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1890s John L Sullivan World Heavyweight Champion "Bronzed" by Waagen - Only Known Colored Painted

1890s John L Sullivan World Heavyweight Champion "Bronzed" by Waagen - Only Known Colored Painted

John L. Sullivan occupies a unique place in boxing history as he both closed an old chapter and ushered in a new era to the sport. The "Boston Strong Boy" is recognized as the first Heavyweight Champion of gloved boxing, but also holds the distinction of the last Heavyweight Champion of bare-knuckle boxing. Marketed as a painted version and still with its original paint, this miniature statue of Sullivan is the only known colored version we're aware of. Truly one of Waagen's great talents, you can see the intricate details of the human body while Sullivan is in his boxing stance without gloves. The famed brawler is painted with his red, white, and blue World Heavyweight Championship Belt, as well as with his black boxing shoes and blue trunks. The base, while still bronze, has Waagen's signature incised on it. The bottom is covered with a piece of wood. It measures in at 27" tall and the base is 7x12".


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