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.
More From Sports History Network
1972 Dallas Cowboys: From Duane Thomas Drama to Staubach’s Stunning Comeback
After posting an impressive 69–24–2 record over the last six seasons, including two NFC
Balancing School and Sports: Time Management Strategies for Student Athletes
Being a student athlete is about thriving in two high-pressure worlds at once: academics
The Scudetto: Italy’s Little Shield, A Legacy in Every Stitch
When a Serie A champion takes the field the following season, they do so
The Future Is Now With George Allen
When George Allen became the new head coach for the Washington Redskins in 1971,
From Radios to Real-Time Streams:Soccer Fandom Through the Years
Soccer has always been more than just a sport and it’s a cultural force
USC Trojans Rivalries That Define College Football History
College football thrives on rivalries, and few programs embody this tradition more than the
1990 NFC Championship Game (Giants vs. 49ers) – The Game That Ended A Dynasty
From 1969 to 2006, I was a big fan of NFL football. During those
How to Plan the Perfect Sports Trip to Portugal: Complete Guide
Portugal’s emergence as Europe’s premier sports destination isn’t just hype—it’s backed by real momentum.