Boxer whose career spanned from 1866 to 1891. He was known as "The Professor" because he was an advocate of the science of boxing and he would later become one of the foremost teachers of the sport. LS signed “Dictated by yours truly, Mike Donovan,” five pages on three sheets, 6 x 9.5, New York Athletic Club letterhead, December 22, 1894. A fantastic letter to a Mr. Burbank regarding the science of boxing. In part: “The science of boxing is practiced at present by a larger number of men and of a higher class than ever before. That it is both an enjoyable and healthy exercise is the well-defined opinion of every one who has practiced the art. In proof of this I may state that during the past eight years as instructor of boxing in the New York Athletic Club I have had among my pupils gentlemen imminent in science, literature, art, and others prominent in social and commercial life. The opinions of such men are well worthy of consideration, and they have uniformly pronounced boxing to be the finest and most interesting of indoor exercises.
“Boxing develops the body more uniformly than any other exercise. It quickens the sight; it gives lightness to the whole person. The hands are mans natural means of attack, and every boy and man should be taught how to use them skillfully in order that he may be able to punish the rowdy and cowardly bully. The knowledge of boxing gives a man such self-confidence that in the ordinary affairs of life he needs no other weapons than his hands. The practice of boxing keeps a man in such good physical condition that he can easily best a man much larger than himself who has not been trained. It is a well known fact that the small man who is conscious of his ability as a boxer, will show more courage when threatened by personal attack then the big fellow who always believes his weight will crush the smaller man. Small and weak men can be so well trained and developed in the science of boxing that they can best antagonists much larger then themselves. Boys, sixteen years old and upward, attending schools, academies, colleges and universities, should be taught the science of boxing. The majority of our universities make appropriations for teachers of gymnastics, but do nothing for boxing, and students who wish to become proficient in the art have to pay for any lessons they may take. This is a mistake, for boxing is as desirable a means of developing the frame as gymnastics.” In fine condition, with some mild soiling and toning and some light creases to a couple of edges.
Donovan’s “higher-education” monicker was decidedly well deserved, as evidenced by this letter. At the time an eight-year veteran of the New York Athletic Club—in a career that would ultimately reach 30 years—Donovan shows real passion for boxing, touting its ability to develop the body, quicken the eyes, and give “lightness to the whole person.” It made a man a man, Donovan believed, empowering him to become a defender of the weak and granting him the skills needed “in order that he may be able to punish the rowdy and cowardly bully.” Interestingly, Donovan had to literally fight for the position at the New York facility, defeating Walter Watson as part of a “job interview” to become the boxing instructor. Among the men whom Donovan instructed, instilling in them “courage when threatened,” were hundreds of architects, attorneys, brokers, and engineers, as well as Theodore Roosevelt, racehorse owner August Belmont, and businessman William Vanderbilt. A remarkably determined, insightful, and intelligent commentary on one of the most brutal of all contests. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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