Sullivan, John Lawrence, 1858-1918

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John Lawrence Sullivan was born on October 15, 1858 in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Irish immigrant parents. Nicknamed the “Boston Strong Boy”, Sullivan began to box professionally in 1878. He was a heavyweight champion whose boxing style was reliant on brute strength, fighting under the London Prize Ring Rules (bare-knuckle boxing). In 1882, Sullivan won one of his most famous fights, beating Irish-born Paddy Ryan for the bareknuckle championship of the world in Mississippi. By the 1890s, Sullivan was an aging champion with a significant drinking problem. He turned to the stage with a vaudeville act. Sullivan ultimately retired to Abington, Massachusetts. He gave up alcohol and became a temperance advocate, speaking out in favor of Prohibition. Sullivan died on February 2, 1918 in Abington, Massachusetts.
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Person

Birth 1858-10-15

Death 1918-02-02

English

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