The Longest Boxing Match in History Ended in a Draw

The 1893 bout between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke in New Orleans lasted over 7 hours with no winner declared.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense physical movements and energy of a boxing match, with sharp planes of color and form representing the grueling 7-hour bout between the two fighters.A cubist interpretation of the epic 1893 boxing match between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke, which remains the longest gloved fight on record.New Orleans Today

In April 1893, lightweights Andy Bowen and Jack Burke engaged in a boxing match at the Olympic Club in New Orleans that lasted an astonishing 110 rounds over 7 hours and 19 minutes, making it the longest gloved boxing match on record. Despite Bowen's advantage, Burke persisted with broken hands, driven by loyalty to friends who had bet on him. Ultimately, the referee declared the match a no-contest as both fighters were too dazed to continue.

Why it matters

This epic bout exemplifies New Orleans' rich history of hosting landmark sporting events and producing world-class fighters. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers boxers faced before modern safety regulations, foreshadowing the later discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) linked to repeated head trauma.

The details

The fight took place at the Olympic Club in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood, which hosted prizefights in the late 19th century. Bowen, known as the 'Louisiana Tornado,' had the physical edge, but Burke relied on head movement and footwork to avoid Bowen's punches despite breaking both hands. By the 108th round, the referee said he would stop the fight if no clear winner emerged in the next two rounds, but both men were too dazed to leave their corners, leading to the no-contest decision.

  • The fight took place on April 6-7, 1893, lasting from 9:15 PM to 4:41 AM the next day.
  • One month later, Bowen defeated Jack Everhardt in an 85-round match.
  • The following year, in 1894, Bowen died at age 27 after being knocked unconscious by Kid Lavigne at the Olympic Club.

The players

Andy Bowen

A Louisiana lightweight boxer known as the 'Louisiana Tornado' who was one of the region's top fighters in the late 19th century.

Jack Burke

A Texas lightweight champion who traveled to New Orleans to fight Bowen in the record-setting match.

John Duffy

The referee who ultimately declared the match a no-contest after Bowen and Burke were too dazed to continue.

Olympic Club

A New Orleans establishment that hosted prizefights in the Bywater neighborhood in the late 19th century.

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What they’re saying

“'Gentlemen, this fight is off. I declare it no contest.'”

— John Duffy, Referee

“'Have no fear, gentlemen. This fight will be to finish no matter how long it takes.'”

— John Duffy, Referee

“It was loyalty to his friends who had bet on him, he said, that kept him standing, long after he knew he could not win.”

— Jack Burke

What’s next

The legacy of this epic boxing match continues to be felt in New Orleans' rich sports history, with the city producing many world champion fighters in the decades since.

The takeaway

This record-setting bout exemplifies the grit and determination of early 20th century boxers, while also highlighting the need for modern safety regulations to protect athletes from the dangers of chronic head trauma. The match's place in New Orleans' sporting lore underscores the city's enduring role as a hub for athletic excellence.