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Lot # 1287: 1892 John L. Sullivan vs. James J. Corbett Official Fight Program

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 16 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Fall Classic",
which ran from 10/29/2023 7:00 PM to
11/18/2023 10:00 PM



Rare fight program issued for the Heavyweight Championship bout between champion John. L Sullivan and James J. Corbett at the Olympic Club in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 7, 1882. This bout was significant because it was fought under Marquess of Queensberry rules, which meant that the fighters had to wear gloves. The norm had previously been bareknuckle boxing, but gloves were now starting to become the standard. This was one of only a few championship fights at the time to be fought under Marquess of Queensbury rules, but afterwards gloves became the standard. Corbett knocked Sullivan out in the 21st round to win the title, thereby making Sullivan the last bare-knuckle heavyweight champion in boxing history. It was also the final major bout of Sullivan's legendary career. This program was issued for the Carnival of Champions, a three-day boxing series held at the Olympic club and as such features photos and biographies of not only Sullivan and Corbett, but the other boxers fighting in the three day event: George Dixon, Jack Skelly, Billy Myer, and Jack McAuliffe. The program (6x9"),which is completely intact, has benefited from slight restoration to the binding and displays minor foxing and some small tears at the right edge of the front cover. A vintage newspaper clipping is affixed to the interior front cover. It is not often that this rare program is found in intact and the offered program represents a very presentable example.

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