Donahue, Hessie (fl. 1892–)

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Donahue, Hessie (fl. 1892–)

American boxer. Name variations: Hessie Converse. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts; m. Charles Converse (boxing-school owner).

Made sporting history with a punch to the jaw of heavyweight-boxer John L. Sullivan that dropped him to the mat, where he remained unconscious for over a minute (1892), making her one of only two boxers to ever defeat Sullivan, the other being Gentleman Jim Corbett.

See also Women in World History.

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