Bob Fitzsimmons, the great prize fighter from the turn of the century was known as “The Fighting Blacksmith.” It wasn’t just a catchy nickname, Fitzsimmons really WAS a blacksmith, having apprenticed under his father as a young lad.

It was said that this early training at the forge helped build Fitzsimmons’ punching power and considerably develop his upper body which certainly contributed to his later profession in the fistic arena. Fitzsimmons was well-known for his wiry but strong physique and for delivering short, accurate, and very hard punches on his way to winning world championships in three different weight classes.