Albumen cabinet card portrait of John L. Sullivan, the heavyweight boxing champion whose career bridged the bare-knuckle and gloved eras. The photograph presents Sullivan in formal attire with his characteristic mustache, a studio likeness intended for commercial distribution during the height of his public fame.

The mount carries the printed legend “John L. Sullivan, champion of the world” in gilt at the lower margin. Light wear to the mount edges and minor surface marks to the print.