The Great John L

The "Boston Strongboy" ... John L. Sullivan is generally recognized as the first heavyweight prize fighting champ.

Holding the title from 1882 to 1889, Sullivan is remembered as the last bareknuckles champ and as America's first true sporting superstar.

Sullivan lost the title to Gentleman Jim Corbett, a scientific boxer from San Francisco, who managed to outbox and tire out the aging champ.