James J. Jeffries

Full Name: James Jackson Jeffries
Profession: Boxer and World Heavyweight Champion

Nationality:

Biography: James J. Jeffries was an American professional boxer who held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1899 to 1905. Known as "The Boilermaker," Jeffries was renowned for his enormous strength, stamina, and durable chin. He was one of the great heavyweight champions of his time and is often remembered for his remarkable comeback attempt in one of the most famous boxing matches in history, the "Fight of the Century" against Jack Johnson.

Born in Ohio, Jeffries moved to Los Angeles at a young age. He began his professional boxing career in 1896 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his strength and boxing skills. In 1899, he defeated Bob Fitzsimmons to win the heavyweight championship, a title he successfully defended multiple times over the next six years.

Jeffries retired undefeated in 1905, but he was coaxed back into the ring in 1910 to face Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion. The fight was heavily publicized and carried significant racial implications, reflecting the tensions of the era. Dubbed the "Fight of the Century," it took place in Reno, Nevada.

Jeffries, who had been out of the ring for five years and had to shed a considerable amount of weight, was defeated by Johnson in the 15th round, marking his first and only loss. The fight against Johnson not only ended Jeffries' undefeated record but also stirred racial animosity in the United States, with the defeat being seen as a symbolic victory for African Americans.

After retiring from boxing, Jeffries trained fighters and promoted fights from his farm in Burbank, California.

Born: April 15, 1875
Birthplace: Carroll, Ohio, USA
Star Sign: Aries

Died: March 3, 1953 (aged 77)