By Peter Silkov
Marvin
Hart ‘The Fighting Kentuckian’ is perhaps the heavyweight
division's most underrated champion, a man who came to boxing late in
life (23) and still managed to get to the top of the heavyweight
division. Hart was born on September 16, 1876, in Fern Creek,
Kentucky. Hart began his boxing career in 1899, aged 23, and during
his career fought top men such as Tommy West, Dan Creedon, Kid
Carter, Jack Root, Philadelphia Jack O’Brien, Jack Bonner, George
Gardner, Joe Choynski, Gus Ruhlin, Jack Johnson, Tommy Burns, Peter
Maher, Jack Twin Sullivan, and Mike Schreck.
Hart's
best result was his controversial 20 rounds point's victory over Jack
Johnson, on March 28, 1905.
When
Jim Jeffries announced his retirement from the ring as undefeated
champion, he selected Hart and Jack Root, to fight for the vacant
World heavyweight title. The fight took place on July 3, 1905, and
Hart won on a 12th
round knockout.
In
his first defence of his world title on February 23, 1906, Hart faced
Tommy Burns, and was out-pointed over 20 rounds, losing his title in
the process.
Hart
continued to fight until 1910, retiring after being stopped by Carl
Morris in 3 rounds, on December 20, 1910, Marvin Hart’s final
record reads (28-7-4, 20koes).
After
retirement, Hart would spend the rest of his life on his farm in
Barnstown Pike. He spent his days raising chickens, farming, and
being a referee. He also operated a tavern in Louisville, Kentucky.
Suffering from an enlarged liver and high blood pressure, Marvin Hart
died on September 17, 1931, at the age of 55 years old.
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