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
The Championship Games That Changed a League Forever
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/yellow-and-white-trophy-_XTY6lD8jgM Some title games do more than decide who wins. They alter how
Why Golf Shoes Are One of the Most Important Pieces of Golf Equipment
Golf is a game built on balance, control, and consistency. While many players spend
Brief Overview of Women’s Weightlifting History
The first USA Women’s National Championships were held on May 23, 1981, in Waterloo,
The Changing Role of Sports Mascots
Sports history is usually told through championships, box scores, coaches and athletes. Yet another
Remembering Tampa Bay’s First Two Seasons
In 1976 and 1977, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers experienced what is probably the worst
The Evolution of Betting Activity Around Major Sports Events
Sports betting has existed for centuries and has evolved alongside some of the world’s
How The 1996 New York Yankees Shocked Baseball and Saved The Bronx
After winning four American League Pennants and two World Series in six years (1976–1981),
How Sports Betting Changed From Cash Windows to Digital Payouts
For much of the twentieth century, sports betting was tied to physical places and
