- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJohn Lawrence Sullivan
- Nicknames
- The Great John L.
- The Boston Strong Boy
- 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.
- IMDb mini biography by: Shuman, R. Baird
- SpousesKatherine Harkins(February 7, 1910 - May 25, 1916) (her death)Annie Bates(May 1, 1883 - 1908) (divorced, 1 child)
- Lived openly with burlesque queen Ann Livingston after separating from his first wife in 1885. His second wife was his childhood sweetheart.
- First heavyweight champion of gloved boxing from 1882 to 1892. Career record: 38-1. Inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
- Uncle of Billy Sullivan.
- Managed by Billy Madden.
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