JEFFRIES, JAMES JACKSON

born April 15, 1875, Carroll, Ohio, U.S. died March 3, 1953, Burbank, Calif. byname The Boilermaker world heavyweight boxing champion from June 9, 1899, when he knocked out Robert Fitzsimmons in 11 rounds at Coney Island, New York City, until 1905, when he retired undefeated. He was 6 feet, 2 1/2 inches tall and his fighting weight was 220 pounds. Among his six successful title defenses were two knockouts of former champion James J. Corbett and a second victory over Fitzsimmons. After several years in retirement, Jeffries as The Great White Hope attempted to regain the championship, but was knocked out by Jack Johnson in 15 rounds at Reno, Nev., July 4, 1910.