The auctioneers surmised that the group represented the New Orleans 1892 world heavyweight title fight between James J. Corbett and John L. Sullivan: the first world title fight under Queensberry rules (requiring gloves). Sullivan – variously known as ‘Great John L.’ and ‘The Boston Strongboy’ – was world champion from 1882-92 and earned over $1m through boxing; he won the last bare-knuckled title fight against Jake Kilrain in 1889 (a 75-round bout lasting 21/4 hours) but lost out in New Orleans against ‘Gentleman Jim’ Corbett, whose reign continued until 1897.
Bare-knuckle bronze is a knockout
BELGIUM: E. Hébert’s dynamic late 19th century patinated bronze group of Two Boxers landed BFr190,000 (£3060) at Amberes in Antwerp on February 5.
