SULLIVAN, JOHN L.-PADDY RYAN LARGE FORMAT PHOTO (1897)

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. Sullivan defeated Paddy Ryan in 1882 to win the title. After both retired, pressed for money, they conducted a fund raising exhibition in Boston in 1897. Arthur Chambers acted as referee. Presented here is an original, first generation, large format photograph of Sullivan and Ryan in the ring with Chambers and the announcer looking on. Photograph by Perry Wiley.
This is an original, first generation, large format photo. Bold, clear image. Label on front has paper loss at bottom. Photo is mounted on photo board. Closed tears at top edge are repaired. Edge and surface wear. 10 1/2" x 13 3/4." Extremely rare, especially in this size.