Andy Bowen was a lightweight boxer who fought in the late 19th century. He is best known for participating in the longest boxing match ever recorded, which lasted 110 rounds and over seven hours. But what many people don’t know is that Bowen died in his next fight, just eight months later, after hitting his head on the wooden canvas. This is the tragic story of Andy Bowen’s death and the brutal sport of boxing in the 1890s.
The Longest Fight
On April 6, 1893, Bowen faced Jack Burke at the Olympic Club in New Orleans. Bowen had originally scheduled the fight with another opponent, but after he dropped out, Burke, who was his trainer, stepped in. The fight was for the Southern Lightweight Championship and a purse of $2,500.
The fight was scheduled for 45 rounds, but neither fighter could gain a decisive advantage. They exchanged punches, clinches, and wrestles for hours, with no breaks or water. The spectators who stayed to watch the fight fell asleep in their seats. It was reported that the referee, John Duffy, decided that if no winner emerged in the next two rounds, he would declare the match a no contest.
But in the 110th round, both fighters were too exhausted and dazed to come out of their corners. Duffy ended the fight and ruled it a draw. Both fighters received $1,000, but neither was satisfied. Burke broke all the bones in both of his hands and was bedridden for six weeks. Bowen fought four more times after the fight, but never regained his former form.
The Last Fight
Bowen’s last fight was against Kid Lavigne, a rising star from Michigan, on December 14, 1894. The fight was also at the Olympic Club, and was for the World Lightweight Championship. Lavigne was favored to win, as he had a record of 22 wins and no losses.
The fight was a brutal affair, with both fighters landing hard blows. In the 18th round, Lavigne landed a right hook that sent Bowen to the floor. Bowen hit his head on the wooden canvas, which had no padding or springs. He never regained consciousness and died at 7:00 am the next morning, aged 27.
Lavigne was arrested for Bowen’s death, but was cleared of any wrongdoing after a coroner’s inquest. Bowen’s death was listed as from hitting his head on the ring floor. Lavigne went on to become the World Lightweight Champion, but he always regretted the fatal outcome of his fight with Bowen.
The Legacy of Andy Bowen
Andy Bowen was one of the many boxers who died in the ring or as a result of boxing injuries in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Boxing was a dangerous and unregulated sport, with few rules, no gloves, and no medical supervision. Many boxers suffered from brain damage, blindness, deafness, and other chronic ailments.
Bowen’s death, along with other ring fatalities, sparked a public outcry and a demand for reform. Some states banned boxing altogether, while others introduced stricter regulations, such as limiting the number of rounds, requiring gloves, and providing medical assistance. Boxing gradually became a safer and more civilized sport, but it still carries the risk of serious injury and death.
Andy Bowen’s name is mostly forgotten today, but he deserves to be remembered as a brave and determined fighter who gave his life for his passion. His story is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the men who entered the ring in the golden age of boxing.
