Would John L Sullivan have meet Peter Jackson, if Sullivan was still in his prime?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Mendoza, Feb 17, 2009.


  1. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    It seems to me that Sullivan had to prove himself to the critics in bare knuckle fights ( Jake Kilrain ), and London Prize ( Charley Mitchell ) ring fights while he was the Queensberry gloved champion!

    Later in his career as champion, Sullivan broke his left arm, and it never was the same. He also became very ill, taking a while off boxing. I believe it was in this time that he refused a match with Jackson.

    Would the prime John L Sullivan with something to prove have fought Peter Jackson?
     
    Mendoza, Feb 17, 2009
    Mendoza, Feb 17, 2009
    #1
  2. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Sullivan seems to have toyed with the idea of fighting Jackson for the right price.
     
    janitor, Feb 18, 2009
    janitor, Feb 18, 2009
    #2
  3. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    "I never fought a nergo, never have and never shall".

    John L Sullivan.

    That about answers that question.
     
    Dempsey1238, Feb 18, 2009
    Dempsey1238, Feb 18, 2009
    #3
  4. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Agree with Dempsey for the most part.
     
    McGrain, Feb 18, 2009
    McGrain, Feb 18, 2009
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  5. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Sullivan gave mixed statments on the subject.

    He first said that he would fight Peter Jackson and George Godfrey for a fair price.

    He actualy turned up to a scheduled fight with George Godfrey but the police intervened.

    It was later in his career as his chances of beating Peter Jackson decreased that he said "I never fought a nergo, never have and never shall".

    Some sources suggest that he did fight black oponents earlier on.

    So the picture is not clear.
     
    janitor, Feb 18, 2009
    janitor, Feb 18, 2009
    #5
  6. Boilermaker

    Boilermaker Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Some people take media statements too seriously.

    "I want to eat his children"

    Mike Tyson.

    Doesnt really answer the question about those Mike Tyson Cannibalism rumours.

    I have no doubt that Sullivan would have fought Jackson for the right money. As mentioned, it is hardly Sullivans fault that the police stopped his fight with Godfrey. I wonder how much this would have affected Sullivans legacy if he had won.
     
    Boilermaker, Feb 18, 2009
    Boilermaker, Feb 18, 2009
    #6
  7. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Its hard to say if Sullivan was the best gloved heavyweight of the 1880's. Maybe he was, but Frank Slavin, and Peter Jackson never got a match with him.
     
    Mendoza, Feb 18, 2009
    Mendoza, Feb 18, 2009
    #7
  8. Arka

    Arka New Member Full Member

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    Did John L ever fight a negro ?
     
    Arka, Feb 18, 2009
    Arka, Feb 18, 2009
    #8
  9. HomicideHenry

    HomicideHenry Many Talents, No Successes Full Member

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    He was to fight a black man named Johnson once, least according to CBZ, but the black guy never showed up. Sullivan toyed with the idea of facing Godfrey two or three different times, but it never came off. He did, however, fight Herbert Slade, though he wasnt black, but a native Kiwi of dark color. I think had he bested Godfrey, maybe the historians would consider Sullivan to be of a higher ranking, even if Godfrey was behind Jackson.
     
    HomicideHenry, Feb 18, 2009
    HomicideHenry, Feb 18, 2009
    #9