This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
"Gentleman" James J. Corbett changed the sport of boxing. The college-educated Corbett went to the top with civilized methods, not with brawn but by practicing the science of boxing. Corbett faced heavyweight champ John L. Sullivan on September 7, 1892 in New Orleans shortly after boxing gloves became mandatory and boxed Sully's ears off, brilliantly dancing and counter-punching, then KOing Sullivan with a right hand in round 21 to capture the crown he held until 1897. This splendid cabinet card, a large-sized collectible of those days similar to a baseball card, depicts Corbett, who doubled as a stage actor, in a relaxed pose wearing a waist coat and tails. On the back of the 4 ½" x 6 ½" card is a mock five-act "play", "A Lady's Thoughts While Witnessing Gentleman Jack." The card is very slightly damaged with a crease on the upper left corner but Corbett's image is untouched and the overall condition of the card is very good.