Joe Choynski
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Joe Choynski (November 8, 1868—January 24, 1943) was a Jewish-American boxer who fought from 1888 to 1904. "Chrysanthemum Joe" probably weighed approximately 170 lb (77 kg) during his career, but regularly fought heavyweights. He was considered a heavy puncher and dangerous fighter in his day. In fact, James J. Jeffries claimed that the hardest blow he ever received in a bout came from Choynski during their 20 round draw. During that bout, Choynski hit Jeffries with a right hand so powerful that the punch drove Jeffries lips between his teeth. Jeffries corner was forced to pry them out with a knife.
A contemporary of heavyweight champion "Gentleman Jim" (James J. Corbett), the two fought professionally three times. Both were from the San Francisco area, and thus generated a lot of local interest in their rivalry. The highlight of their series of bouts was fought on June 5, 1889, on a barge off the coast of Benicia, California.
The principals agreed that the bout was to be fought wearing two ounce gloves. Corbett had apparently hurt his hand and Choynski learned of the injury. Accordingly, Choynski "forgot" to bring his gloves to the match, thereby hoping the fight would proceed as a bare-knuckle bout. Corbett, however, declined to fight bare-knuckle, but agreed to allow Choynski to wear leather riding gloves borrowed from a spectator. The riding gloves were seamed, and caused Corbett to suffer many cuts and welts. Nevertheless, Corbett won the legendary bout when he KOed Choynski in the 27th round.
Choynski was never given an opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title, but enjoyed some stunning successes against famed heavyweights James J. Jeffries and Jack Johnson before they became champions. For example, he held the heavier, larger and stronger Jeffries to a 20 round draw on November 30, 1892. On February 25, 1901 he faced and KOed Jack Johnson in 3 rounds.
Choynski also fought six round draws with two other men who would later claim the heavyweight championship of the world; Bob Fitzsimmons on June 17, 1894, and Marvin Hart on November 16, 1903.
