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
Sports History On This Day: September 12
September 12, 1982 – At the US Open Men’s Tennis tournament there was a historic
Why Was “Shorty” Ray Considered an NFL Giant?
When we think of really big men who have had a positive impact on
Sports History On This Day: September 11
September 11, 1886 – We all know that the name of a ship named the
Sports History On This Day: September 10
September 10, 1918 – It was game 5 of the World Series between the Chicago
“Iron” Mike Sharpe: Embrace the Brace
On the morning of February 5, 2018 my wife slipped and fell on a
Sports History On This Day: September 9
September 9, 1960 – It was the dawn of a whole new era of professional
Sports History On This Day: September 8
September 8, 1894 – We may not remember who William K. L. Dickson is today
Sports History On This Day: September 7
September 7, 1896 – The first automobile race was held on a closed-circuit track.