Biography of John Sullivan


John Lawrence Sullivan – American boxer, was born in the city of Roxbury, Massachusetts. He won the reputation of a strong boxer in amateur battles. “Boston strong-willed,” as Sullivan was then nicknamed, traveled to the cities of New England.

Since 1878, he began to exercise professionally. The boxer, with a devastating right-hand blow, was successful from the very beginning of his career. In 1882, he won the champion title in a nine-round bout without heavyweight gloves, knocking out Paddy Ryan in the city of Mississippi. “The Great John L.” – so the fans nicknamed the athlete.

The skill of Sullivan in the ring, his hooliganism brought the athlete a lot of friends, made him an idol for American fans. In 1889, he fought and won the last championship without gloves, defeating Jake Kilrain in Richburg, Mississippi.

Fighting with gloves on the generally accepted rules for boxing “Queensberry”, Sullivan was defeated by James Corbett from New Orleans. From the ring Sullivan left in 1896, remaining unbeaten in battles without gloves. Then in 1905 the sportsman was occupied with a more restrained role of the defender.


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Biography of John Sullivan