The date was April 6, 1893. It was the day when Andy Bowen and Jack Burke made history with their incredible display of endurance and perseverance in the boxing ring. The two fighters engaged in a battle that would go down in history as the single longest recorded gloved fight in boxing history. The gruelling fight took place in New Orleans, where Bowen, the experienced fighter, faced off against Burke, the Texan challenger. The fight began at 9.15 PM and lasted until 4.34 AM the next day, spanning an unbelievable 131 rounds.
The fight, which was scheduled for the lightweight championship of the south and a purse of $2,500, quickly turned into a test of wills as both fighters refused to back down. The intensity of the battle kept the audience captivated for the first 30 rounds, with both men hitting the mat and exchanging blows. However, as the rounds progressed, the pace of the fight began to slow down, and the spectators grew restless. Despite the gruelling length of the match, with some audience members even falling asleep, Bowen and Burke continued to fight on.
As the fight dragged on, both fighters suffered from extensive injuries. Burke was almost knocked out in round 48 and sustained swollen forearms and broken hands. Reports even suggested that a piece of bone protruded from Burke’s hand during the fight. Despite the immense pain and injuries, Burke showed incredible resilience and determination to continue fighting. Bowen, on the other hand, was unable to land a significant blow on his opponent as Burke dodged and weaved with impressive skill.
The fight reached a staggering 105 rounds before Bowen fell after missing a punch and crashing into Burke’s elbow, causing him to fall to the ground. However, in a display of sheer grit and determination, Bowen managed to get back on his feet. Finally, after 110 rounds, the fight was stopped, with neither man having the strength to continue. The fight was declared a draw, as both fighters were carried home in a state of utter exhaustion.
Despite the unimaginable physical toll that the fight took on both fighters, Bowen emerged relatively unscathed compared to Burke. Reports stated that Burke suffered from two broken hands, swollen forearms, a swollen stomach, puffy eyes and ears, and violent welts on his side and back. He was bedridden for weeks after the fight, while Bowen miraculously escaped with only a cut above his eye. The brutality of the match highlighted the need for stricter regulations in boxing to prevent such gruelling battles from ever happening again.
The epic battle between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke will forever hold a unique place in boxing history. The incredible display of endurance and determination shown by both fighters is a testament to the unfathomable grit and resilience that exists within the world of boxing. Though the fight ended in a draw, the physical and emotional toll it took on both men serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pushing the limits of human endurance in the pursuit of victory.