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Tommy Burns: A rare signed ''Scientific Boxing and Self Defence…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
11-Aug-2019
Lot No.
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Description:
Tommy Burns: A rare signed 'Scientific Boxing and Self Defence Souvenir Edition' book by Tommy Burns, published by Health and Strength Ltd 1907/08, a special Autographed Edition as a souvenir of the author's visit to England in 1907/08. Signed on the book plate and includes photographs and further facsimile autographs. 172pp + adverts. Tommy Burns, a Canadian, won the World Heavyweight title on 23rd Feb 1906 when he beat Marvin Hart (USA) on points over 20 rounds in Los Angeles. In 1907-08 Burns went to England where he beat Gunner Moir and Jack Palmer. He then defeated Jem Roche in Ireland, and Jewey Smith & Bill Squires in France. All the bouts concluded with a K.O. The first to travel the globe in defending his title, Tommy made 11 title defences despite often being the underdog due to his size. Burns famously challenged all comers as Heavyweight Champion, leading to a celebrated bout with the American Jack Johnson. According to his biographer, Burns insisted, 'I will defend my title against all comers, none barred. By this I mean white, black, Mexican, Indian, or any other nationality. I propose to be the champion of the world, not the white, or the Canadian, or the American. If I am not the best man in the heavyweight division, I don't want the title. Burns was the first heavyweight champion to fight with a Jewish challenger, defeating Joseph 'Jewey' Smith in a fight staged in Paris. He also fought a bout with a Native American on his way to the Championship. According to one biography, he had two black sparring partners and was married for a brief time to a black woman. At a time when most white American fighters adhered to the so-called 'colour line', refusing to fight African Americans, Burns had half a dozen contests with black boxers before his clash with the legendary Jack Johnson. That bout took place in Sydney in December 1908, following Burns' agreement to a bout with Jack Johnson, becoming the first fighter to agree to a heavyweight championship bout with an African American. Burns lost his title in the match. He had refused to fight Johnson until Australian promoter Hugh D. McIntosh paid him $30,000 for the fight (Johnson received $5,000). The fight lasted fourteen rounds before being stopped by the police.Referee Hugh McIntosh awarded the decision and the title to Johnson.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified