Tommy Burns
World's Heavyweight Champion
Circa 1906
"Why, Mr. Hart, I didn't think that a big champion like you would mind that a little man like me would wear a little tape."
-Tommy Burns
When Tommy Burns met Marvin Hart for the Heavyweight Championship of the World, February 23, 1906, Burns was a 17 to 1 underdog and the betting was 10 to 7 that he would not last ten rounds.
At 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 172 pounds, Burns was out weighed by Hart by 21 pounds. Burns possessed two particular assets a remarkable reach for his size and great bravery matched with a sharp tongue.
"As the fighters entered the ring Hart came over to Burns' corner to examine Tommy's hands. He complained that Burns had too much tape on his hands and ordered it removed. Burns just smiled and said, 'Why, Mr. Hart, I didn't think that a big champion like you would mind that a little man like me would wear a little tape.'"
"Hart exploded and tried to punch Burns. Jeffries (acting as the referee) parted the men. He allowed the tape of Burns hands. But the incident so upset Hart that he fought in a rage. Burns took advantage of this and easily outpointed Hart, winning 18 out of 20 rounds."(1)
Tommy Burns would go on to defend his title in total 12 times, winning all but two by knockout. That was until he relinquished the crown to Jack Johnson the day after Christmas, 1908, after receiving a savage beating at the hands of the much larger Johnson.
In his later years, travelled as a minister, passing out business cards that bore the inscription," Compliments of Tommy Burns. Former world's heavyweight boxing champion, a demonstrator of Universal Love."
Original Antique Suski Studio Photograph
Photograph Size: 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 inches. Mounted on photographer's board measuring 7 x 9 inches.
Stamped on the reverse of the board, " Tommy Burns World's Heavyweight Champion. Suski Electric Photo Studio. Evening Settings By Appointment. ""From Greenwald's Cigar Store. Los Angeles, CAL."
Condition: Fine as to photograph. Some edge chipping to the mount which would matt out.
3000-0261
Price: $745.00
Shipping & Handling Charge $10.00 within the Continental United States. Foreign Purchasers Please Inquire as to Rates.
(1) The Tommy Burns Story by Billy Mahoney
