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 17
July 17, 1941 – All good things must come to an end. That was truly the
Sports History On This Day: July 16
July 16, 1936 – It is hard to fathom in any era of baseball, but
Sports History On This Day: July 15
July 15, 1876 – By George I think he’s got it! Almost 100 years to the
Sports History On This Day: July 14
July 14, 1914 – This is truly a great story of overcoming much in a
Spies on the Sidelines: How Much of an Impact Does Spying Have in the NFL?
While the phrase “three-letter agency” is a euphemism for American spook organizations such as
Sports History On This Day: July 13
July 13, 1930 – The first-ever football (soccer) World Cup competition begins in Uruguay. When
Sports History On This Day: July 12
July 12, 1931 – Crowd control or crowd in control? It was an odd occurrence
The Incredible Run of the 1966 to 1971 Baltimore Orioles
For nearly twenty years (1966-85), the Baltimore Orioles were a team to be reckoned