Description
John L. Sullivan “The Boston Strong Boy” was born on October 15th 1858 and died on February 2nd 1918.
He was an Irish-American boxer who is recognised as the last “World Heavyweight Bare-Knuckle Champion” under the London Prize Ring Rules and the first “World Heavyweight Champion” of gloved boxing under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, holding the title from February 7th 1882, to September 7th 1892.
Sullivan became the World Heavyweight Bare-Knuckle Champion after defeating Paddy Ryan on February 7th 1882, but modern authorities have labelled Ryan the “Heavyweight Champion of America” not the world because he had never fought internationally. Depending on the modern authority, Sullivan was first considered “World Heavyweight Champion” either in 1888 when he fought Charley Mitchell in France or on July 8th 1889 when he knocked out Jake Kilrain in the 75th round of a scheduled 80 round fight.
The John L. Sullivan vs Jake Kilrain fight is a turning point in boxing history because it was the last world bare-knuckle title fight under the London Prize Ring Rules. Sullivan is considered the last world bare-knuckle champion because no champion after him fought bare-knuckle (LEGALLY) but it still continues to this day.
September 7th 1892, under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, John L. Sullivan fought James “Gentleman Jim’ Corbett and lost his title by a Knockout in the 21st round. When Sullivan was back on his feet, he announced to the crowd, ‘if I had to get licked, I’m glad I was licked by an American.’
