Tom Sharkey
Tom Sharkey | |
|---|---|
Sharkey in 1910 | |
| Born | November 26, 1873 |
| Died | April 17, 1953 (aged 81) |
| Other names | Sailor Tom |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1.74 m) |
| Reach | 70+1⁄2 in (179 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 54 |
| Wins | 37 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Draws | 6 |
| No contests | 2 |
Thomas "Sailor Tom" Sharkey (November 26, 1873 – April 17, 1953) was an Irish professional boxer who laid claim to the world heavyweight title by defeating Bob Fitzsimmons on December 2, 1896 in a highly controversial fight. Sharkey's recorded ring career spanned from 1893 to 1904. He is credited with having won 37 fights (with 34 KOs), 9 losses, 6 draws, and 2 no contests. In 1953, Sharkey was named in Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
He is notable for his bouts with heavyweight champions James J. Jeffries, "Gentelman Jim" Corbett, and Bob Fitzsimmons, fighting them each twice.