Fitzsimmons, Robert L.

Fitzsimmons, Robert L., 1863–1918, British boxer, b. Cornwall, England. Fitzsimmons began fighting professionally in Australia and New Zealand before going to the United States in 1890. He won the world's middleweight championship in 1891. In 1897 he defeated James J. Corbett at Carson City, Nev., for the heavyweight crown but lost it in 1899 to James J. Jeffries at Coney Island, N.Y. He won the light heavyweight title in 1903 and held it for two years. Fitzsimmons retired from boxing at the age of 52.