Birth of Heavyweight Bare-Knuckle Boxer Jim Dunne in Co. Kildare

Jim Dunne, a heavyweight bare-knuckle boxer, is born in County Kildare in the 19th century. Known for his strength and endurance, Dunne made his mark in the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing, a sport often held outside the law. He famously won the American Heavyweight Title by defeating fellow Irishman Jim Elliot in an illegal prizefight. Both men were jailed following the bout, highlighting the underground nature of the sport at the time. Dunne’s career reflects the rough, unregulated world of early boxing and the prominent role of Irish immigrants in American fighting circles.