Jake Kilrain

Jake Kilrain (b. February 9, 1859 in Greenpoint, New York; d. December 22, 1937) was the popular name of J. Joseph Killion, a famous bare knuckler and glove boxer of the 1880s. He is best known for challenging champion John L. Sullivan in 1889 in the last world heavyweight championship prizefight decided with bare knuckles under London Prize Ring rules in history. Kilrain continued to fight for 10 more years with gloves under Marquis of Queensberry rules with some success. His most significant win was a 44-round knockout of Boston's George Godfrey in 1891. He lived much of his later years with his wife and children as proprietor of a saloon in Baltimore, Md., and later became a night watchman in Quincy, Mass. after the Great Depression, where he died at age 78.

Related Topics:
February 9 - 1859 - Greenpoint, New York - December 22 - 1937 - John L. Sullivan - 1889 - Heavyweight championship - London Prize Ring rules - Marquis of Queensberry rules - Knockout - George Godfrey - 1891 - Saloon - Baltimore, Md. - Quincy, Mass. - Great Depression

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