In 1885, when John L. Sullivan was first crowned heavyweight champion, he likely couldn’t have imagined that, 141 years later, the very lineage he established would face an unprecedented challenge originating from outside the realm of boxing itself. The lineal heavyweight championship has consistently been governed by one fundamental principle: “the man who beat the man.” This enduring tradition, spanning from Sullivan’s era and continuing through successive champions, has always determined the rightful successor to the title.
