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John L Sullivan Boxing Legend Signed Autographed letter 1910

Sorry, this is sold out , but contact us for similar alternative we may have.
kevin@cvtreasures.com

 

Vintage Original Boxing Sports Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale
John L Sullivan
19th Century Boxing Champion
Authentic Signed Autographed Handwritten Letter
PSA Certified


"My friend Mr. Roosevelt has brought the name of insurgency to the front," affirms Sullivan, "He is without doubt the voice of the people"




John L Sullivan was the "George Washington" of Professional Boxing.   No serious Boxing or Sports Collection could be complete without a representative Treasure from this First Boxing Champion.    And you could search a lifetime and NOT find a particularly Extraordinary find like this!   WITH Original 1910 Postal Dated envelop addressed all in Mr Sullivan's hand. 

One of the most significant pieces of sports and boxing history we've ever acquired.  See enlargeable images above and below.  
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NOTE: Photo NOT Included, but copies easily available online.

John Lawrence Sullivan (October 15, 1858 – February 2, 1918), also known as the "Boston Strong Boy", was an Irish-American boxer recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing, holding the title from February 7, 1882, to 1892.  He is also generally recognized as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring Rules

Extremely Rare handwritten letter, two pages, 6 x 9.5, The Portland letterhead, October 1, 1910. Letter to Thomas Forsyth of the Boston Belting Company, in part:
"Just a line to let you know that you are not forgotten. I will be in San Francisco the 16th of this month and will try and make it a point to see Mr. John Britton as I play there for one week…Tom my friend Mr. Roosevelt has brought the name of insurgency to the front. He is without doubt the voice of the people. The people in this universe of ours are beginning to take notice not of a man's politics but of his integrity, honesty and interest in the people's welfare and that Mr. Roosevelt althrough the sweep the insurgents have made throughout the country shows what the people want—they have sickened of Cannonism Aldrichism and Tawneyism and they will get their men Cannon or Aldrich when the time comes for their renomination. Tawney got his already. Well with the best in the world to you and your brother." On the reverse of the second pages Sullivan signs his name again and adds the dates of his forthcoming trip: "John L. Sullivan, St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco Cal, Oct 16th to 22nd, Regards to Ed Harkins, John Muldoon and John Good."  Signed "John L Sullivan"
In fine condition, with splitting to the mailing folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Sullivan's own hand. 

Certified Authentic by Leading Autograph Authentication Service PSA.. 

Long retired from his days in prizefighting, this letter finds Sullivan touring the Northwest, performing vaudeville and giving lectures and boxing seminars to consistently packed theatres. Years earlier Sullivan developed a friendship with then New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt, himself an avid boxer who later lost vision in his left eye after a White House sparring session. Roosevelt held particular esteem for Sullivan, whom he considered ‘as game and straight and honest a fighter as ever stepped in the ring,’ telling words given Roosevelt’s later denunciation of prized fights in the wake of the Johnson-Jeffries Fight on July 4, 1910. Sullivan’s regard for Roosevelt is likewise made readily apparent in his aggressive tone, touting the former president as “the voice of the people,” while deriding lesser Republicans like Nelson Aldrich, Joseph Cannon, and James Tawney. A rare letter from the legendary pugilist, and the first we've offered in over five years.

John Lawrence Sullivan (October 15, 1858 – February 2, 1918), also known as the "Boston Strong Boy", was an Irish-American boxer recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing, holding the title from February 7, 1882, to 1892. He is also generally recognized as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring Rules.

The Kilrain fight is considered to be a turning point in boxing history because it was the last world title bout fought under the London Prize Ring Rules, and therefore the last bare-knuckle heavyweight title bout. It was one of the first sporting events in the United States to receive national press coverage..  It lasted an astonishing 75 rounds..

Guaranteed Authentic for Life
Conway's Vintage Treasures
UACC Registered Dealer No 307

Note: Cvtreasures stamp NOT on original

* See enlargeable images above and below