ND6 O'Brien)

June 30, 1909
Johnson defends against Tony Ross.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Johnson KO's Ross at 3:00 of Round 7.
(Real life: Johnson ND 6 Ross)

September 9, 1909
Johnson defends against Al Kaufmann.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Johnson scores a TKO over Kaufmann at 23 seconds of Round 8.
(Real life: Johnson ND 10 Kaufmann)

October 16, 1909
Johnson takes on Stanley Ketchel.
Both fighters are in top condition.
It goes the distance but it is no contest.
Johnson wins by decision on all 3 scorecards. The judge's have it 14-1, 14-1, 12-3.
(Real life: Johnson KO's Ketchel in Round 12)

July 4, 1910
Johnson will take on former champion James J. Jeffries. Jeffries retired with his champion belt but the lure of the big money (or was it something else?) brings him back.
Johnson is top condition while Jeffries is inactive at the end of his career.
Johnson scores a TKO over Jeffries at 1:43 of the 4th round.
(Real life: Johnson scores a TKO over Jeffries in the 15th round)

July 4, 1912
Johnson takes on another of Burn's former challenger's, Fireman Jim Flynn. Flynn was KO'ed in the 4th by Burns but says he has no fear of Jack Johnson.
It looks like Flynn fights too frequently while Johnson broke training regularly.
Flynn runs out of steam in the 3rd round.
Johnson by TKO over Flynn at 2:56 of the 3rd round.
(Real life: Johnson scores a TKO in the 9th over Flynn)

December 19, 1913
Jack Johnson takes on Battling Jim Johnson (no relative).
Both fighters are in top condition.
In the 2nd round Battling Jim scores a devistating punch. Johnson wobbles and falls like he's been shot. An upset!
Jim Johnson KO's Jack Johnson at 1:51 of Round 2.
(Real life: Draw)

We have a Johnson as champion, just the wrong one.

[mking55]

June 27, 1914
Battling Jim Johnson will fight Frank Moran in his first and only title defense. (That is called foreshadowing).
Both fighters are in top condition.
The fight goes the distance but the judges are unanimous. They score it 9-5, 9-4, 10-3.
Frank Moran is the new champion by virtue of his unanimous decision over Battling Jim Johnson.
(Real life: Jack Johnson outpoints Moran)

[mking55]

April 5, 1915
Frank Moran will face Jess Willard for his first title defense.
Both fighters enter the ring in top condition.
Frank Moran KO's Jess Willard at 1:30 of the 2nd round.
(Real life: Willard KO's Jack Johnson in the 26th)

March 25, 1916
Frank Moran says, "If Jess Willard were champion today, he would give me a shot at the title". So Willard it is.
Both fighters are once again in top condition.
Willard proves to be a much tougher match on this night.
Moran KO's Willard at 30 seconds of the 4th round.
(Real life: Willard ND 10 Moran)

July 4, 1919
Frank Moran will defend against someone not named Jess Willard. A pre-prime fighter by the name of Jack Dempsey will challenge Moran for his title.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Moran is blinded by Dempsey's dukes and calls a halt to the festivities.
Dempsey by TKO over Moran at 41 seconds of the 7th round.
(Real life: Dempsey by TKO over Willard in the 3rd round)

Jack Dempsey, a real champion and a simulation champion. Life is good!

[mking55]

September 9, 1920
Jack Dempsey defends against Billy Miske.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Jack Dempsey by TKO over Billy Miske at 21 seconds of Round 4.
(Real life: Dempsey KO's Miske in Round 3)

December 14, 1920
Jack Dempsey defends against Bill (KO) Brennan.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Dempsey by TKO over Brennan at 2:25 of Round 2.
(Real life: Dempsey KO's Brennan in Round 12)

July 2, 1921
Jack Dempsey defends against the Frenchman, Georges Carpentier.
Dempsey is in top condition while Carpentier (a lightweight) is badly overweight.
Dempsey pounds on the French fatboy until he lands a low blow that the referee rules as blatant.
Carpentier is declared winner by disqualification at 2:58 of Round 4.
(Real life: Dempsey KO's Carpentier in Round 4)

Sacre bleu!

[mking55]

July 4, 1923
Georges Carpentier, the toast of France, and a light-heavyweight will defend his Heavyweight title against the even lighter Tommy Gibbons.
Carpentier once again enters the ring badly overweight while Gibbons is in top condition.
The fight is back and forth action and goes the distance. The judges score it 9-6, 8-5, and 9-6.
Georges Carpentier by unanimous decision over Tommy Gibbons.
(Real life: Dempsey outpointed Gibbons)

September 14, 1923
Carpentier looks to Argentina for his next opponent and welcomes The Wild Bull of the Pampas, Luis Firpo.
Both fighters are in top condition.
The score cards are equal but Carpentier's face is a mess. The referee halts the beating.
Luis Firpo by TKO at the 20 second mark of Round 10.
(Real life: Dempsey by KO in Round 2)

From the U.S. to Canada, back to the U.S., over to France, and now in Argentina. A truly world championship.

[mking55]

September 23, 1926
Luis Firpo accepts the challenge of the 'Fighting Marine' Gene Tunney.
Both fighters are in top condition.
The Marines look to be planting flags all over Firpo's face.
Tunney by a TKO at 2:48 of the 4th round.
(Real life: Tunney outpoints Dempsey)

The title returns to North America.

[mking55]

September 22, 1927
Gene Tunney will take on former champion Jack Dempsey.
Both fighters enter the ring in top condition.
Tunney plays pat-a-cake with Dempsey's eyes until he is almost blinded.
Tunney by TKO at 1 second of Round 6.
(Real life: Tunney by unanimous decision)

July 26, 1928
Tunney will face Tom Heeney (Honest Tom) who honestly hails from New Zealand.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Tunney has a better than 3 to 1 advantage in punches landed and the judges are unanimous, 13-2, 12-3, and 11-2.
Tunney by unanimous decision over Heeney.
(Real life: Tunney by TKO over Heeney in Round 11)

Gene Tunney calls it a career and retires as champion after 2 successful defenses of his title.

[mking55]

June 12, 1930
Max Schmeling will fight Jack Sharkey for the vacant Heavyweight Title.
Schmeling shows up in top condition while Sharkey shows up looking like a grossly overweight fat hog.
Schmeling beats the hell out of Sharkey until the referee halts the one-sided action.
Schmeling by TKO over Sharkey at 32 seconds of Round 12.
(Real life: Schmeling is victorious due to a disqualification of Sharkey in the 4th round)

July 3, 1931
Max Schmeling will make his first title defense against Young Stribling.
Both fighters are in top condition.
Stribling leads on 2 of 3 cards when the referee stips the fight.
Young Stribling wins by TKO over Max Schmeling at 1:17 of Round 14.
(Real life: Schmeling wins by TKO over Stribling in the 15th round)

[mking55]

June 21, 1932
Young Stribling offers Jack (Fatman) Sharkey another chance at the title. Sharkey bites.
Stribling is over trained while Sharkey is no longer fat and is in top condition.
The fight goes the distance and is decided by a split decision.
Judge 1 scores it 8-6 for Jack Sharkey.
Judge 2 scores it 7-6 for Young Stribling.
Judge 3 scores it 8-6 for Jack Sharkey.
Jack Sharkey by split decision over Young Stribling.
(Real life: Sharkey by split decision over Schmeling. Coincidence?)

Jack Sharkey redeems real life.

[BeeBop]

MKing thanks for the fight details.I really enjoy reading them.very interesting project.will you take it to modern day?.i hope so I'd like to see what happens in the Ali era with the other excellant fighters of the 70's.I may do the same project but with Featherweights.