Very Rare July 8 1889 In Richburg Mississippi John L Sullivan vs Jake Kilrain Last - Bare Knuckle Heavyweight Championship Fight Full Ticket. In what would be the last defense of his title in bare knuckles. They had come to witness an illegal activity.
The horde of ticket - holders paid $ 15 Dollars for Ringside seats the rest paid $ 10 dollars for general admission. A sporting event deemed illegal in all 38 states Gov. Robert Lowry had offered a $ 1500 dollar reward for the arrest of the Fighters
A crowd of 3000 assembled to see the fight on a blisteringly hot day. Sullivan's corner had William Muldoom and Jimmy Walker Kilrain;s had Charlie Mitchell and Mike Donovan
Bat Mathewson was the timekeeper.
By the thirty - fourth round Kilrain's Nose was broken his lip was split and one Eye was swollen shut. The fight lasted two hours and sixteen minutes in the seventy sixth round Mike Dononvan threw in the sponge to end it.
John L Sullivan wins and keeps the title
Condition EX. With Very Rare Vintage Photo Of The Seventh Round. Only 1 Of 3 Known Museum Quality
SOLD