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.
Jake Kilrain
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John Joseph Killion, more commonly known as Jake Kilrain, was a famous American bare-knuckle fighter and glove boxer of the 1880s.
John L. Sullivan
…champion either in 1885 when he defeated Dominick McCaffrey in Ohio, in 1888 when he fought Charley Mitchell in France, or in 1889 when he knocked out Jake Kilrain in round 75 of a scheduled 80-round bout. When the modern authorities refer to the "heavyweight championship of the world," they are likely referring…
Jake Kilrain
The Kilrain-Sullivan pre-fight poster