John C. Heenan
John Camel Heenan (May 2, 1834 – October 28, 1873), also known as the Benicia Boy, was an American bare-knuckle prize fighter. Though highly regarded, he had only three formal fights in his career, losing two and drawing one.
John C. Heenan | |
|---|---|
Heenan, circa 1863 | |
| Born | John Camel Heenan May 2, 1834 West Troy, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 28, 1873 (aged 39) Green River Station, Wyoming Territory, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | The Benicia Boy |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 3 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Draws | 1 |
Heenan is best remembered for his second contest, when he traveled to England to fight British champion Tom Sayers. The bout ended in chaos when spectators broke into the ring and the police intervened. The referee finally called a draw. The Benicia Boy came home to a hero's welcome, but later returned to England, where he had just one more fight, losing controversially to new British champion Tom King. Heenan died at Green River Station, Wyoming Territory in October 1873, and is buried at St Agnes Cemetery, Albany, New York.