Full Name: Joseph Francis Hagan
Profession: Boxer
Biography: Philadelphia Jack O'Brien was an American boxer that became world light heavyweight boxing champion in 1905 after defeating Bob Fitzsimmons. He is known for abandoning this title to then fight in the heavyweight class.
O'Brien went to England to fight, having heard that the competition there was easier and quickly defeated the British middleweight and heavyweight champions. He then returned to the United States where he had his famous fight against Bob Fitzsimmons.
After abandoning his world light heavyweight championship title, in 1906 O'Brien fought against world heavyweight champion Tommy Burns with the match ending in a draw. A year later he lost a rematch against Burns.
Born: January 17, 1878
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Star Sign: Capricorn
Died: November 12, 1942 (aged 64)
Historical Events
- 1905-12-20 'Philadelphia' Jack O'Brien wins the World Light Heavyweight boxing title after defending champion Bob Fitzsimmons of England retires in round 13 of 20 in San Francisco
- 1906-11-28 Canadian Tommy Burns retains his world heavyweight boxing title after being pushed to a 20-round draw by 'Philadelphia' Jack O'Brien in Los Angeles, California
- 1907-05-08 Canadian Tommy Burns retains his world heavyweight boxing title after beating 'Philadelphia' Jack O'Brien on points in 20 rounds in Los Angeles, California
- 1909-05-19 In his first title defense Jack Johnson fights 'Philadelphia' Jack O'Brien to a no decision in 6 rounds in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to retain his world heavyweight crown
Bob Fitzsimmons
Jake LaMotta
James J. Braddock
Joe Frazier
Mike Weaver
Ray Mancini