John L. Sullivan
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John Lawrence Sullivan was an American professional boxer. Nicknamed the "Boston Strong Boy" and known as John L. among his admirers, he is recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxin
The Sullivan-Kilrain fight
Sullivan as he appeared in 1898, late in his career
Corbett licks Sullivan.
Paddy Ryan
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Patrick Ryan was an Irish American boxer, and became the bare-knuckle American heavyweight champion on 30 May 1880, after he won the title from Joe Goss. He retained the title until losing it to the e
John L. Sullivan
…Rules for $250. He knocked out eleven men during the tour. In Sullivan's era, no formal boxing titles existed. He became a champion after defeating Paddy Ryan in Mississippi City, near Gulfport, Mississippi, on February 7, 1882. Modern authorities have retroactively labelled Ryan the "Heavyweight Champion of…
Paddy Ryan, 1887
Jem Mace
Ryan (left) and Sullivan shake hands at scratch line
Odlum jumps from the bridge