Vintage portrait photo of famous Irish American bare-knuckle boxer John Morrissey (1831 - 1878) - heavyweight Champion of America from 1853 to 1859.
Vintage portrait photo of famous Irish American bare-knuckle boxer John Morrissey (1831 - 1878) - heavyweight Champion of America from 1853 to 1859. Morrissey, nicknamed "Old Smoke", was controversially awarded the title following a 37 round bout with Yankee Sullivan on October 12 1853 at Boston Corners, New York, which ended in chaos when spectators invaded the ring and a mass brawl broke out. Morrissey later defended his title against John C Heenan (1834 - 1873) on October 20 1858 at Long Point, Ontario, Canada - knocking out Heenan, nicknamed "The Benicia Boy", in the 11th round. Morrissey retired from boxing the following year and later became a New York State Senator and US Congressman. Photo circa 1870.
Size: 2339px × 3009px
Photo credit: © Fistiana / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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