Introducing John L. Sullivan

Bellows, George, 1882-1925 · 1916

I saw Sullivan only once, and as I have him in this print. He was a great old Viking, walked on his toes, conscious of his breadth of beam and vast shoulders; and had a smile which included the whole of humanity with himself in the center. Robert Fitzsimmons is on the left; Willard is having his gloves adjusted for his fight with Moran. -GB A former champion, Sullivan retained the heavyweight title for seven years, from to 1889. Noted for his drinking and tavern brawls, he later changed completely, becoming a staunch supporter of the temperance movement. Bob Fitzsimmons, another former champion, in the left rear of the print, held his title for only two years, from 1897 to 1899. The fight for which Willard is being prepared took place in New York on March 25, 1916; one year earlier, as a successful "white hope," he had won the championship from Jack Johnson. The Willard and Moran fight pictured was a dull ten rounder that ended in a "No-decision. (Mason)