John L. Sullivan(1858-1918)
John L. Sullivan was a popular world heavyweight champion and emblem of boxing's bareknuckle era.
Sullivan began fighting professionally in 1878, after briefly attending Boston College. In 1882, he knocked out Paddy Ryan in the ninth round of a bareknuckle duel for the heavyweight title. The final heavyweight title match under London Prize Ring rules took place in 1889, when he knocked out Jake Kilrain in 75 rounds. In his only championship defense under Queensberry rules, Sullivan was defeated in 21 rounds by James J. Corbett in 1892.
As champion, he made more than $1 million but spent it. He was a heavy drinker during his ring career and later became an advocate for prohibition, giving numerous lectures on the subject.
Sullivan began fighting professionally in 1878, after briefly attending Boston College. In 1882, he knocked out Paddy Ryan in the ninth round of a bareknuckle duel for the heavyweight title. The final heavyweight title match under London Prize Ring rules took place in 1889, when he knocked out Jake Kilrain in 75 rounds. In his only championship defense under Queensberry rules, Sullivan was defeated in 21 rounds by James J. Corbett in 1892.
As champion, he made more than $1 million but spent it. He was a heavy drinker during his ring career and later became an advocate for prohibition, giving numerous lectures on the subject.
