The Olympic Club of New Orleans: Epicenter of Professional Boxing, 1883-1897 - Paperback

by S. Derby Gisclair (Author)

Established in 1883, the Olympic Club catered to a variety of pursuits from target shooting to billiards to boxing--the most popular sport in New Orleans, despite legal prohibitions.

A revised city ordinance and a vague state statute permitting boxing sponsored by chartered athletic clubs were frequently tested at the Olympic, the epicenter of boxing in America. Between 1890 and 1894, the club's 10,000-seat arena hosted six world championship and seven national or regional title bouts. The 1892 Fistic Carnival featured three world title fights on three consecutive days, culminating in the World Heavyweight Championship between John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett.

Front Jacket

Established in 1883, the Olympic Club catered to a variety of pursuits from target shooting to billiards to boxing--the most popular sport in New Orleans, despite legal prohibitions.

A revised city ordinance and a vague state statute permitting boxing sponsored by chartered athletic clubs were frequently tested at the Olympic, the epicenter of boxing in America. Between 1890 and 1894, the club's 10,000-seat arena hosted six world championship and seven national or regional title bouts. The 1892 Fistic Carnival featured three world title fights on three consecutive days, culminating in the World Heavyweight Championship between John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett.

Author Biography

Best known as a baseball writer and historian, S. Derby Gisclair has written three books and more than 80 articles on non-baseball sports personalities and events. He lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.