John L. Sullivan: Where It All Began

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

John L. Sullivan established the existence and importance of the World Heavyweight Championship. John L. grew up in Boston, a son of Irish immigrants. He played semi-professional baseball and at his best he was 5’10 and around 185 pounds. Early on he learned that he was a natural fighter and after gaining some local notoriety as a tough guy, he quickly embraced the notion of being a professional prizefighter. At the time the concept of world champion didn’t exist because modern means of transportation hadn’t been established. As a result fighters would claim titles of territories. For example, one pugilist might claim to be the champion of Australia and another one the champion of France, but up to that point no one had laid claim to the title of world champion. [details]

[K-DOGG]

Excellent piece on Sullivan; particularly how the magic he put on the title of "World Heavyweight Champion" has been passed on and is HIS legacy and contribution to the sport. So much is forgotten with the passage of time...thank you for not.

Good read.