HEENAN, JOHN (CARMEL)

born May 2, 1833, West Troy, N.Y., U.S. died Oct. 28, 1873, Green River Station, Wyoming Territory [now in Wyoming] byname Benicia Boy professional boxer, American heavyweight champion (i.e., of the United States and Canada) under the London Prize Ring, or bareknuckle, rules. He fought Tom Sayers for the world championship in a famous bout. On Oct. 20, 1858, at Long Point, Ont., Can., in a match for the American heavyweight title, Heenan injured his right hand and was knocked out in 11 rounds by John Morrissey. When Morrissey refused to fight Heenan again and retired from the ring, Heenan was recognized as champion. In his fight with Sayers, at Farnborough, Hampshire, Eng., on April 17, 1860, the much bigger (6-foot 2-inch, 195-pound) and younger Heenan apparently had the advantage over the English champion when, after 42 rounds, spectators broke into the ring. The fight was declared a draw and each contestant was awarded a championship belt. Heenan retired after his defeat by the English heavyweight Tom King in 24 rounds at Wadhurst, Kent, on Dec. 8, 1863, in another world-title match.