James John Corbett

Corbett, James John (1866–1933), U.S. boxer. Known as “Gentleman Jim”, he became the first man to hold the world heavyweight title under Marquess of Queensberry Rules, beating John L. Sullivan (1892). Corbett reigned for 5 years, until Bob Fitzsimmons knocked him out in 14 rounds in Carson City, Nev. After his retirement from the ring in 1903, Corbett made a successful career on the stage and in motion pictures.