The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-23

Chicago, Oct. 22.-Robert F1tz-
simmons. former heavyweight cham
pion pugiiist of the world, died at a
hospital here today after an Illness
OF five days or pneumonia
The former champion became Ill
last Tuesday while appearing in
vaudeville theater. and his ailment
was at first diagnosed as ptomaNHe
poisoning, Later 1t was discovered
that he was suffering from double
1ebar) pneumonia and physicians
declared that he could not live. HIS
remarkable vitality sustained him un-
I'll Saturday. when he lapsed into un-
consciousness from which he did not
rally except at rare intervals.
During the FIVE deys of his illness.
Fitzstmmons was the recipient OF
many messages from men whom he
had formerly met in the ring. includ-
ing James ]. Corbett, from whom he
won the championship. and James J.
Jeffries. who took the title from him.
other pugiltsts and followers of the
sport sent kilograms to the hghter and
his wife. expressing hope OF speedy
recovery.
Fights Gamely to Last.
Fitzsimmons. until he sank into his
final stupor. fought for his life as hA
had fought for victory in the ring,
Physicians declared life was prolong-
ed several days by the grim determi-
nation of the man.
Fighting Bob" lived UP to his
nickname and ring reputation almost
20 the end He refused to admit de-
feat even after physicians had given
up hope. Fitzsimmons always was
referred To as an Australian because
IL was there that he started his ring
career. hut he was born In Heissern.
Cornwall. England. June 4. 1854. His
parents, however soon moved to Nsss
Zealand, >
Fitzsimmons started work in his
fathers blacksmith shop, and at the
age of eighteen gained fame for his
dS>terity in swinging a heavy ham
,er and fsshioning of horseshoes. IL
was said he could shape two while
others made one.
Naturally athletic, Fitzssmmons en-
gagged in all kinds OF sports. Before
taking up boxing he was a hammer
throv>~r and long distance runner.
His speed and endurance were 30 mar
Vicious that he was given to hunting
kanEaroos afoot. The former cham
pion's ring career began as the win
ner OF lightweight competition pro-
NOTED by Jeu Mace, nj Timaru. New
Zealand. In 1880 He defea ted four
men. Knocking Cut three ut thetra.t ard
thrs became the amateur champion
of this country The next year he
defended his honors, defeating five
opponents in one night.
Fitzsimmons continued at the forge
for the next six or seven years. but
was always resdy to fight. After fight
ing three battles with Jim Hall. then
regarded as. the middleweight cham
pion or Australia, Fitzsimmons came
fn IN fQhA of
the iishtest men TO win the heavy
weight championship. He rarely
weighed more tnan as pounds whs/
In condition. and gave away as much
as fifty pounds to some opponents.
Fftzsimmons won the worlds heavy
weight title on March II, 1897, when
he defeated James ]. .Corhstt in the
fourteenth round Of their memorable
ba.tls at Carson City. New. He stop
ped Corbett with his famous solar
plexus punch, of which he was the
originator.
For two years Fttzsimmons chung
to the honor. losing 1t to James J.
JefYries when he was knocked out
in the eleventh round June 5. 1922.
at Coney Island, n. Y. In 1909 he
met Jefrrics again. hoping to regain
the crown, hut after having the bet
ter of the California giant on points.
F'itzsimmons went down to defeat in
the eighth round
Old-timers OF the ring say the last
knockout at the hands OF Jeffries
started Fitssimmons on the down
ward path.
Fitzsimmons made a fortune In the
ring, his earnings soon vanishing He
had varied matrimonial career. hav-
ing been married four times.