John L. Sullivan: The Greatest Heavyweight Champion Of All

Homicide Henry · Post by **Homicide Henry** » 14 Nov 2002, 14:28

The Great John L. Sullivan...The Boston Strong Boy. He is rarely mentioned today in the world of boxing but he was, in my book, the greatest Heavyweight Champion ever. Sullivan was fast for being a buff man and his power is unquestionable...he could knock a horse over. If ring rules were the same as they are today back then, it was estimated the Great John L. would of had over 200 Ko's to his credit. Even though he defended his title only three times, the man, in his prime, could got more rounds than anybody. His fight with Kilrain went 75 rounds, under the London Prize Ring Rules, and was over 3 hrs long. His fight with Corbett, even though he lost, due to Corbett's great skill and Sullivan's alcholism, it went 21 3-minute rounds (with 3 oz. gloves). It was said that Sullivan would leave deforming scars on his opponents for years. John L. Sullivan held the title for well over ten years and had several exhibitions, which add up to nearly 175+. Can Ali do that? I dont think so.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 14 Nov 2002, 14:53

Oh please, any number of top heavyweights from this era probably would have done more damage than Sullivan given the likely level of his competition. Hell, Peter McNeely was 36-1 when he fought Tyson. Just because Sullivan is a part of history doesn't make him great, at least not if you want to compare him with modern heavyweights. You think any top 10 fighter now would have to go 75 rounds without gloves?

UNDASPUTED · Post by **UNDASPUTED** » 16 Nov 2002, 12:06

Only reason Sullivan held on to the championship for the lenght he did is because he ducked Peter Jackson. Sullivan is far from being the greatest HW ever.

6 Pack · Post by **6 Pack** » 16 Nov 2002, 13:23

I have done a little research on old Sullivan. The story about his fight with Flood was a classic. FLood was the head of a New York gang and a very impossing contender at the time. Sullivan was a contender leading up to his title shot with Paddy Ryan.

Sullivan came to New York with his entourage from Boston to fight Flood. The fight was kept a secret as to where it was to take place as it was illegal. The Boston boys were sent the wrong directions on purpose by Floods goons so Sullivan showed up surrounded by Floods gang.

The gang had guns and were talking trash when Sullivan showed up, saying what was going to happen to him. The fight was held under dim lights so not to attract the police.
It was said it was not wise for Sullivan to win, and every one knew what that meant.

Paddy Ryan, the heavyweight champion of the world at the time was there and knew the winner was going to be his number one contender. He was scouting.

SUllivan gave Flood the beating of his life, and flood was a good fighter. Half way threw the fight the Boston boys showed up but were sent away at gun point by the new York boys. Sullivan was fearless. WIth Flood at his feet, the dime light cast over him showing Flood's blood smeared across his chest, Sullivan raised his bloody hands and said looking at the heavyweight champion of the world "Ready for yours Paddy?"

Paddy Ryan gracefully backed down, but we all know Sullivan beat him silly too for the title later.

The Boston Boys came back to see who won, and no body wanted any part of Sullivan. He was a feared man. His legend was on the rise. This story both underlines how great a fighter Sullivan was during his era, and how different his era was from boxing today. Almost two different sports. The fight with Flood was basicly a street fight. Unfair to compare SUllivan with modern day heavyweights.

That is why he is rarely mentioned with the all-time greats.