Profile of Tommy Ryan on Famous Like Me

Tommy Ryan (b. March 31, 1887, d. August 3, 1948) was a famed welterweight and middleweight champion who fought from 1887-1907. Ryan was considered an excellent boxer-puncher, and many consider him one of the all time great middleweight champions. His won lost record is 87 wins (70 KO's), 5 losses and 10 draws. He also fought many No Contests, as was ususal for the era.

Ryan first won the welterweight title in a match with Mysterious Billy Smith on July 26, 1894. He was defeated by Kid McCoy by KO in round 15 on March 2, 1896. This bout forms part of the lore of the McCoy legend. McCoy served as a sparring partner for Ryan, and absorbed many beatings at the hands of his employer. Ryan was notorious for being unmerciful on his sparring partners. As a result, McCoy hated Ryan, and sought revenge. It is alleged that McCoy, who was thin, pale and frail looking persuaded Ryan that he was seriously ill before their fight. McCoy, who was famed as a trickster, purportedly rubbed flour on his face so as to appear deathly ill. Ryan is said to have fallen for the ruse, failed to train properly and was not in top condition for the bout. Whether true or not, McCoy scored an upset win over Ryan in the non-title match.

Ryan was also instrumental in the career of heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries. In fact, Ryan is credited with changing Jeffries' stance and teaching him to fight out of a crouch. Ryan also seconded James J. Corbett in his second attempt to wrest the heavyweight crown from Jeffries. Corbett however, blamed Ryan's strategy for his defeat. Ryan is listed in the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

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