Sports History On This Day: July 8

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July 8, 1989 – It was the end of a brutal era in the world of boxing. Champion John L. Sullivan successfully defended his title in the last officially sanctioned, bare-knuckle world heavyweight prizefighting championship. His opponent, Jake Kilrain’s trainer literally threw in the towel to stop the fight after 75 x 1-minute rounds near Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

According to the IBHOF.com website Sullivan had apparently inherited his physical appearance and stoutness (5’10” tall and weighed 190 pounds) from his mother, who was pretty close to her grown son’s height and weight (Don’t tell her we said that.) Sullivan’s father, although a pretty good fighter himself, was barely 5’3”.

 John L. Sullivan was apparently a very talented athlete as he played semi-pro baseball in the Boston area. So good that the Cincinnati Red Stockings offered him a contract, which he declined.

To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.

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Cigarette Advertising Card produced by Allen and Ginters. John L. Sullivan, a boxer was considered to be the link between bare knuckles and glove fighting. Considered to be one of the best heavyweights ever. Sullivan was elected to the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 1990.
The photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Public Domain Photo of Cigarette Advertising Card produced by Allen and Ginters. John L. Sullivan, a boxer was considered to be the link between bare knuckles and glove fighting. Considered to be one of the best heavyweights ever. Sullivan was elected to the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 1990. Special thanks to the resources of IBHOF.com, Newspapers.com, and OnThisDay.com for the information obtained.

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