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: April 25
April 25, 1901 – In what has gone down in history as one of the
Sports History On This Day: April 24
April 24, 1901 – The first game ever played in baseball’s American League occurred
Sports History On This Day: April 23
April 23, 1950 – A very historic evening occurred as the first Major League day
Sports History On This Day: April 22
April 22, 1876 – Here is a big anniversary for you! The very first official
The Night Pat Quinn Knocked Out Bobby Orr
Once upon a time in the National Hockey League, there were twelve teams. There
Sports History On This Day: April 21
Home Run Magic! Yes, there have been plenty of base clearers hit in single
Peter Bonert Shares Stories of the Link Between Germany and the NFL
In this episode, Peter Bonert rides shotgun in the DeLorean to take us back
Sports History On This Day: April 20
Three MLB ballparks had debuts into the Big Leagues on this day in history.