The Irish standard., 1904-04-09
SULLIVAN FATED.
The "Grand Old Man of the Ring" Is
Going Blind.

ring" is fated to pass the last days of
his eventful life in utter darkness
Blindness, the most pitiable and pitiless
of misfortunes, is claiming him for its
victim, and each day the old mans
eyes grow weaker.
Old John l.. may not live long. His
constitution is undermined and his
friends fear that he is beyond the age
when there might be some hope for re-
cuperation.
The once mighty gladiator has met
a foe that does not cover, and Ameri-
cas- former champion, is in bad way.
He is suffering terribly with his eyes,
and must soon become totally blind.
Sullivan, during his career, won several
fortunes, but now he is reported to be
absolutely broke
The money he has made and spent is
conservatively estimated ut $1,5OOOOO,
but today he is cared for by his rela-
tives and Boston friends are arranging
to raise the money with which to de-
fray his doctors bills, and Il monster
benefit is being prepared for Boston
theater.
The career of John l.. Sullivan has
never been equaled in the annals of
prize fighting. For twelve years he
was the undisputed champion of the
world He did more fighting in Il
month than many champions do during
their entire careers
His name was terrifying. and for
years it was impossible for him to ar
range finish fight. In lieu thereof he
Travelled about the country Offering
$1,000 to any man who could stay in
front of him for four three minute
rounds.
More than one hundred men went
down before him under this offer. and
Thug Wilson was the only one who was
not put to Sleep before the end of
the fourth round. Wilson saved him
self by falling. lodging, running, hold
ing to Sullivan's arms and legs and by
resorting to other tricks never seen be-
fore or since in a prize ring.
Feb. %, 1880, Sullivan met Mike
Donovan in Boston. At that time
Donovan was a champion and stood in
the highest rank of pugilists. Himself
a middleweisht, he had whipped heavy
weights and was considered the best
man of his class, and perhaps the best
OF any class i'm America. He had met
Sullivan before and Sullivan asked him
to give him lessons. Mike promised to
do so. but sickness prevented.
When donovan went to Boston to
give sparring exhibitions he wanted Il
partner who would not be afraid of his
reputation and who would pitch in
and fight. Young Sullivan was recon-
mended and Donovan secured him.
Sullivan pitched in" So efficiently in
fact, did lie fight that he knocked Dono-
van down. Hardly had the elder man
got to his feet when another blow again
sent him to the floor
From that time until lie met Corbett
Sullivan was always ready for fight.
He met and defeated John Donaldson
Paddy Ryan, Jake Kilrain, John Nj.
Latin, Dominick Mccartney. Frank
Herald, and fought draws with Patsy
Cardiff and Charley Mitchell Besides
he whipped hundred men of lesser
note who accepted Sullivan's offer to
''stop' any man in four rounds or for.
felt $1,000
This was the most remarkable offer
ever made by any pugilist, and was
open to the world without money and
without price. A favorite trick of Sui.
livan's was to let the other man alone
for three rounds, and then knock him
out with one terrific blow, after the
other man thought he was going to win
Sullivan's superb physique was
wrecked by drink and debauchery. In
spite Of the fact that he had won thou
sands of dollars in the ring, and had
made enormous sums in his theatrical
ventures, he was nearly always tinan.
cially embarrassed. So long as he had
money he spent it foolishly, extrava-
gantly and without regard to it's value
He gave away fortunes almost as
quickly as he won them. He was the
prey of shystcrs and bcggars, and as
soon as money was put in his pocket il
poured out in an unceasing stream
His money was anybody's money, and
he spent it with never thought fol
the morrow.
Here is Il schedule of the money
John H. has made during his career:
May 1G, 1SS1-Defeated John Flood
for purse Of $1,000, of which his share
was $500
Feb. Z, 1SS2-Defeated Paddy Ryar
for the championship and $500
stake, $4,000.
July 4, 1SS2-Defeated Jimmy Ell
lott, New York, $1,1OO.
July II, 1SS2-Tug Wilson contest
Madison Square Garden, $4,000.
1SS2-3-Tour under the mana gemen
of Billy Madden, $4,000.
March 10, 1893-Boston benefit Il
Sullivan, $500.
March IA, 1983-Sullivan-Mi Mitchell
contest, Madison Square Garden
$1,000.
Aug. 6, 19S3-Herbert A. Sladt
tMaorD, $4,000.