James J. Jeffries ~ Was originally called 'The 'Greatest'

James J. Jeffries ~ 'The Greatest'

Newly found Newspaper articles have mentioned that James J. Jeffries called himself
'The Greatest'.

This would mean,

That Cassius Clay was 'not' The Greatest.

No Muhammad Ali was the greatest.

You can't compare Jeffries, Corbett, Sullivan, or even Dempsey with fighters like Ali or those fighters who came after. Those old time fighters paved the way, but training habits, nutrition, quality of opposition..etc. was so different it was almost a different sport. Those fighters were closer to tough man competitors than they were to skilled athletes like Ali, Tyson, Holyfield, Foreman...etc. No question, Ali is the Greatest, with Joe Louis being his only true competition for that title.

Jeffries was called a great champion by many people. My problem with Jeffries is the fight against Jim Corbett. Jeffries came in a 218 to Corbett 188. To make a long story short Corbett kicked his ass for 22 rounds. Jim was so tired from beating on Jeffries that one left hook ended things.

Good night Mr. Paxtom, wherever you are. You shall be missed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by walrus

Good night Mr. Paxtom, wherever you are. You shall be missed.

---

I agree. Good night Bill. Thank you for all of the wacky memories and also the beautiful pictures from the 1950s and 1960s. You did it your way as Frank Sinatra would say and I am sure you have no regrets. That is the way to go.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.