Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1883: John L. Sullivan’s slugging show
Posted on January 11th, 2007 – 7:44 PMBy Ben Welter
In November 1883, heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan brought his touring band of “noted pugilists” to St. Paul’s Market Hall for an exhibition of man-size action. Sullivan made quick work of a St. Paul man who had the courage to challenge the Boston Strongboy for a $500 prize. The Daily Minnesota Tribune reported that the fighters wore stockings, knee breeches and gaiters — but didn’t mention gloves:
LATE ST. PAUL NEWS
The Sullivan “Slugging” Show.
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| John L. Sullivan |
An immense crowd gathered in Market Hall last night to witness the boxing exhibition given by [John L.] Sullivan and his company of noted pugilists. The audience was of the mixed variety that usually greets such a performance, ranging from the prominent business man down to the “rag-tag and bob-tail.” Frank Morden was master of ceremonies, and first introduced Mike Gillespie of Boston and Taylor, “ex-champion of the world.” The contestants were dressed in regular ring costume with white stockings, knee breeches and gaiters. Above the waist they wore bare.
The next set-to was not on the program, and was an unexpected treat to those present. It consisted of a contest between Morris Hasey and Sullivan, the former having expressed a desire to stand up four rounds before Sullivan for the standing prize of $500. Sullivan appeared in fine condition, strong, active and wiry as a squirrel. He was dressed in pink knee breeches, white stockings and gaiters. He turns the scales at 226 pounds. Hasey, a resident of St. Paul, a six-footer weighing 195 pounds, muscular and well formed, but bearing no comparison to the champion. He is a stationary engineer by trade. Time was called and no sooner had Hasey toed the scratch than Sullivan stretched out his arm and Hasey fell on the stage as if struck by an axe. He exhibited nerve, however, and desired to test his powers again, but as soon as he got within reach the champion knocked him over like a flash. He fell against the stage, and uttered a gasp or two and it was evident that he had had sufficient. Sullivan then addressed the audience and told them that Hasey had been boasting about how long he could “stay” with him. “You see how long he has done it,” the champion slugger said.
The next contest was between Herbert Slade, the Maori, and Pete McCoy, the lightweight champion. The four rounds were characterized by quick hitting and fine sparring. Following this came a set-to between Steve Taylor and “Prof.” Donaldson of Minneapolis. Taylor made short work of Donaldson, vanquishing him in the first round. Taylor then boxed four rounds with Sullivan, during which much science and nerve was displayed. A contest between McCoy and Gillespie followed and the entertainment wound up with a four-round set-to between Sullivan and Slade, during which much pretty work was done, although it was evident that Slade was no match for Sullivan.
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| I couldn’t find a photo of John L. Sullivan’s 1883 appearance in St. Paul. Here’s a fair substitute: Two men boxing at a Minnesota Boat Club picnic at “Crosby’s Bottoms” — perhaps Crosby Lake in St. Paul? — in about 1890. (Photo courtesy mnhs.org) |
14 Responses to "Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1883: John L. Sullivan’s slugging show"
ENJOYED THE ARTICLE. ALWAYS HAVE BEEN A BOXING FAN AND A HISTORY NUT ABOUT OLD BOXERS. THANKS
Hi,
I am interested in finding out more about John L sullivan. We believe e was a relative of ours. My Great-Great Grandmothers maiden name was Sullivan. My family came from Charlestown and Roxbury and she married a Moloney. Thank you.
RAchel Moloney
John sullivan is an relative of ours or so my aunt says. my grandma and grandpa ready where both irish. My late father always took great pride in being irish and where always very good and competive in sports. I,m built just like sullivan with a temperment also. I try to keep my temper at bay but i did knock out the last guy I got mad at In a just a few seconts.
I have heard that John L. Sullivan is a distant relative,but I don’t know.My Great Grandfather was a Sullivan.I have Sullivan’s dated back to the 1600,but no John L. Sullivan listed..
Hello,
Many people on this page believe that John L. Sullivan might be related to them. I must admit that I am a relative of him. my mother’s maiden name is Sullivan. On her side, J.L.S. is my grandfather’s great uncle. We have an old family photo, which has J.L.S. in it. I am also named after my grandfather, who’s middle name is also Lawrence
I have never been a boxing fan,but am looking into my family. I have a great grandmother listed as jane sullivan and was wondering why she either never married my grandfather or kept her maiden name. My father told me that one of his relatives was a sparring partner for john sullivan. He was a Ketchum. I was trying to find out if my Jane sullivan is related to John. Did he have kids?
My great grandmother, Julia Sullivan, from Cleveland, Ohio was first cousin to John L. I guess her father was a brother to Michael Sullivan, John L.’s father. Any info on Michael’s sibling?
John L is my great great uncle, my grandma’s grandma’s brother (that seems confusing lol). I love reading about him, and knowing more about my family history. I enjoy watching boxing, and just wish there was more footage/photos of the old greats!
My grandfather was said to have sparred with John L.Sullivan according to my father and uncle. I beleive this took place in Terre Haute,In. I never thought much about this untill a woman from California wrote our local paper in Princeton,In asking about my grandfather. How she would know this is beyond me. Unfortunately my Aunt did not respond to the woman. And I only got the newspaper letter several years later. My grandfather’s name was Henry Davis and he was 6 years older than Mr Sullivan. He was said to be a good boxer. My uncle told me he shot and killed a boy in Evansville,In after a fight with his brother. I would like to know if any of this is true. But,don’t have any idea how to do this. Jimmy
my relative fought John L… under the name steve tyler…mcmahon been his real first name.
It seems as though everyone is a relative! John L Sullivan was my great great grandpa’s brother. We have a very old photo of him and and my great great grandpa. It certainly would be very interesting to try to trace his ancestors
Any idea who the Pueblos were. And do you know anything about a walking stick
given to J.L. Sullivan?
Another relative here! We’ve been told that we are related to the “Great John L” My grandmother had a number of photo albums with pictures of him. Unfortunately, my gr grandfather Henry Sullivan, left his family and took off to parts unknown so I can’t find anything further on the Sullivan connection. But…it’s nice to know that I related to all of you!
My Grandmother died in 1968, she left me a full size picture of John L Sullivan and I was told we are related,
my father was from St Cloud Mn, also I was told that the Sullivan brothers from Waterlo Ia were related by blood to our family,
any one can contact me wsalamo@aol.com
