Hi everyone,
It's taking a trip into some history today. The boxing world to be specific.
This epic contest dragged on for 110 rounds, spanning over seven hours with each round lasting three minutes. It is on record that the sheer length of the fight made it that some spectators fell asleep in their seats.
Who are the actors?
It was on April 6th, 1893. It was between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Andy Bowen(1867-1894)
Andy Bowen was fighting on home turf as he was born in same New Orleans in 1867. He was in his early twenties when he began his boxing career and grew in leaps and bounds in rapid fashion, becoming famous for his skill and durability.
Bowen had a robust physique, strong-built and ofcourse that durability, that resilience in the ring. Infact this last quality was Bowen's key selling point, he was highly regarded for his relentless fighting spirit and such an ability to withstand gruelling bouts.
Jack Burke (1873-1942)
Jack Burke was way younger, born in 1873 and began to invite attention during the late 19th century, with his growing winning percentage. He grew steadily till he began to amass to himself multiple victories thereby forging a reputation as a fighter of note and a formidable contender.
Stylistically, Burke was known for his agility which included a quick footwork and an adaptable fighting style.
Jack Burke and Andy Bowen were two celebrated boxing stars in their era and in their heydays in the 1890s, they were national icons.
Let's Fight!
The stage was set, Bowen the durable one(with some heavy blows too) versus Burke,the nimble one, floating like a butterfly and perhaps stinging like a bee.🙂
Let me remark that, this match was a replacement one. I mean Bowen had arranged to fight a different opponent, but he withdrew and Burke was selected.
Now it was the d-day, on the date given above and approximately 8,500 spectators were gathered to witness this historic match.
The bout turned out to be much more than they bargained for, it became a gruelling contest which endured almost forever with both boxers refusing to be undone by the other. I can just imagine how much stamina the referee had to have. Though well, lengthy matches were common back then, but ofcourse none like this before.l. As said before , the body of spectators caved into fatigue and some indeed fell asleep in their seats as this bout dragged on.
By the 108th round, with no satisfactory victor, eventhough both fighters looked drained, referee John Duffy with his experience, decided that if there was no winner in the next two rounds, the fight would be declared a “no contest.”
The fight continued and after two more exhausting rounds, the fighters made the referees job easier, their body could take no more and both were unable to emerge from their corners. Infact Jack Burke had broken all the bones in both his hands, which left him bedridden for six weeks.
Needless to say John Duffy therefore declared the match a “no contest.”
The fight lasted 110 rounds and spanning an amazing 7hrs and 19minutes. IT IS THE LONGEST EVER KNOWN BOXING BOUT IN HISTORY.
A Little Addition
The Bowen vs Burke’s legacy serves as a reminder of the sport’s roots, those were times when fighters weren’t just athletes but warriors pushing their bodies to the very extreme in battle and fueled by spectators hungry for entertainment.
We have to remember that during this period, America was transitioning from gas lamps to electic lights, so street lights began to surface. With street lights and electrified venues, people were encouraged to stay out much longer. No more going to bed as soon as the sun went down. This opened up a whole new world of entertainment during a time when people craved it.
Regards everyone.
Cheers
