John L. Sullivan vs. John Laflin

John L Sullivan beat John Laflin 205 lbs by KO in round 4

• Date: 1884-11-10
• Location: New York, New York, USA

This bout, held in New York's Madison Square Garden, was put on as a benefit for the victims of flooding in Ohio.

Laflin was world champion Sullivan's first experienced opponent in more than a year. Known as "Professor Laflin," or "the Soceity Adonis," Laflin had sparred in an exhibition with Sullivan before and was considered a veteran of the sport by this time. He was the champion's elder by at least ten years.

Sullivan had completed his exhibition tour of the U.S. six months earlier and had fallen badly out of shape in the interim, but did do some minor training for this appearance. Five thousand people attended, including world famous scientist and inventor Thomas Edison.

Sullivan dominated round one and scored one knockdown, with Laflin doing well to survive the three minutes. He also made it through round two, though he fell twice more in that time. His only recourse for defense was clinching the champion, but his grip was easily broken by the champion. Sullivan appeared tired by the opening of round three, but still managed to floor his opponent again. When Laflin got up, the pair resorted to wrestling and both fell to the floor. When they made it to their feet, Sullivan charged forward and shoved Laflin into a corner. Laflin's head hit the wooden ring post, rendering him unconscious.