John Gully

Class of 2011
Pioneer Category
Hall of Fame bio:click

• Born in 1783
• Early bare-knuckle boxing champion (heavyweight champion)
• He was the son of a Bristol butcher
• Released from debtors prison, after his debts were paid by sportsman Colonel Harry Mellish, on condition that he fight champion Henry Pearce
• Became a wealthy bookmaker, and reportedly the first boxer to become a member of the British Parliament (1832-37)
• Also made and lost fortunes investing in race horses
• Died in 1863 at the age of 80

Most of the above information is from An Illustrated History of Boxing, pp. 21-22

• CBZ Record

Preceded by: Henry Pearce

English Bare-Knuckle Heavyweight Champion 1807 – 1808 (retires)

Succeeded by: Tom Cribb