SULLIVAN, JOHN L. TESTIMONIAL PROGRAM (1900)

John L. Sullivan was born on October 15, 1858 in Roxbury, Boston, MA. He is the link between bare knuckles and glove fighting and is considered to be one of the best heavyweights ever. He held the undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Championship for ten years, winning it in 1882 from Paddy Ryan and losing it in 1892 to James J. Corbett. Other notable fighters he fought and defeated included Jake Kilrain, Charlie Mitchell and Dominic McCaffrey. Offered here is an original testimonial program for John L. Sullivan for his appearance at madison Square Garden in New York on August 29, 1900. Along with Sullivan appearances were made by James J. Corbett, Joe Choynski, Kid McCoy, George Dixon, Joe Gans, Robert Fitzsimmons and others. The finale featured Sullivan in exhibition with the new heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries.
This program is four pages with a picture of Sullivan on the cover as he looked at the height of his career. Tight binding. Small stain on right border. Color is bold. No writing. Not torn. Mild creases. A fine example of an incredibly rare program. 8 3/4" x 11 1/4."