Boston, Massachusetts: December 27, 1876 (Music Hall) ... Joseph Owens b. Col. James McLaughlin (five and a half hours) (collar and elbow style) ... (4,000 fans) Notes: The winner received the $1,000 purse and the "championship of the world." This was considered a major upset. McLaughlin, to this point, had been considered "invincible." Owens was said to be an unknown going into the match, from Vermont. Owens was 5'9" and weighed 185 and McLaughlin was 50 pounds heavier. McLaughlin's record was said to be 34-1 and he won the American championship in Detroit in 1870. Later, he claimed the world title. Research by Tim Hornbaker February 10, 2011 |
| Boston Wrestling Results - 1876 |
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