John L. Sullivan Picture: an amazing find

I'll post some later today when i get a minute

 

Here is some of the text.......


"He began to spar in 1879 appearing at several exhibitions in Boston , but did not attract general attention until the spring of1880 when Joe Goss ( deceased) took a benefit at Music Hall, Boston. Sullivan appeared with Goss in the wind up, when he dealt that old veteran prize fighter a right - hander which sent him sprawling, and caused a halt in the bout . Goss was accorded time to revive, when the set to was continued Sullivan declined again to use his right hand.

(1880) George Roake, brother of Jack Raoke( fighter?) of Manchester , was his next customer and one rd. was sufficient to demonstrate that Sullivan was a prize fighting phenomenon.

Sullivan went on a tour offering 10 pounds to any man who faced him for 4 rds. Several undertook the task but each and every one failed. Sullivan knocked out every acceptor in less than 2 rds.


He then signed articles with Paddy Ryan to fight for 1000 pounds and the Championship of America. They met at Mississippi Cit , Miss., Feb.7, 1882. Sullivan won in 9 rds. Sullivan then introduced what is known now as the " Knocking out Business" lol agreeing to stop anyman in the world in 4 rds with gloves or forfeit 200 pounds to the successful man.

In 1883 the champ started on a 9 month tour of the U. S. holding out a standing offer to give any man 200 pounds who would stand before him for 4 three minute rds with soft gloves. During the trip he disposed of over 50 aspirants. The combination closed with Sullivan returning to Boston and besting 3 men in one night.

Sullivan broke a bone in his arm on Patsey Cardiffs head and took several months to allow it to heal. On his return to Boston he was tendered a testimonial reception at the BostonTheatre, when that place of amusement was literally packed. It was on this occasion that John L. was presented by the citizens of Boston with a gold and diamond belt which cost 1300 pounds.., it being the most magnificent trophy ever made.John L. would bring it to every performance.

Sullivan is a beautiful specimen of manhood, his limbs being symetrically formed, the muscles standing out as prominent as whip- cords when he is in condition. The Champion possesses the agility of a lightweight while as a clever fighter and a punishing hitter his equal has never been known or heard of. No man has ever been known to to deal him an effective blow and during his carreer he has never as much as received a discoloured eye.

As a pugilist Sullivan is a marvel and during his short career he has realised over 30,000 pounds. When not on exhibition in the provinces . the belt will be shown in the window of The Sportsman office, Fleet Street, Boston.

The name of the Newspaper this was published is The Sportsman, Boston.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading this . I cant wait to get this finished and under glass with a proper border and frame. That will be a while down the road but I'll post the finished product when the resto guy can get it done.

Thanks and take care-
Canada180

 

A true hero to millons. I dont think the world ever forgave Corbett

 

It doesnt make any difference really. Most pics were probably drawings back then.

The beauty in this is that it is front and centre and a whole page by itself from a "BOSTON" or London paper from 1887.

Its is still an authentic article.

Not many of these around I would think.

 

I guess in paraphrasing the text to wind the story out, I added Boston. not London

oops