John C. Heenan was touted in the sporting press as the "California champion." In 1858 Heenan fought the reigning American champion, John Morrissey. Due to the rise of the telegraph, the Heenan-Morrissey fight was a huge event, with newspapers across the East Coast promptly reprinting articles from the New York press. Heenan, regarded then as a giant, was Morrissey's equal. While Heenan drew first blood and scored the first knockdown, Morrissey knocked out the depleted challenger in the 11th round. The fight was particularly brutal. Offered here is an original poster from May 9, 1859, advertising these two reenacting their fight on stage. One of the earliest known posters of heavyweight champions. Paper with chipping and creases. 8x21 3/4."