The Roar of the Crowd

The autobiography of one of the great athletes of boxing, James J. Corbett. James J. Corbett (1866-1933) held the title of heavyweight champion from 1892 to 1897. He was the first to win the title under the Marquis of Queensberry rules. College educated, Corbett was also an actor, writer, and boxing coach. In 1892, "Gentleman" James J. Corbett defeated John L. Sullivan to become the heavyweight champion of the world, using his "scientific boxing" techniques. Corbett is considered by many to be the "father of modern boxing" for being the first person to apply scientific principles to the art of pugilism. Here is his story in his own words and chronicles his rise to world champion and all of the successes and defeats along the way.