Rube Ferns

Rube Ferns
Born
James Ferns

(1873-10-30)October 30, 1873
DiedJune 11, 1952(1952-06-11) (aged 78)
Scammon, Kansas
NationalityAmerican
Other namesThe Kansas Rube
Statistics
Weight(s)Welterweight
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights74
Wins46
Wins by KO33
Losses19
Draws9

Rube Ferns (born James Ferns; October 30, 1873 – June 11, 1952) was an American boxer of the early 20th century. Nicknamed "The Kansas Rube", he held the World Welterweight Championship in 1900 and 1901.[1] He was formidable and scrappy with a good punch.

He defeated such men as "Mysterious" Billy Smith, Eddie Connolly, Bobby Dobbs, William "Matty" Matthews, Frank Erne, Owen Zeigler, "Scaldy" Bill Quinn, Harry Pigeon, Frank "Dutch" Neal, Paddy Purtell and Shorty Ahearn. He lost his title to Barbados Joe Walcott in December 1901. He was known as a powerful hitter with an impressive knockout record.[2][3]

  1. ^ "Welterweight Champions of the World". Boxinghalloffame.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  2. ^ "Jack O'Brien is after Tom Ryan". The Pittsburg Press (Evening edition): 18. April 30, 1903. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  3. ^ "Matthews gave up". The Scranton Republican: 1. April 28, 1903. Retrieved July 15, 2014.