biography
| name: |
Sullivan, John L(awrence)
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1858–1918)
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| biography:
| Boxer, born in Roxbury (now part of Boston), Massachusetts, USA. He began his amateur career boxing around New England and became known as the Boston Strong Boy. The last bare-knuckle world heavyweight champion, he held the title in 1882–92, when he lost his crown to James J Corbett by a knockout under the newly adopted Queensbury rules requiring padded gloves. A colourful personality who often boasted in a tavern that he could ‘beat any man in the house’, the ‘Great John L's’ career record was 31 victories (16 knockouts), one loss, three draws, and one no decision. After retiring, he renounced his former lifestyle and became a temperance advocate. |
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