Full-length albumen CDV portrait of John C. Heenan. New York: Charles D. Fredricks & Co., 1861. Copyright statement to mount recto. Fredricks's imprint to verso, below pencil inscription reading: “500 / Heenan.”

In this clear studio portrait, the photographer captures prizefighter John C. Heenan in a boxer pose. Shirtless, Heenan is clad in white pants and dark boots. His face, anchored by a powerful mustache, is angled away from the camera. 

Born in West Troy, New York, on 2 May 1834, John Camel Heenan gained fame as a bare-knuckle prize fighter in the United States and Great Britain. Heenan’s family emigrated from Templemore, County Tipperary, Ireland, and John was born shortly after they arrived in New York. Following his employment at Watervliet Arsenal, where he worked alongside his father, Heenan left for California, which was still in the midst of the Gold Rush. Measuring 6’2” in height and approximately 190 pounds, Heenan gained attention as a brawler and boxer in Benicia, California, where he earned the nickname "Benicia Boy" for his bare-knuckle fighting successes.

In October 1858, Heenan traveled to Buffalo, New York, with his new coach and manager, Jim Cusick, to challenge for the American Heavyweight title then held by fellow Irish-American John "Old Smoke" Morrissey. The illegal bout was held at Long Point, Ontario, to evade American authorities. The 22 October 1858 issue of The New York Herald reported “Eleven terrific rounds were fought in twenty-two minutes, when Morrissey was declared the victor.” It is rumored that supporters of Morrissey stepped on Hennan’s injured right hand when he was knocked down and punched him in his kidneys when within their reach. Morrissey refused a rematch, however, indicating to many that he believed he could not win a fair fight against Heenan. His abdication meant that Heenan became the Heavyweight Champion by default. 

Struggling to find American opponents, Heenan traveled to Great Britain to challenge Tom Sayers, the British fighting champion. Fought on 17 April 1860 in Farnborough, Hampshire, Heenan and Sayers battled for 42 rounds when the appearance of law enforcement officers forced a draw. Heenan and Sayers were both awarded a championship belt for their match.

The third of Heenan’s championship fights took place on 10 December 1863 against English heavyweight champion Tom King. Heenan was knocked out in the 24th round, though some believe the end result was made possible by questionable refereeing decisions. Following the King fight, Heenan never boxed again. After he refused to meet American Joe Coburn, he forfeited his American title. 

A fine portrait of an early heavyweight champion. 

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