Few names in any sport have endured like that of John L. Sullivan. Even to those with little interest in boxing, “The Great John L.” still evokes a glimmer of recognition. John’s father, Michael, a diminutive Kerry man, had fled the poverty of Ireland in 1850 to spend his life digging sewers in Boston. His mother, Catherine Kelly, was a large woman from Athlone, on the River Shannon. The couple wanted their son to become a priest. He studied briefly to that end at Boston College, dropped out to play professional baseball, and soon switched to prize fighting.
As always, another great read Jack. I remember a bit about John L. Sullivan but really enjoy reading more about how it was in the early days of boxing, even though I've never been a fan. Thank you.
Great article Jack, it hit close to home. My uncle, Jimmy Flood, was an amateur pugilist in the Rochester, NY area in the late 1920's early 30's. He claims to have been one of the best in town but me thinks he had the same fate as that John Flood you mentioned in your article. He, like John L., shared a love of the bottle.
As always, another great read Jack. I remember a bit about John L. Sullivan but really enjoy reading more about how it was in the early days of boxing, even though I've never been a fan. Thank you.
Great article Jack, it hit close to home. My uncle, Jimmy Flood, was an amateur pugilist in the Rochester, NY area in the late 1920's early 30's. He claims to have been one of the best in town but me thinks he had the same fate as that John Flood you mentioned in your article. He, like John L., shared a love of the bottle.
Abstemious?? 😂Jay Taber teach you that?