The Legacy Of Boston's 'Strong Boy'

John L. Sullivan lived big. He had a big ego, a big mouth, big appetites for women and booze, and a vicious right punch.

Sullivan was the first modern heavy-weight boxing champion of the world. The son of Irish immigrants, he grew up in 19th century Boston's South End and became the first Irish-American hero — a powerful symbol of ascendant Irish power a generation after the potato famine. He's the subject of a new book by writer and historian Christopher Klein titled Strong Boy: The Life and Times of John L. Sullivan, America's First Sports Hero.

Christopher Klein will be discussing Strong Boy at the Beverly Public Library on December 9th, and at the Center at Punchard in Andover on December 13th. 

Christopher Klein, freelance writer and historian.