James Burke (boxer)

James Burke (1809-1845) was also one of England's early days Boxing champions. Trained around the River Thames, he fought internationally but refused to meet Irish champion Sam O' Rourke[?] in Ireland, so O' Rourke went to the United States and made fun of Burke's courage, so Burke followed him there and they fought in New Orleans, and the fight evolved into such a violent event between the fighters and the public that Burke had to run away on a horse, afraid for his life.

Burke later died at home of Tuberculosis, at the young age of 36. In 1992, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame.