A group of seven 19th century cartes de visite of pugilists including John L. Sullivan, photographs mounted on card, subjects titled Jimmy Carney of B

A group of seven 19th century cartes de visite of pugilists including John L. Sullivan, photographs mounted on card, subjects titled Jimmy Carney of Birmingham who fought Highland, Alfred Greenfield of Birmingham Champion Pugilist, Jake Kilrain, John Knifton of England, Charley Mitchell England's Young Champion, Jem Smith The Champion of England and John L. Sullivan Champion Pugilist of the World, each card 6.5 by 10cm., 2 1/2 by 4in. The American fighter John L. Sullivan is recognised as the first world heavyweight champion of gloved boxing (1882-1892), and generally recognised as the last heavyweight champion of the bare knuckle era when he beat Jake Kilrain, represented in this lot, in the 76th round. Amongst the other pugilists featured here is the Birmingham fighter Charley Mitchell who fought many noteworthy opponents including Sullivan, Corbett, Slavin and Mace.