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 chaotic scenes in the fifth round. Sullivan is standing bare-chested to the right of the picture, being held back by one of his seconds, and Kilrain is lying on the ground - only Kilrain's arm is visible as he stretches it up into the air while a man in a white top crouches over him to check on his condition.
Size: 3000px × 2228px
Photo credit: © Fistiana / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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