By John F. McKenn (McJack): The popular cry when Sullivan would disappear from training camp was, “Send for
Muldoon, Sullivan is on the loose again!” In another instance Muldoon took a baseball bat to Sullivan and wrestled him into submission to keep him in camp when he needed a drink. He was the only person in the world that could pull it off. Sullivan, who was fat, listless and out of shape prior to the fight with Kilrain had been whipped into shape by the indomitable William Muldoon. When Sullivan stripped down to fighting togs, even his own supporters were amazed at the transformation. He was in splendid condition and his skin had a radiant, healthy glow. The “Boston Strongboy” knew how to play to the crowd, flexing his abundant muscles before his adoring fans, some who had travelled a long distances to see him fight. He once again displayed the cocksure grin and menacing stare that frequently would have the effect of totally undermining the confidence of his opponent. The crowd loved it, sending out roars of approval when they witnessed their idol in the buff. It must be remembered that many of his fans had travelled hundreds of miles to an illegal event at an undisclosed location just to get a glimpse of their hero.
It was finally determined that the fight would be held in Richburg, Mississippi and would begin at 10:30 am. The fans would not be disappointed. Sullivan put on a magnificent performance. Under the London Prize Ring rules Kilrain was able to use his superior wrestling skills to throw Sullivan to the ground, ending the round. In the long run however, Sullivan would eventually wear down his overmatched opponent. In the 44th round Sullivan vomited, after which he got his second wind. After the 75th round Kilrain’s corner threw in the towel ending the historic last bare knuckle Heavyweight Championship bout. Championship fights from that point on would be under the Marquess of Queensbury rules, which are very similar to the rules of today. Padded gloves and three minute rounds, with a one minute rest between rounds. Wrestling was not permitted (clinches allowed). It is ironic that Sullivan is considered the last of the bare knuckle champions, because most of his fights were under the Marquess of Queensbury rules, which he preferred.
After the Kilrain fight, Sullivan went back to overindulging both in alcohol and food.
In 1892 a young heavyweight named “Gentleman Jim” Corbett would challenge Sullivan for the title. No more miracles were in store. Corbett is considered the first scientific heavyweight champion. He used speed and skill to evade the “Great John L” for 21 rounds. Sullivan, to the dismay of his legions of fans would be counted out in the 21st round. Corbett later recounted that Sullivan in the early rounds came out of his corner like a roaring lion. As is so often the case when a great champion loses, the boxing public never quite forgave “Gentleman Jim” for defeating their hero. To his credit Sullivan made the dramatic statement after the fight that “if I had to get licked I’m glad I was licked by an American.”