Then throughout the early 20th century , boxers struggled to gain legitimacy , due to the tendency of the sport to attract criminals .
Boxers were aided massively by the influence of promoters like Ted Rickard and the popularity of great champions like John L. Sullivan .
Then throughout the early 20th century , boxers struggled to gain legitimacy , due to the tendency of the sport to attract criminals , but they were aided massively by the influence of promoters like Ted Rickard and the popularity of great champions like John L. Sullivan .