Vintage photo of the famous bare-knuckle world title fight between John L Sullivan (1858 - 1918) and Jake Kilrain (1859 - 1937). The fight took place on July 8 1889 in Richburg, Mississippi, in front of an estimated 3000 spectators who had gathered at a location kept secret from the authorities. Sullivan, nicknamed "The Boston Strong Boy", emerged victorious when the contest was stopped by Kilrain's seconds after 75 rounds and two hours and 16 minutes of fighting.
Vintage photo of the famous bare-knuckle world title fight between John L Sullivan (1858 - 1918) and Jake Kilrain (1859 - 1937). The fight took place on July 8 1889 in Richburg, Mississippi, in front of an estimated 3000 spectators who had gathered at a location kept secret from the authorities. Sullivan, nicknamed "The Boston Strong Boy", emerged victorious when the contest was stopped by Kilrain's seconds after 75 rounds and two hours and 16 minutes of fighting. The bout was a milestone in boxing history as it was the last world heavyweight championship fight decided with bare knuckles under London Prize Ring Rules. The photo captures action in the 23rd round - Kilrain, on the right, is stumbling forward and trying to clutch hold of Sullivan after taking a hard right hand to the heart area.
Size: 3000px × 2214px
Photo credit: © Fistiana / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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