Sullivan, John Lawrence, 1858-1918

John Lawrence Sullivan was born on October 15, 1858 in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Irish immigrant parents. Nicknamed the “Boston Strong Boy”, Sullivan began to box professionally in 1878. He was a heavyweight champion whose boxing style was reliant on brute strength, fighting under the London Prize Ring Rules (bare-knuckle boxing). In 1882, Sullivan won one of his most famous fights, beating Irish-born Paddy Ryan for the bareknuckle championship of the world in Mississippi. By the 1890s, Sullivan was an aging champion with a significant drinking problem. He turned to the stage with a vaudeville act. Sullivan ultimately retired to Abington, Massachusetts. He gave up alcohol and became a temperance advocate, speaking out in favor of Prohibition. Sullivan died on February 2, 1918 in Abington, Massachusetts.