World Boxing Federation

[Tosti]

WBF Inductions

Peter Jackson Heavyweight Australia
George Lavigne Lightweight Canada
Billy Myer Lightweight USA

Billy Edwards retired to Hall Of Fame

There were three inductions to the WBF this year. Undoubdtedly it is Australian Peter Jackson who is arousing most interest, highly regarded in his homeland Jackson is due to arrive in the States in a weeks time. Travelling with him is fellow countryman Frank Slavin, as well as his manager Chas Davies, who has already lined up a bout with Jim Dunn followed by a possible match up with Jake Kilrain.

[CONN CHRIS]

Wow, this really zips along Tosti, makes for a fun read. Thank you

[Tosti]

Hi Conn Chris

To be fair I am playing 'catch up'. I have been running the universe for a few weeks, so for the last couple of days I have been using this as a diary. At the moment I am at the end of 1883, so I am not a million miles behind, after that I intend to have more detail, so that I can really bore everyone

[Tosti]

Jackson challenges Sullivan

Australia's Peter Jackson 'introduced' himself to the American boxing public with a eighth round demolition of Jim Dunn in New York. Jackson's entourage immediately challenged national hero John L Sullivan to an elimination bout for the right to meet George Godfrey, the current WBF Heavyweight Champion.

Sullivan answered Jackson in the best possible way a week later. The last time he met Jake Kilrain, the 'Boston Strongboy' hammered Kilrain to a first round KO defeat, this time Kilrain drew it out for 9 rounds before going down to a right hook from Sullivan and not being able to make the count. It was a strong comeback fight from Sullivan after the poorly prepared first defence of his WBF crown against Godfrey. If and when he gets into the ring against Jackson he will have to be in tip top condition.

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice. In the lightweight division ex-WBF Champion Harry Gilmore suffered an identical cuts loss to 1881 WBF Fighter Of The Year, Barney Donovan. Only months earlier Gilmore was well on top before suffering a bad gash over the left eye in the eighth round, once again Gilmore was seemingly coasting to a points win, and a chance of regaining his WBF crown, when at the end of the eighth round the referee was forced to step in again, you guessed it, with a cut over the left eye. There was a mere 12 second difference in the time of the stoppage, spooky.

[Tosti]

Jackson V Sullivan, the fight is on

With Peter Jackson KO'ing Jake Kilrain, and Sullivan matching his performance against Frank Slavin, the talk of a Jackson V Sullivan WBF final eliminator has become a reality.

The pair will meet in as yet undisclosed venue in New York sometime in September. With Jackson the bookies favourite, Sullivan has taken a gamble and agreed to a winner takes all purse based on attendance takings.

In the Lightweight division Barney Donovan moved ever closer to a second crack at Jem Carney for the WBF title, with a ten round points verdict over Billy Myer.

[Tosti]

Jackson claims 'homer'

Peter Jackson is now in the process of making the long journey back to his native Australia. It could have been so different, his entourage along with this reporter felt that the talented boxer had comfortably 'done enough' to attain his coveted WBF title fight against current Champion Godfrey. However two of the three judges felt otherwise and Jackson will leave the USA empty handed.

It is not to say that John L Sullivan was lucky, as he fought aggresively and came to the ring in excellent condition, but most onlookers felt that the better fighter on the night had got the wrong end of the decision. Jackson boxed beautifully behind his jab and although Sullivan was able to land some telling blows, Jackson never seemed to be overly bothered by the power of Sullivan. The chances of an immediate rematch of the two in an attempt to divert Jackson from returning to Australia appear hopeless.

As for Sullivan, he will face Godfrey before the year end, and if he turns up in the same condition as he did on this night then he may gain revenge over Godfrey.

Sullivan is now 5(4) - 1 going into the title fight. For those interested the judges scored it 115-114,115-113 and 112-117 respectively.

[Tosti]

Godfrey doesn't read the script

After their first meeting, where Sullivan entered the ring in less than tip top shape, the general consensus was that this time Sullivan would not miss his chance. Godfrey however had other ideas.

In fight full of twists and turns it was Sullivan who boxed the better and Godfrey who displayed more power. The first hint of what was about to come came in the third round, when after two even rounds a right hook from Godfrey put Sullivan down for the first of three knockdowns that the 'Boston Strongboy' suffered in the fight. Sullivan then regainied his composure and had closed the points gap by the 8th round when Godfrey connected with a wild overhand right, by this stage Sullivan's right eye was beginning to close on him. The same followed in the next round when Godfrey connected with a huge right hook which Sullivan did well to survive when finally staggering to his feet at the nine count. Sullivan then rallied magnificently, but it was not to be his night, as the referee took the doc's advice and stopped the bout in the 13th round due to Sullivan's right eye being swollen shut.

The scores at the time were 114-112,114-112 and 112-113, split in Godfreys favour.

After the fight Godfrey was quoted as saying that he would gladly afford Sullivan a third fight, but only if the American was able to defeat all the relevant challengers. The economic viability of a third 'get together' would be unquestioned.


1882 WBF Fight Of The Year

John L Sullivan W Pts Peter Jackson

1882 WBF Fighter Of The Year

George 'Old Chocolate' Godfrey

[Tosti]

WBF Inductions

There were three WBF inductions at the AGM.

Bob Fitzsimmons HW United Kingdom
Jack Dempsey MW USA
Billy Dacey LW USA

[Tosti]

After the disappointment of his world title failure against George Godfrey, John L Sullivan (7-2) notched up two stoppage victories against Martin Neary and Mike Conley. Sullivan will now meet Jake Kilrain for the third time in September, after having already stopped his fellow countryman on two seperate ocassions.

If Sullivan can do the 'hat-trick' over Kilrain he is likely to meet Englishman Bob Fitzsimmons (3-0) in a WBF final eliminator sometime in November. Fitzsimmons has already achieved three stoppages earlier this year over Jimmy Ryan, Mike Conley and Martin Neary.

Meanwhile 'down under', Peter Jackson (5-1) is flourishing in his homeland, whilst manager Chas Davies is attempting to convince the Aussie to return to the USA to challenge for the WBF crown. In the meantime Godfrey has further victories over Frank Slavin and Jimmy Ryan to his name.

[Tosti]

The chances of an inaugral WBF Middleweight Champion by year end are on the increase. In September there will be an official WBF Final Eliminator tournament to be held in New York City.

The four fighters will all be from the USA, although current favourite Jack Dempsey (3-0) originates from Curran in Ireland. Dempsey will meet John P Clow (3-0), whilst Billy Baker (5-0) will line up against Pete McCoy (3-1).

The semi-tournament winners are likely to fight for the WBF crown on the undercard of the proposed Sullivan V Fitzsimmons Heavyweight bout.

[CONN CHRIS]

Nice work Tosti, do you have a set of rankings to give a better sense of who's who?

Christopher

[Tosti]

Harry Gilmore (10-4) KO'd Billy Myer in the 10th round of their WBF Lightweight Final Eliminator in New York on the 6th August.

A vicious right uppercut from the Canadian ended the bout, with Gilmore ahead on all three judges scorecards. This was Gilmore's fifth consecutive victory and the former champion has earned a chance to regain his title from unbeaten Englishman Jem Carney (4-0). As we speak Gilmore is in preparation for the bout against Carney which is to be held at the Royal Albert Hall.

[Tosti]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

Nice work Tosti, do you have a set of rankings to give a better sense of who's who?

Christopher

Hi Chris

My Universe is a bit 'thin' at the moment, but I intend to 'simulate' a lot more in the next couple of weeks. As it stands I'll probably produce annual ratings at year end when the Universe expands.

I'm looking forward to running my HOF Uni in parallel, but I have enjoyed delving back into the past with help from yourself/MH amongst others.

I find this forum an ideal way to keep a form of diary and it is certainly increasing my knowledge of the sport. Keep up the good work.

[Tosti]

Time to relocate?

Harry Gilmore's apparent love affair with London was further accentuated this evening when he sensationally stopped defending WBF Lightweight champion Jem Carney. Gilmore (11-4) is now an incredible (5-0) from all his bouts in London, which compared to fights in his native Canada (1-4) makes unusual reading.

Carney only has himself to blaim for relinquishing his title, unusually he was not in good condition, something which could be attributed to his lack of recent activity, it was nearly 12 months ago that he stopped Barney Donovan in the third defence of his coveted crown.

The fight started slowly, with both fighters reluctant to commit. Carney never found his true rythm, although after 8 rounds all three scorers were subsequently found have to him comfortably ahead.

It was only in the ninth round that things warmed up, a big right uppercut put Gilmore down for a nine count, and luckily for the Canadian he managed to survive the remaining 20 seconds of the round.

Whatever was said or done in Gilmore's corner before the tenth round, not only changed the fight but also the destination of the WBF belt. Gilmore caught Carney with a succession of blows and drove the now former champion into the ropes where the bombardment continued. The referee had no choice but to save the defenceless Carney with a barely 8 seconds of the round remaining.

After the fight Carney vowed to regain his crown, but it is likely he will have to travel to live up to his words, and more relevantly train harder next time out.

For the record, at the end of the ninth round the scorecards read as follows (87-84),(87-84) and (88-82) all in favour of Carney.

[Tosti]

Madison Square Garden will stage its first WBF title fight this friday, when Jack Dempsey will square up to Billy Baker for the inaugral WBF Middleweight title fight.

However the showcase event will be boxing's biggest event this year. John L Sullivan and England's travelling Bob Fitzsimmons will fight over 12 rounds in a WBF final eliminator for George Godfrey's Heavyweight title.

The management of MSG have made it clear that if the evening is a financial success then a monthly show from the 'Garden' could be on the cards.

[Tosti]

The first six fight card sanctioned by the WBF was held at MSG last night. The undercard produced the folowing results.

Heavyweight - Jake Kilrain W Mike Conley 10 rounds
Lightweight - Billy Dacey TKO Joe Heiser 5th round
Middleweight - Tom Henry W Tom Ferguson 10 rounds
Lightweight - Ed McDonald W Harry Force 10 rounds

[Tosti]

Inaugural WBF Middleweight Title Fight

15 Rounds

Jack Dempsey V Billy Baker

Betting line - Dempsey 1/4 favourite

Both fighters entered the ring in excellent condition.

Round 1 - Two right uppercuts from Dempsey wobble Baker.

Round 2 - Baker is cut under the right eye, possibly as a result of a butt from Dempsey

Round 5 - Baker finds his boxing rythm and levels the scores.

Round 7 - Baker 'jabs' his way into the lead for the first time.

Round 8 - Baker gets on his bike, edges the round and appears to be outboxing the favourite.

Round 9 - Both fighters are booed to their corner after a non event of a round. Dempsey needs to pick up the pace or we will have an upset on our hands.

Round 10 - Dempsey rushes from his corner and lands a sharp right hand followed by a right cross. Baker moves inside and Dempsey catches him with a thudding shot under the ribcage, Baker goes down on one knee and takes an 8 count. The complexion of the fight has changed and Baker looks fatigued. The referee warns Dempsey for butting as he moves in on Baker. Two more body shots from Dempsey but Baker survives the round. A 10/8 round for Dempsey edges him into a marginal lead.

Round 11 - Baker is flagging badly. Dempsey has found his boxing rythm after a tardy start.

Round 12 - Dempsey lands a big right cross as he starts to dominate a badly tiring Baker. Another good round for Dempsey. The ringside hack has it 116 - 113 Dempsey.

Round 13 - Dempsey starts the round completely unmarked. Bakers corner have done a good job on the cut under his left eye sustained in the 2nd round. Baker has next to nothing left in the puching department. Dempsey lands a devastating uppercut to send Baker to the canvas for the second time, he staggers to his feet after an 8 count with a minute left to survive the round. Another right uppercut and Baker does well not to touch the canvas again. Dempsey moves in and punishes baker against the ropes, the referee has seen enough.

Dempsey stops Baker with 7 seconds left in the 13th round.

Dempsey is the inaugural WBF Middleweight Champion.

Going into the 13th round the judges at ringside had it 114 - 113, 113 - 114, 116 - 111, split in Dempsey's favour.

[Tosti]

Headline Bout

WBF Heavyweight Title Final Eliminator

12 Rounds

John L Sullivan V Bob Fitzsimmons

Betting line - Even money the pair

Sullivan appears to have 'shirked' on his training again, whilst Fitzsimmons although looking fit, has entered the ring as 'dry as a bone'.

Round 1 - The Englishman starts brilliantly, landing a straight right followed by a wicked combination and a hook to the body.

Round 2 - Another good round for Fitzsimmons, who seems to be landing his punches at will. Sullivan returns to his corner with blood coming from his mouth and a slight swelling around his right eye.

Round 3 - A huge turnaround as Sullivan lands four massive unanswered uppercuts and Fitzsimmons barely survives the round. Sullivans right eye appears to be worsening.

Round 4 - Sullivan tries to work inside on Fitzsimmons, he knows it's the only way for him to get on top. The fight lurches wildly back towards Fitzsimmons as he catches Sullivan with a vicious body shot. Sullivan hits the canvas for a count of 4 then covers up and sees out the rest of the round. The ringside reporter has it 39 - 36 Fitzsimmons.

Round 5 - Both of Sullivans eyes are badly swollen as he comes out to meet Fitzsimmons.

Round 6 - Sullivan goes for broke, maybe he realises his eye's won't hold up the full 12 rounds. Fitzsimmons goes back to his corner with a big gash high over his right eye. At halfway we have it 58 - 55 Fitzsimmons.

Round 7 - A big hook followed by a right cross wobbles the Englishman. Sullivan moves inside inside and drops Fitzsimmons with a right hand under the ribcage. Fitsimmons rises at a count of 9, but is in a bad way and has 1 minute 40 left to survive the round. Fitzsimmons brilliantly evades the aggression of Sullivan and even manages a big right cross of his own just before the bell. Sullivan missed out on a great chance to finish the fight in the 7th. We have it 66 - 65 Fitzimmons.

Round 8 - Sullivan looks very tired as he goes out for the eigth round, he may now be paying for his lack of condition. Fitzsimmons boxes beautifully before Sullivan lands a big right and the Englishman nearly goes down for the second time.

Round 9 - Both fighters look out on their feet after this bruising encounter. Sullivan's eyes are causing his corner a great deal of concern, Fitzsimmons corner has done a good job on the gash over his right eye. A fantastic round ensues with both fighters stood 'toe to toe' exchanging heavy punches. Sullivan's right eye is virtually shut and he looks out on his feet with exhaustion. As both fighters break for the end of a classic round the referee takes a long look at Sullivan and stops the bout. Sullivan protests but no avail as his right eye is fully shut and his left is little better.

The three judges were in unison, with all three having it 76 - 74 in favour of Fitzsimmons at the end of the 8th round.

[Tosti]

Last night's card at MSG has been heralded as a success. The six bout card featured a 'World Title' bout at Middleweight and a final eliminator at Heavyweight.

Jack Dempsey, the new Middleweight World Champion, is likely to take a break before finding a suitable opponent for his first defence.

Bob Fitzsimmons will now challenge George Godfrey for his WBF Heavyweight crown as the mandatory challenger. MSG is keen to stage the bout and a date in April is being muted.

[Tosti]

WBF Fight Of The Year

Bob Fitzsimmons TKO John L Sullivan

WBF Fighter Of The Year

Harry Gilmore