Fight:69246

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This was Sullivan's first fight with a fighter whose reputation was earned outside of America. It was billed as an "exhibition" to appease local authorities, as prize fighting was illegal in New York. Wilson, whose real name was Joe Collins, was a respected prize fighter in England and was brought to America by "Police Gazette" editor Richard K. Fox specifically to fight Sullivan, who was making his debut at Madison Square Garden. However, Wilson had been fighting professionally since 1866, was well beyond his prime and overweight, and stood only five feet, seven inches tall. Fox, Wilson's backer, was stunned upon realizing this, but continued to balyhoo the fight. Prompted by hype from Fox, more than five thousand, Sullivan's largest audience yet, showed up at the Garden. Wilson was offered $1,000 if he could last four rounds, but Sullivan dominated from the start. In order to last the distance and collect his fee, the frightened Wilson resorted to outright running away from Sullivan or at times laying down on the mat to avoid further punishment. In the opening three minutes alone, he fell to the floor nine times. In the second, he fell eight times. In the third, Wilson clutched onto Sullivan for dear life while Sullivan, running out of breath, struggled to break free. Despite all his holding, Wilson touched the canvas thrice more. Though he managed to floor Wilson two more times in the fourth, Sullivan had exhausted himself chasing Wilson around the ring and could not finish him off. Wilson thus lasted the scheduled four rounds, albeit disgracefully, and collected his pay.