1880-90

Rare woodcut illustration, titled below the image with fighter’s details, ‘J.L. Sullivan Champion of the World’ and above ‘Presented Gratis with the No.4 of Famous Fights in the Prize Ring’. Original sheet backed with tissue to strengthen.

330 by 230mm (13 by 9 inches).

John L Sullivan 1858-1918. The ‘Boston Strong boy’ was an American boxer, recognised as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing. From 1882 to 1892 he is also generally recognised as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring rules, being a cultural icon of the late 19th century America. He was arguably the first boxing superstar and one of the world's highest paid athletes of his era.

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