Obed Sullivan

Obed Benjamin Sullivan (born January 17, 1968) is an American former professional boxer. Nicknamed "The Fighting Marine", as he served in the United States Marine Corps,¹ Sullivan was at times a highly ranked heavyweight who fought many significant fighters of his era.

Sullivan turned pro in 1992 and accumulated a 28–1–1 record with an International Boxing Federation intercontinental belt and wins over the likes of Garing Lane, Levi Billups, James Gaines, and Marion Wilson, setting up a bout with fellow rising prospect Hasim Rahman in 1997 on HBO Boxing After Dark.² Sullivan held his own and lost a majority decision.

After the loss to Rahman, Sullivan began 1998 by knocking out 33–1 Keith McKnight, but then would be stopped in the ninth round after a tough battle with undefeated contender Michael Grant. He then lost against Jesse Ferguson.

In 1999, he lost a split decision to Derrick Jefferson, and traveled to Germany for a WBO heavyweight title challenge to Vitali Klitschko, where Sullivan quit on his stool after nine rounds. He lost a short match in 2000 against David Tua and later in the year fought Larry Donald to a draw.

His professional career lasted from 1992 to 2007.³