John L. Sullivan
Last bareknuckle heavyweight champion and first gloved champion, the Boston Strong Boy
Overview
Sullivan was the first sports superstar of America, heavyweight champion from 1882 and the best paid athlete of his age. His 1889 defense against Jake Kilrain, fought in 100 degree heat at Richburg, Mississippi, was the last major bareknuckle championship and lasted more than two hours. He lost the title to James J. Corbett in 1892 under the new Queensberry glove rules, closing the bareknuckle era for good.
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