John L. Sullivan (boxer) : Short Biography

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Irish Boxing article about John Sullivan

Ireland

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John L. Sullivan (boxer) 1858

Killahan (Kerry) St Marys Athlone (Westmeath) County Kerry County Westmeath

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John Lawrence Sullivan was born in October 1858 in Boston. Both of his parents were Irish emigrants. His father was Michael Sullivan from Laccabeg, Abbeydorney in County Kerry, who had emigrated from Ireland to the USA in 1850, in the aftermath of the Irish Famine. John's mother was Catherine Kelly from Athlone.

John Lawrence Sullivan, Irish Boxer From Boston

A black and white picture of John L. Sullivan, Irish American boxer, known as the Boston strong boy.

John was reared to follow in his father's footsteps as a builder's labourer and tried his hand at various apprenticeships such as plumber and stonemason. Following various encounters, some not more than barroom brawls. he developed a reputation for himself as the Boston Strong Boy and pursued a career for himself as a professional fighter, participating in "exhibitions" of physical skill, as was permitted by Massachusetts State law in the late 1870s.

By 1881 Sullivan was performing at the renowned Harry Hill's Dance Hall and Boxing Emporium on New York's East Side. Here he met Richard Kyle Fox, Belfast-born and at that time the biggest boxing promoter in the United States.

Richard Kyle Fox

A black and white portrait of Richard Kyle Fox, an Irish promoter.

Sullivan went on to hold the Champion of America for 10 years, from 1882 to 1892. He was credited with 18 knockouts in 35 matches. He is generally regarded as being the first heavyweight champion of the world under the Queensbury Rules.

The Sullivan and Kilrain Fight

A black and white picture of a crowd gathered for a John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain's boxing match.

In December 1887 Sullivan travelled to Ireland and toured the county to widespread acclaim and welcome. His visit was much anticipated by sports fans and the press reported his movements and activities while he was there.

His reign ended in September 1892 when he was knocked out for the first time in his career by James J. Corbett in New Orleans that lasted 21 rounds. Upon retiring from boxing he had a varied career which included being a publican, an actor and, in his later years, a temperance campaigner.

He died 3rd February 1918 in Abingdon, Massachusetts.