The Corbet – Fitzsimmons fight is the first heavy weight fight in Nevada and the Nevada State Historic Marker 243. The bout took place in Carson City, Nevada on March 17, 1897
History
On the brisk evening of March 17, 1897, the bustling city of Carson City, Nevada, played host to one of the most monumental events in boxing history—the showdown between James J. Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons. This historic bout not only captivated the imagination of spectators but also marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of pugilism.
At the turn of the 20th century, boxing was rapidly gaining popularity in America, with its epicenter pulsating through cities like New York and San Francisco. However, it was in the dusty arena of Carson City that the sport would witness a spectacle that would reverberate through the annals of time.
James J. Corbett, known as “Gentleman Jim,” was the reigning heavyweight champion, boasting an agile, scientific style that contrasted sharply with the brawling tactics of his predecessors. His opponent, Bob Fitzsimmons, hailed from England and was renowned for his raw power and formidable punching prowess.
The lead-up to the fight was filled with anticipation and fervor. Newspapers across the country buzzed with speculation and analysis, with pundits and fans alike debating the potential outcome. Corbett, with his finesse and footwork, was seen as the favorite, but Fitzsimmons’ devastating knockout power cast a shadow of doubt over the proceedings.
As the fighters stepped into the ring amidst a sea of eager onlookers, the atmosphere crackled with electricity. The stakes were high—the heavyweight championship of the world hung in the balance.
From the opening bell, it was evident that the clash would be a battle of contrasting styles. Corbett danced around the ring, utilizing his superior footwork to evade Fitzsimmons’ thunderous blows. In contrast, Fitzsimmons pursued relentlessly, seeking to land the decisive blow that would crown him champion.
The turning point came in the 14th round, a moment etched in the annals of boxing lore. Fitzsimmons, his face bloodied and bruised, unleashed a ferocious blow that found its mark—sending Corbett crashing to the canvas in a stunning display of power and precision.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy as Fitzsimmons was declared the victor by knockout, etching his name into the annals of boxing history as the new heavyweight champion of the world. The defeat marked the end of Corbett’s reign and signaled a shift in the paradigm of heavyweight boxing.
The Corbett-Fitzsimmons bout transcended the confines of the boxing ring, symbolizing the clash between old and new, brawn and finesse. It remains a testament to the timeless allure of pugilism, where skill, strategy, and sheer determination converge in moments of sublime athleticism.
In the decades that followed, boxing would continue to evolve, producing champions and legends who would leave an indelible mark on the sport. Yet, the spirit of the Corbett-Fitzsimmons bout endures as a reminder of the glory and drama that encapsulate the sweet science of boxing.
Nevada State Historic Marker 243 Text
Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight
On March 17, 1897, at an arena located on this site, Carson City played host to Nevada’s first world championship prizefight, a fourteen-round thriller in which the reigning heavyweight titlist, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, was dethroned by Robert Fitzsimmons. The Nevada Legislature had only recently legalized prizefighting and the match became the object of scathing criticism from the press and pulpit of other states, but fight fans by the thousands came in.
Promoter Dan Stuart put on a clean show and demonstrated that boxing need not be brutal or crooked. Other states were soon to liberalize their own prizefight laws and the sport began to assume a degree of respectability it had not enjoyed in the past. In later years, Nevada was to be the scene of several other world championship fights.
Nevada Historical Marker 243
Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight
Carson City
Nevada State Historic Marker 243 Summary
| Name | Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight |
| Location | Carson City, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.1642, -119.7599 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 243 |
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.
Map
Nevada State Historic Marker 243 is located at the intersection of East Musser and North Harbin Streets in Carson City, Nevada.