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via Getty

via Getty

Boxing: a dance of fists and fury, where moments define legends. But can you imagine a dance lasting over seven hours? Andy Bowen and Jack Burke did not just envision it in 1893; they lived it. In a time where no Twitter updates could instantly echo a punch’s impact worldwide, two fighters in New Orleans squared off in what became history’s longest bout. Amidst the clamor of leather on flesh and the mingled sweat and anticipation in the air, Bowen and Burke displayed a tenacity that defied human limits.

Interestingly, even iron can bend, and both fighters realized this after a staggering 110 rounds. As the world moves at lightning speed, pausing to recall a battle of wills from the past can be oddly refreshing. This isn’t just a tale of two boxers; it’s an odyssey through time, grit, and raw determination.

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A battle Nate Diaz would salute: The boxing marathon that kept fans on edge

James Pieratt, the hybrid athlete, and bestselling author, recently took to Instagram to unbox the story of the longest boxing match in history. The saga unfolded on April 6, 1893, between lightweights Andy Bowen and Jack Burke at the Olympics Club in New Orleans, Louisiana. A seemingly endless fight that further transitioned into a brutal slugfest lasting 110 rounds, stretching over seven hours and 19 minutes. At round 108, with the brutal ballet showing no signs of a curtain call, referee John Duffy decided that barring a clear winner in the next two rounds. The bout eventually would be declared a “no contest”. Sure enough, by the end of round 110, both men were too dazed and exhausted to continue, leading to the declaration of a no-contest.

The aftermath told a tale of flesh and bone versus an indomitable spirit. Burke found himself bedridden for six weeks, with every bone in both his hands broken. Bowen, tragically, would not see the following year through, dying in the ring in a subsequent match. A ghost of the past match’s brutality haunts him to the end.

Pieratt’s narrative invited a flood of reactions that displayed a spectrum of sentiments from his followers. One fan humorously remarked, “ah yes Nate Diaz would love this 😂”. Perhaps hinting at the modern-day boxer’s well-known, enduring spirit in the ring.

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On a more nostalgic note, another fan commented, “Back when Real Men used to box...,” seemingly yearning for the old days of raw and unfiltered boxing. Another fan brought a dash of irony into the mix, stating, “Probably got paid 10 cents each”. A stark contrast to today’s million-dollar boxing purses. Another person admired the fighters’ resolve with his comment, “Damn those men had iron wills”. Reflecting the awe that such a spectacle of human endurance naturally evokes.

Another keen observer shared a rather traditionalist view, “This is how boxing should be – winner is last man standing. No points or round limits”. Further challenging the modern-day scoring system and round limitations that arguably dilute the primal essence of boxing.

Also Read: “You Went Life and Death With Nate Diaz”: Dillon Danis Spills Water on Jake Paul’s Wish to Fight Canelo Alvarez

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So, as we navigate through the tides of evolution within this primal sport, the essence of human endurance and the spectators’ thirst for unyielding battles of will remain timeless. So how do you envision the future of boxing? Will it continue to lean towards ensuring the safety of fighters? Or is there room for reviving the rugged, raw nature of battles akin to Bowen and Burke’s?

Watch this story: Worst Eye Injuries in the history of boxing

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