Heavyweight Champion John L. Sullivan's Wild Bouts in McKeesport and Allegheny City

Sullivan's knockout tour cemented boxing's status as a leading spectator attraction in the late 1800s.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In 1886, heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan, known as the "Boston Strong Boy," faced off against Frank Herald, the "Nicetown Slasher," in a highly anticipated bout in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. The fight, which was sanctioned as a "sparring contest" with strict rules to appease local authorities, descended into chaos as Sullivan dominated Herald and the crowd erupted in violence. This was not Sullivan's first appearance in the Pittsburgh area, as he had previously toured the region in 1883-84, knocking out local toughs in a series of lucrative exhibitions.

Why it matters

Sullivan's bouts in the Pittsburgh area were part of his larger knockout tour that cemented boxing's status as a leading spectator sport in the late 19th century. The events also highlighted the tensions between the sport's growing popularity and the efforts of local authorities to regulate or ban it, as well as the passionate fan base that followed Sullivan, a source of pride for the Irish-American community.

The details

In 1886, Sullivan and Herald were set to fight in New York and New Jersey, but local authorities denied them licenses. The fight was eventually held in Allegheny City's Coliseum, with officials sanctioning it as a "sparring contest" with strict rules to avoid a conventional boxing match. Despite the restrictions, the fight descended into chaos, with Sullivan dominating Herald until police had to intervene to stop the bout. Three years earlier, Sullivan had toured the region, knocking out local toughs in a series of lucrative exhibitions that helped popularize boxing nationwide.

  • On October 17, 1883, Sullivan faced off against local ironworker James "Cocky" McCoy in the first stop of his national knockout tour in McKeesport.
  • In 1910, Sullivan returned to McKeesport to reenact his fight with McCoy as part of his post-retirement stage show.

The players

John L. Sullivan

The heavyweight boxing champion from 1882 to 1892, known as the "Boston Strong Boy," who was one of the country's most famous athletes and a source of pride for Irish Americans.

Frank Herald

A pugilist from Philadelphia's Nicetown neighborhood, known as the "Nicetown Slasher," who was the top contender for Sullivan's heavyweight title in 1886.

James "Cocky" McCoy

A local ironworker from McKeesport who was the first to take on Sullivan's knockout challenge during his 1883-84 tour.

Al Smith

Sullivan's manager, who helped book his lucrative nationwide knockout tour.

Tom Hughes

Herald's manager, who promulgated the idea that Herald deserved a shot at Sullivan's heavyweight title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Sullivan's bouts in the Pittsburgh area were part of his larger knockout tour that helped popularize boxing as a leading spectator sport in the late 19th century, despite efforts by local authorities to regulate or ban the sport. The events also highlighted the passionate fan base that followed Sullivan, a source of pride for the Irish-American community.