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: July 26
July 26, 1953 – Across the pond of the Atlantic there was the annual Tour de
Sports History On This Day: July 25
July 25, 1902 – James J. Jeffries is an interesting character in boxing history. Big
The Origins of Golf: A Deep Dive into the History of the Sport
The origin story of golf, one of the most popular sports that is played
Sports History On This Day: July 24
July 24, 1908 – There was some controversy at the London Olympic Marathon. American runner
Sports History On This Day: July 23
July 23, 1925 – As a child did you ever imagine yourself crushing that game-winning
Sports History On This Day: July 22
July 22, 1967 – They just couldn’t find their way out or at least the
Sports History On This Day: July 21
July 21, 1957 – A milestone moment in sports history. A young lady by the
Sports History On This Day: July 20
July 20, 1858 – The very first charged admission to see a baseball game occurred