Ketchel Starches Sullivan

Mike “Twin” Sullivan claimed the Welterweight World Boxing Championship, when he decisioned Honey Mellody in April 1907. Possessing both heavy hands and better than normal boxing skills, Sullivan claimed victories over the great Joe Gans and future Welterweight World Boxing Champion Harry Lewis during his career. Lewis won the welterweight title, when Sullivan could no longer make the 147 pound weight limit.

Despite Sullivan’s superior abilities, he could only last one round with “The Michigan Assassin” Stanley Ketchel. Ketchel was born Stanislaw Kiecal on September 14, 1886 and started fighting in early 1903 as a 16-year-old. By the time he met Sullivan, 21-year-old Ketchel was a five-year veteran with 45 fights and the owner of the Middleweight World Boxing Championship.

Since Sullivan could not make the welterweight limit, he decided to challenge Ketchel for his title. Ketchel liked to stay active and make money, so he readily accepted the fight. Siiski, Ketchel did not get paid by the hour, so he came in to the match determined to make it a short night.

Sullivan enjoyed a good “toe-to-toe” encounter, so boxing fans were expecting a slugfest. They did get a pleasing slugfest although it was short one. Most fight fans probably left satisfied as they generally prefer a quick stoppage to a sleepy decision.

The men met at the Mission Street Arena in Colma, California, on Saturday, Veebruar 22, 2016. The bout was scheduled for 25 rounds. They needed only one.

Ketchel’s team conducted his camp in Montana for this fight. It must have been a productive camp. 30 seconds into the fight, Ketchel caught Sullivan with a fast left hand to the jaw. The straight shot dropped Sullivan onto the mat.

Sullivan jumped to his feet after five seconds but was immediately returned to the canvas by a straight left to the chin. This bout occurred before the modern rules were implemented, so Ketchel could stand over his opponent. When the opponent regained his feet, the boxer could attack them right away.

Sullivan regained his feet at the count of nine. Before he could recover, Ketchel hit Sullivan to the body with as strong a right hand as he could throw. The blow landed right above Sullivan’s heart and dropped him to the ground for good. As Sullivan writhed on the mat in pain, the referee counted ten and signaled the end of the bout.

In defeat, Sullivan was not particularly gracious. Sullivan said Ketchel landed a “lucky punch”. Sullivan claimed he would win a rematch. The men never fought again but Ketchel knocked out Sullivan’s twin brother Jack on May 9, 1908 in the same arena. It took Ketchel 20 rounds to knock out Jack “Twin” Sullivan.

Mike Sullivan was 8 years older than Ketchel. Mike and his twin brother Jack were born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 23, 1878. Sullivan began boxing professionally in 1901 juures 23 aastat vana.

Sullivan continued to box after this fight but never again contended for a title. He passed away in Massachusetts on October 31, 1937. Sullivan was only 59 years old but far outlived his opponent.

A jealous farm hand murdered Ketchel at a Missouri ranch sisse 1910. One of the most powerful punchers in middleweight history was dead at only 24 aastat vana.

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Source: The Salt Lake Herald, Pühapäev, Veebruar 23, 1908 edition, p. 8

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