Claim: Hessie Donahue was asked to spar with John L. Sullivan (the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing) in a vaudeville act until the curtain came down.
Evidence: Donahue went along and was asked to spar with Sullivan in a vaudeville act. She would then spar with Sullivan until the curtain came down. John Lawrence Sullivan (October 15, 1858 – February 2, 1918), known simply as John L. among his admirers, and dubbed the "Boston Strong Boy" by the press, was an American boxer recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing, de facto reigning from February 7, 1882 to 1892.