Displayed is a rare, eye-catching, 29.8x33.5" photo, reproduced on thick, pressed cardboard, off an original photo of the July 8, 1889, World Heavyweight Championship fight, at 75 rounds the longest bare-knuckle fight in history. The epic contest was held in Richburg, Mississippi, between the reigning champion, John L. Sullivan and challenger Jake Kilrain - in the last bare knuckle title defense of Sullivan's illustrious career. Richburg was from a small town near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and 104 miles northeast from New Orleans, Louisiana. The bout was held in Richburg because bare knuckled fighting was illegal at that time in all 38 states of the country, and a local lumber baron, Colonel Charles W. Rich, supplied a site at his sawmill, built a hastily constructed "stadium" with rough-hewn, pine bleachers and guaranteed that there would be no police interference. Over 2,000 railroad tickets were sold from New Orleans, and the tickets to the illegal fight, reading "From New Orleans to Destination," concealed the fight's location. The temperature was 104 degrees at the fight. Under the London Prize Rules used at that time, the boxers wore no gloves, and rounds lasted until a fighter was knocked down. Wrestling moves were allowed.
Kilrain's strategy was to try to exhaust Sullivan and then wrestle him to the ground. Sullivan relied on his superior size and strength. Reportedly, Sullivan consumed more than a quart of whiskey during the record long 75-round fight, and Sullivan had to fight off sickness, most likely caused by a combination of his recent meals, the whiskey, and the heat. In the 68th round, Sullivan knocked down Kilrain with a tremendous punch. Kilrain became severely weakened, and his trainer, Mike Donovan was warned by a doctor that Kilrain would die if the fight continued. Under the London Prize Rules, a fight ended when one of the fighters was unable to continue, and between the 75th and the upcoming 76th round, Donovan threw in the towel for the barely conscious Kilrain, giving Sullivan the victory. Eventually, both Sullivan and Kilrain were arrested and convicted for the illegal bout, and after appeals, both served relatively short sentences and fines of $500 for Sullivan and $200 for Kilrain.
The offered photo is exceptionally clear, as generally, with a reproduced photo of this size, the images would have been blurry. This is the only version we have seen of this photo, other than the original. There is wear on the corners and a hole on each of the top corners.
Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $31.04 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.