Jack Burke
"The Irish Lad"
Circa 1885
A great deal of interest is being taken in the contest between Jack Burke and John L. Sullivan, which is to take place at Chicago to-morrow. Sullivan arrived in Chicago to-day.
A Wrestling Match
Charlie Moth, the German wrestler, now in Milwaukee, has accepted James Faulkner's offer to give $50 to any one throwing him, Faulkner, two out of three falls, catch-as-catch can style. The contest will take place at the Chicago driving park next Saturday, on the occasion of the meeting of John L. Sullivan and Jack Burke, the pugilists."
-Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin. June 11, 1885
Sullivan's Clam Drink
John L. Sullivan, of Boston, got very drunk here Wednesday, ate six dozen clams at one setting, and put the inmates of several saloons to flight. A dozen of his friends then over powered him and by main force put him to bed.
Thus was the preparation of the Great John L. for his contest with another Irishman, Jack Burke. The contest lasted five rounds...
The battle ended at 7:05 with the men clinched. Neither of the men was at all used up, but Sullivan had done the better fighting, and the referee awarded him the match...
Which was more remarkable that Sullivan was able to make an appearance, let alone fight, or that Jack Burke never more than a middle weight had become one of a handful of men to ever survice a ring bout with Sullivan to the end on his feet.
When Jack Burke landed in this country three years ago the 7th of last month he did not have a nickel. Since that time he has made $25,000, plus another $15,000 from stage appearaances.
-Police Gazette. 1887
Ten years later Jack Burke would be dead at age thirty-seven.
Jack Burke, the well-known English middle weight, who died recently in England from pertionitis, show the same game spirit when he was dying that he displayed in the ring. When told by the physcian that he had not but an hour or so to live, he coolly replied, " What do you call this dying? I have had many a worse experience than this while training." He expressed a wish for some champagne, and on the doctor procuring a bottle and pouring out a glass he smilingly remarked; " As I have only half an hour to live, doctor, you may as well let me drink the lot." He bade all his friends an affectionate good-by , and lapsing into unconsciousness passed peacefully away.
-Police News. July 24, 1897
Ring Record Courtesy of BoxRec
Vintage Original Cabinet Sized Photograph
Richard K. Fox
Circa 1895
Price: $ 145.00
Size: 4 1/4 X 6 1/2 inches
Condtion: Poor. Fading and some emulsion breakdown. Diagonal crease lower right corner that is quite weak and edge wear as appears.
Most Uncommon and Early Cabinet Image.
Shipping & Handling $10.00 in the United States $15.00 to Foreign Destinations
3000-0745
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