Mike Donovan also known as Professor Mike Donovan and Mike O'Donovan (born 1847-09-27 in Chicago, IL — died 1918-03-24) was a middleweight boxer of the bare-knuckle

Bare-knuckle

Bare-knuckle means without gloves, bandages or any other protection for and/or dangerous 'arming' of the knuckles, a larger part or even the whole hand...

 era and later became one of the foremost teachers of the sport.

Professional career

During his career, Donovan fought both John L. Sullivan

John L. Sullivan

John Lawrence Sullivan , also known as the Boston Strong Boy, was recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing from February 7, 1881 to 1892, and is generally recognized as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring rules...

 and Jack "The Nonpareil" Dempsey. It is also said that Wyatt Earp refereed a fight between John Shanssey and Mike Donovan.

Life After Boxing

After his active boxing career ended, Donovan became a boxing instructor at the New York Athletic Club. He taught United States President Teddy Roosevelt and his sons how to box.

Personal

He was married to Cecilia and had 8 children John J Donovan, Margaret Donovan, Henry H Donovan, Arthur Donovan, Mary V Donovan, Helen Donovan, Lucy A Donovan and Katherine Donovan. After he died, Donovan's will indicated that his last name was actually O'Donovan. His silver championship belt was bequeathed to his son, Arthur Donovan, who was in the 105th Field Artillery at Spartanburg, North Carolina at the time. His grandson, Art Donovan

Art Donovan

Arthur Donovan, Jr. is a former American football defensive tackle, better known as Art 'How much does dat guy weigh?' Donovan, who played for three National Football League teams, most notably the Baltimore Colts...

, Jr., is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame.

External links

• IBHOF Bio http://www.ibhof.com/mikedon.htm