James burke deaf boxer biography samples

James (Deaf) Burke was the first British champion to fight on American soil. He was also the most active champion of his day, fighting twenty bouts, some of grueling duration. Burke learned to box while working as a waterman on the Thames River.

An older boxer gave Burke instruction and put him in the ring against Ned Murphy in 1828. The two battled for 50 rounds, until the match was called a draw because of darkness. Burke fought more marathon bouts in the next few years, including a three-hour victory over Bill Fitzmaurice and a two-hour-and-fifty-minute loss to Bill Cousens.

Burke was unsuccessful in attempts to be matched against champion Jem Ward, but when Ward retired, Burke fought Harry Macone for the title.

In a brutal match, Burke triumphed in 59 rounds. The next year, Burke battled challenger Simon Byrne.

James burke deaf boxer biography samples

By the nineteenth round, Burke was on the ground and his ear had been bitten through. The two men fought doggedly for more than three hours, however. Burke finally tapp