Fitzsimmons, Bob (1863-1917), held the world’s heavyweight boxing championship from 1897 to 1899. He also held the world’s middleweight title from 1891 until he won the heavyweight championship in 1897. He was the light heavyweight champion of the world from 1903 until 1905, becoming boxing’s first three-time champion. Fitzsimmons gained the heavyweight title by knocking out James J. Corbett in 14 rounds. He is credited with originating the solar plexus punch in this fight (see Solar plexus). Fitzsimmons lost the heavyweight title to James J. Jeffries on a knockout in the 11th round.
Robert James Fitzsimmons was born on May 26, 1863, in Helston, Cornwall, England. He grew up in New Zealand and did his early fighting in Australia. Fitzsimmons moved to the United States in 1890. He died on Oct. 22, 1917.
