John L. Sullivan biography

 John L. Sullivan biography

John L. Sullivan, in full John Lawrence Sullivan, byname The Great John L., or The Boston Strong Boy, (born Oct. 15, 1858, Roxbury, Mass., U.S.—died Feb. 2, 1918, Abington, Mass.), American skilled boxer, one of the well-liked heavyweight champions and an emblem of the bareknuckle period of boxing.

Sullivan started to combat professionally in 1878 after briefly finding out at Boston College. On Feb. 7, 1882, at Mississippi City, Miss., he knocked out Paddy Ryan within the ninth spherical of a bareknuckle combat for the heavyweight championship. His 75-round knockout of Jake Kilrain at Richburg, Miss., July 8, 1889, was the final heavyweight title bout underneath London Prize Ring (bareknuckle) guidelines. In his solely championship protection underneath the Queensberry guidelines, Sullivan was knocked out by James J. Corbett in 21 rounds in New Orleans, La., Sept. 7, 1892.

Although Sullivan is mostly thought of to have been world heavyweight champion, some boxing historians regard him as a U.S. champion solely. His solely worldwide match of consequence was with the English pugilist Charley Mitchell at Chantilly, Oise, Fr., March 10, 1888; it ended as a draw after 39 rounds. In addition, Sullivan declined to combat the nice Australian black heavyweight Peter Jackson. From 1878 to 1905 Sullivan had 35 bouts, profitable 31, of which 16 had been by knockouts.

Sullivan’s blustering character and fabled power gained him an incredible following. As champion he earned greater than $1 million however squandered it. A tough drinker throughout his ring profession, he later turned an advocate of prohibition and delivered many lectures on the topic.