Date of Birth: September 1, 1866
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: February 18, 1933
Biography
James John Corbett, popularly known as “Gentleman Jim,” was an American professional boxer and a cultural icon of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into a working-class Irish-American family in San Francisco, Corbett rose to fame for his innovative boxing techniques and his role in shaping modern boxing. He is best known for defeating the legendary John L. Sullivan in 1892, thereby claiming the World Heavyweight Championship. Corbett’s victory marked the beginning of the “scientific” era in boxing, as he employed a more strategic and defensive style that contrasted sharply with the brute force commonly used at the time. Outside the ring, Corbett was a multifaceted individual. He ventured into acting, appearing in vaudeville and silent films, and was a popular public speaker. His charisma and refined demeanor earned him the nickname “Gentleman Jim,” and he became a symbol of the sport’s transformation from bare-knuckle brawling to a more disciplined and respected athletic endeavor. Corbett’s influence extended beyond his boxing career, as he wrote an autobiography and was involved in various charitable activities. He passed away in 1933, but his legacy as a pioneering figure in boxing endures.
5 Interesting Facts about James J. Corbett
1. James J. Corbett was the first boxer to win the World Heavyweight Title under the Marquess of Queensberry rules, which mandated the use of gloves.
2. Corbett was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
3. He had a successful acting career, appearing in vaudeville and silent films, and even wrote a play called “The Naval Cadet.”
4. Corbett was known for his defensive style and is often credited with introducing the concept of “scientific boxing.”
5. He was a member of the Olympic Club in San Francisco, one of the oldest athletic clubs in the United States.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James J. Corbett
1. “You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round.”
2. “Let authors write for glory and riches; the truth is enough for us.”
3. “The measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.”
4. “Every man must choose his own path.”
5. “In the ring, I never really considered myself a fighter. I was a boxer, a gentleman who happened to fight.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, James J. Corbett’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000, a substantial sum for his time.
Children
James J. Corbett married twice but did not have any children from either marriage.
Relevant Links
1. [James J. Corbett Biography – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-J-Corbett
3. [James J. Corbett – BoxRec](https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9047
4. [James J. Corbett – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179160/
5. [James J. Corbett – Find A Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2195/james-joseph-corbett
