The Boxing Biographies Newsletter
Volume 1- No 14 20th October 2007
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Dubuque Telegraph Herald
16 November 1901
Jeffries Is the Victor
Ruhlin Gives Up In The fifth Round And Retires
San Francisco Nov 16
In one of the most unsatisfactory prize fights ever witnessed in this country. James J. Jeffries proved to be the victor last night over Gus Ruhlin, the "Akron Giant” in the fifth round of what was to have been a twenty round struggle, Ruhlin wilted and then surrendered to his peer to the utter amazement and disgust of the assembled thousands.
No one was more surprised at the outcome than Jeffries himself who asserted that while he had delivered one telling blow in the second round, he did not expect to win the victory so easily. Ruhlin’s sole explanation of the outcome of the fight is that he received a chance blow which utterly disabled him and that Jeffries persisted in fighting him low.
While Ruhlin will make no absolute charge of Jeffries having committed a foul, he intimates that he was unfairly handled, and injured as the result. Ruhlin received the support of his seconds in this stand, who say his was a hopeless case after the second round.
When Ruhlin went to his dressing room he was followed by a very depressed retinue. The defeated man complained of no pain and moved about without assistance.
Before an assemblage of about ten .thousand people at Mechanics' pavilion, which has been the scene of many bitter and important struggles in the past, James J. Jeffries, of Los Angeles, Cal., met Gus Ruhlin, the "Akron Giant," last night and fought for the title he has held since his memorable battle- with Bob Fitzsimmons. Never in the history of San Francisco has there been such a crush of humanity at a pugilistic event. Hardly had the sun hidden itself behind the hills before the great pavilion began to fill with an enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch the championship contest.
Thousands poured into the gallery when the doors finally opened and long Before the first preliminary was called the upper portion of the pavilion was black with spectators, people coming from pointy between Vancouver and Mexico and embracing well known state officials, members of the judiciary and prominent sporting people, .who early took possession of the high priced seats.
Round one
Ruhlin leads for the head and lands lightly with the left. They clinch. Both men are cautious. Jeffries' left goes around Ruhlin's head, but does no damage. Jeffries tapped Gus lightly on the head with his left. The latter cleverly ducked a light left. Jeffries uppercut Ruhlin to the Jaw with his left. Jeffries landed his left on the body, hut missed another for the head. Ruhlin countered with his left. Jeffries swung again but missed. Gus blocked a left Jab for the face. Jeffries rushed, but Ruhlin came into a clinch.. Jeff essays a left for the body, but the Ohio man got out of harms way. Jeffries is smiling. The round was tame with the champion having slightly the advantage.
Round two
They clinch. Ruhlin was hooked around the neck with a left. He accused Jeff of foul fighting. The Akron man then shot in his right and found Jeffries' ribs, following this up with an ineffectual left awing for the head. Jeffries waxed aggressive. Ruhlin planted a right and left on the face and then rushed, landing on the body. The champion led with the left and was countered. Ruhlin found Jeff's head and in a short exchange neither had the advantage. The men fought at closer range, Gus again landing on Jeff's face and stopping the latter's attempt to retaliate with a strong right. Ruhlin feinted with a right and shot a straight left on Jeff's nose, but the blow was partially blocked. The men wrestled when the round closed, This was decidedly Ruhlin's round,
Round three
The men came up strong and Ruhlin shot in with a right and left, which were stopped. Jeff elbowed his way back and forth and caught the Akron man with a terrific left to the neck. Jeff pursued Gus and swung with both hands. In the rush Jeff landed a weak body blow. Ruhlin again appeals to the referee. Gus ducked and was met with a straight left. He feinted and came back with an ineffectual short arm punch. Jeff easily held the advantage with Gus constantly complaining. The men .closed in several times. Ruhlin was fighting low and Jeffries was apparently looking for a chance. Jeff retreated about the ring until the spectators hissed him,. The round ended with neither man In distress, but with Ruhlin the more worried of the two.
Round four
After a short exchange at close range, Ruhlin landed on the face. He was forced back and Jeff smiled as Ruhlin again rebuked him, Jeff landed his left, blacking Gus's eye, and- then pursued him, lighting at short range and plainly wearing his man down. Ruhlin lacked aggressiveness and retreated as Jeff swung his left and right and missed, Gus led for the face and Jeff pushed him across the ring. Then the champion walked Gus across the ring again and landed a fierce blow on his Jaw , Ruhlin shot out ineffectual lefts. Jeff waded in, whaling Ruhlin right and left, Gus went down and took the count. He came up apparently weak and the gong saved him. Ruhlin was plainly in the greatest, distress when the round closed. This round was much in Jeff’s favor.
Round five
Ruhlin wore a distressed expression when he came up. Jeff went in with straight arm blows; but was blocked. Jeff, landed a right hook the Jaw and a short left to the ribs and then again to the neck .with the right. A volley of blows followed this in which the champion forced Gus with lefts to the face. Ruhlin ducked and retreated steadily, Jeff followed up his advantage and bore In, touching Ruhlin beneath the chin with a right, forcing Ruhlin to the ropes, after which Gus went to the floor and at the count Of five staggered to his feet. He ceased fighting and Jeff went in for a knockout. Ruhlin was utterly dazed and missed wild swings, while Jeff threw him against the ropes.
Ruhlin Gives Up
In the last minute of the round Ruhlin attempted to stop a left for the head and was forced back and struck squarely in the pit of the stomach. Jeffries was going at him fiercely and when the gong struck Ruhlin was assisted to his corner. He looked then as if the fight was practically ended.. Ruhlin gave every appearance of being distressed. He said something to Billy Madden and then, "Denver" Ed Martin walked to the center of the ring and hailed Referee Corbett. "We give up" said Martin. and the fight was over.
Almost from the. beginning of the fight Ruhlin appeared frightened. The fight was practically finished in the second round when. Jeffries landed a left hook on the Jaw that took all the fight out of him. Ruhlin claimed that a chance blow in the pit of the stomach rendered him unlit for fighting. His seconds complained bitterly, but Ruhlin insisted that he was the victim of an accident. Jeff walked to Ruhlin's corner, asked what was the matter mid then, turned in disgust and proceeded to his dressing room, while the spectators rose as one man and cheered the champion while they denounced Ruhlin as a quitter and fakir.
The police tumbled into the ring and stopped a fight in which Corbett, the referee, and officers of the club were involved. The utmost excitement prevailed, during which Ruhlin made his way out of the ring.
Lou Houseman, George Siler and George Hartlng, the official time keeper for the club, declared that Ruhlin was greatly overestimated, that his blows were weak and easily blocked and that he was positively without endurance. While some expressions were heard in the throng after the fight placing the stigma of a fake affair on the management, it was the consensus of opinion that Ruhlin fought a losing battle In order to obtain the short end of an enormous prize. Boxing In San Francisco has not been helped by this event. The city supervisors at the ringside last night expressed great dissatisfaction and even went so far as to entertain suspicion in their minds of a fistic swindle. It is estimated that something over $40,000 was realized at the box office. Of this 62% per cent Is divided In purses of 75 and 25 per cent and goes to the., participants In the event.
Crowd Was Disappointed
Sporting men who witnessed last night's contest for the championship of the world between Jim Jeffries and Gus Ruhlin agree that It was one of the most disappointing fights ever put up by heavy weights of reputation.. No one expected such a tame termination and when Billy Madden, acting for Ruhlin, threw up the sponge at the end of the fifth round, a howl of anger shook the, rafters of the pavilion. Referee Corbett plainly showed his surprise and at first thought that the sponge had been thrown. Into the ring by some practical joker. In an interview after the fight Corbett said:
"I think Madden made a mistake.He should have thought of the crowd that had paid a big admission fee to see the fight. The crowd that attends such exhibitions wants to see the defeated man knocked out. The fight might have gone another round or two when a decisive blow might have been given."
Billy Madden said that he decided to stop at the end of the fifth round to save his man from worse punishment "I did not want a knockout," said he .Ruhlin got over his grogginess quickly. He was not badly punished and bore no serious marks of the fray There was little trace of the heavy body blow in the fifth- round and he is little the worse for the wear. Ruhlin and his immediate followers spoke In awed tones of Jeffries' power. They agreed that he is a terrible fighter and sought to console themselves for the defeat by extolling the champion's fearful prowess.
Champion Jeffries In a signed statement says:
"I had not started to fight when Madden threw up the sponge. Had I gone at Ruhlin I am sure he would not have lasted two rounds. Ruhlin was scared from the first:"
It is thought that' only about $20,000 was bet on the fight.
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The Daily Advocate , Newark, Ohio 9 December 1892
Prize Fight Between Joe Goddard and Peter Maher
The Australian and the Irishman Have a Terrific Battle, but It Only Lasted
Three Rounds and Peter Maher Was Knocked Out.
CONEY ISLAND, Dec. 9.—
There was never a fight in this country that created less betting than that last night at the Coney Island Athletic club between Joe Goddard, the unbeaten and alleged champion of the Barrier, (the Barrier is a name for a locality in Australia), and Peter Maher, the so-called Irish champion. Goddard's reputation rested on his success in defeating a dozen local men, in securing a draw with Peter Jackson in eight rounds and in whipping Joe Choynski twice in four rounds each time. Maher's standing was made in stopping two poor fighters in one night at Madison Square Garden. He afterwards met Bob Fitzsimmons in New Orleans and showed himself to be a thorough “quitter," as the fighters say. Such bets as were put out before last night varied from 2 to 1, to 5 to 4. Goddard was always the favorite.
There was a very good fight in the ring at Coney Island before the big go between a couple of 115 pound boys. Barney Mullins, of New York, and Jerry Sullivan, of Brooklyn, who scrapped ten rounds, as they had formerly done in the amateur ranks and drew blood and black marks freely. Muffins won according to Referee P. P. Donohue's just verdict.
It was 9:40 when Joe Goddard, wearing around his trunks the colors that the Columbia Athletic club, of New York, had presented him. appeared in the ring. Jim Gibbons, of Passaic, N. J.; Billy Madden, Alexander Greggains, of San "Francisco, and Lou Morris, of the Columbia Athletic club, were after him. There was hardly a ripple of hand clapping when he came before the crowd. When Maher came on a great cheer went up. Maher's handlers were Jack McVay. of Philadelphia, Corbett's former co-worker; “Buffalo" Costello, Greggains' recent opponent: Jimmy Carroll, of Brooklyn, and Billy McGrath, of Dublin. Maher wore his usual green trunks.
The weights of the men were given out officially as: Maher, 175; Goddard, 187. Maher probably weighed 180 and Goddard 195. Maher won the toss for Choice o gloves, and there was another noise that -showed what a favorite Maher was with the mass of spectators. Johnny Eckhart was referee and Bob Stoll, of the New York Athletic club, held the watch.
First round
It was lightning work from the very start. The men went at it hammer and tongs, slash and crash, with Mayer a scienced man and Goddard only a bulldog. All for the head. A few body blows were struck, the two or three being given by Goddard. Maher went down to his knees once, but got up and tried it again, but it was no good. Goddard landed on him with his right and left, missing many times, but getting there often enough.
Second round
More punishing and smashing. Maher got in a couple of beauties on Goddard's face, staggering the Australian each time. Goddard looked a bit groggy after a couple of rights on the cheek, but he clung to his meat with a tenacity that can only be compared to that of -vermin, and smashed the Irishman on the ribs three times before he let go. Then Maher fell to his knees again. Peter stayed down for four seconds, his head shaking like a leaf. Up he jumped, however, and out at Goddard again. He got in a soaker on Goddard's breast and Goddard fell back to the ropes. Maher ran after him, but swung his right wildly.
Instead of touching the Barrier man on the jaw he went way beyond his ear. Goddard dashed at Maher and gave him a fierce blow on the breast. Maher fell back under its effect, and the bell sounded before Goddard could land again. It had been a tremendous round. Both men had worked apparently for a knockout blow, Goddard in his unclean, heavy and strong style, Maher in form that showed little of the neatness that he had displayed before, and was known for in New York for weeks after his arrival from Ireland.
On coming out from their corners for the third round, Maher looked tired: Goddard surly. Goddard made a lead for the breast and was neatly stopped. Maher let go his right, but swung wide. Maher tried the same thing again and this time caught Goddard on the ear. Though the blow was not hard Goddard seemed maddened. He dashed at Maher and with right and left and cracked him hard on both sides of the head. Maher's legs began to wobble and Goddard dealt him a stiff punch on the neck. Maher went down, never to rise again in that battle .
The ten seconds were counted and Maher was still on the floor, the final blow having been administered fifty seconds from the beginning of the round. When Peter did get up he was helped over to his corner by many hands, none more willing than these of Billy Madden, who was over from Goddard's corner to assist his protégé. Maher did not seem to be much done up by the experience he had gone through, nor did he appear to be especially pained mentally. Perhaps the poor fellow did not comprehend that he had been licked, but anyhow he smiled complacently when told that it was all over.
Goddard was well winded when the show was over. He had had some very fast rounds: probably no man. not even Choynski. had ever given him such a crack as that that sent him against the ropes in the second round. His face showed that he was surprised at Maher's vehemence. and this expression on his features caused more than one person to think that Maher, either through ignorance or viciousness attempted to give the Goddard party the '-double cross" and win if he possibly could.
The general opinion among sporting men. who saw Goddard for the first time, is that the Australian will never do to fight Corbett or Jackson. With all his strength and pluck they say the Barrier man would not be in it with skill and speed and he had better keep his hands out of it.
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Idaho Daily Statesman 10 June 1897
Big Fight Declared a Draw
Police Stop Fight Between Maher and Sharkey
In The Seventh Round
Decision of The Referee Given In Accordance With The Agreement Made
GREAT THRONG PRESENT
Ten Thousand People Crowded Into the Building
Peter Maher and Tom Sharkey fought Tonight at the Palace Athletic club for a $15,000 purse .At the end of the seventh round, the police interfered and the contest resulted in a most unsatisfactory manner.
Never in the history of the ring has there been such an enormous attendance at a boxing bout in this vicinity. There were about 10,000 persons squeezed into the big building at One Hundred and Seventh street and Lexington avenue. A more representative congregation of well known sporting men has never witnessed a boxing match than that which assembled at the club house tonight.
The quantity of money which would have changed hands had the bout resulted in favor of either man is well up in six figures. That there would be police interference it tbe men fought hard was feared by the majority of those who purchased tickets, but after the two boys who took part in the opening bout bad been allowed to pummel each other without being stopped by the police, those present had hopes that the big fellows would have a good chance to settle the question of superiority.
Maher, was a big favorite but there seemed to be plenty of money on Sharkey. Sharkey's style of leaving himself open when stepping away caused a good deal of comment and it was easily seen that Maher was in no hurry to mix matters, as he evidently preferred to size his man up. The boxing was very tame for five rounds, neither man showing a mark.
In the sixth round. Sharkey, with a well directed straight right on the mouth, sent Peter sprawling half way through the ropes, where he struggled for five seconds before he regained his feet As Maher was getting up Sharkey rushed toward him, but was called back by Choynski, who was evidently afraid that the sailor might commit a foul Ten seconds later the gong ended the sixth round and when Maher returned to his corner he spat out a lot of blood. Sharkey's friends, when they saw this, yelled "First blood for Sharkey" and there was a great deal of cheering.
The seventh round was nearly completed when Maher, after getting in some good blows on Sharkey. sent the latter to the floor near the ropes with a left in the wind and a right swing on the jaw. Tom was up again inside of five seconds and rushed into a clinch. In this clinch Maher kept working his right on the body and when the gong sounded, neither heeded the warning of the timekeeper but kept on hitting each other. One of .Maher's seconds rushed over and grabbed Maher. While he was trying to pull the big fellow away, Sharkey swung his right on the second's face, dazing him By this time, the house was in an uproar and there were cries of "Foul" from the partisans of both men. '
The din was terrific, but was increased ten fold when Inspector McLaughlin ordered the police, to arrest all those concerned in the fight. Policemen in uniform swarmed into the ring and a number of detectives also climbed through the ropes. The principals .were the first to be placed under arrest , and then the seconds and referee were told to accompany the officers
.
While all this was going on thousands of spectators were clamoring for a decision from the referee, who was busily engaged arguing with the officers who surrounded him. Finally it was made known that Referee Colville had decided to call the bout a "draw." This did not seem to please a good many, but, according to the conditions agreed upon by both men, the Judgment of the referee was right and proper.
DETAILS OF THE FIGHT
When the doors of the Palace Athletic Club Were opened at 7 o’clock Lexington avenue was crowded with a surging mass of people, each one endeavoring to get to the box office, and the corridor at the entrance, was jammed. Police Inspector McLaughlin and a large force of bluecoats. As well as a big force of central office detectives in civilian dress, soon made the people form in queue, and the ticket sellers were kept busy.
By 8:80 o'clock there were over 6000 people in the house and the crowd outside did not seem to be in the least diminished. Half an hour later the big building was filled with a clamoring host of sports. The seating capacity of the house is estimated at 8000 and the aisles and every inch of standing room were soon crowded to suffocation.
Large delegations from the principal cities west of Chicago were on hand and it would be easier to name the prominent sporting men who Were absent than to enumerate those who were in the arena.. The betting on the big! Event was lively and Maher was a pronounced favorite. odds of 100. to 86 and 100 to 70 were bet on Peter's chances and some of those who were confident of Peter's ability to defeat the sailor lad Laid odds of a 100 to 60.
John L Sullivan, James J Corbett and Kid McCoy occupied box seats at the ringside and each of them got a rousing reception when he made his appearance. At 9:20 o'clock, Charley Royden of Jersey City and Bob Quade of this city Entered the ring At the end of the third round Referee Charley .White Stopped the bout and declared Quade the winner, the Jersey City boy being Weakened by the battering he received.
Betting on the result continued to be lively and several wagers were made at even money that Maher would win in 10 rounds. Kid McCoy took the Sharkey end of this for $1000. He also placed $1000 on Sharkey to win at odds ranging from 100 to 60 and 100 to 80. Riley Grannon bet $3000 against $1400 on Maher, and "Pittsburg Phil" had commissioners placing his money on Maher at 100 to 70.
There was a long delay in getting Maher and Sharkey to the ringside. And the crowd begun to show signs of impatience. Sharkey entered the ring at 10:10. He was accompanied by Joe Choynski, Tim McGrath, Tim Lansing and, Solly Smith. He chose the southeast corner which was the one, in which the winner of the first bout had sat. He was warmly received. But the greeting which Maher got was vociferous. Peter took his corner at '10:14. His seconds were Buck Connolly, Pat Scully, Peter Lowry, Jack Quinn Jack Cattanach ."Pittsburg Phil" held the watch for Maher and Danny Lynch did the same for Sharkey.
Maher came into the ring wearing black sweater and black trousers while Sharkey was enveloped in a yellow bath robe trimmed with blue.Maher wore black trunks with green belt and Sharkey green trunks with an American flag for a belt.
Billy Brady announced that the agreement between The men and the referee was that, in case of Police interference if either men was in such condition as not to have a chance to win, in the opinion of the referee, the latter should give his decision in favor of the other man, but that if the referee saw that the man, having the worst of the contest bad a chance to win, then he was to declare the bout a draw.
The men were announced to box 25rounds at catch weights. It was announced the men had to break clean and that they could box with either hand free. They shook bands at 10:26.
THE ROUNDS.
Round 1
They sparred carefully for a minute, Sharkey holding his bands wide apart. Sharkey led for the stomach and missed. Maher landed a light left on the chest and Sharkey sent the left band on the stomach and then swung a left on the chest. Sharkey tried a right swing but was short. He tried a swing again on the body, but fell short again. Sharkey, still on the aggressive, swung his right on the neck and they clinched. Maher jabbed his left on the wind and swung his right on the neck at the end of the round.
Round 2
After some sparring Maher jabbed his left hook on the neck and Sharkey crossed his right on the neck. Sharkey put a left swing high on Maher's arm. Maher sent in a very low left jab, but Sharkey stopped it with his glove. Tom jabbed a left in the wind and swung again with a left on the cheek. Sharkey led for the stomach and put a low left on the stomach and Maher crossed his right on the head.
Round 3.
Sharkey led a left but fell sort and Maher crossed him with a right on the chest. Sharkey led a left, fell short and then touched Maher on the nose with a right swing. Peter feinted frequently and tried to draw Sharkey out. Then he jabbed a left on the head and they exchanged left jabs on the face. Both men were careful but Sharkey left himself very open whenever he stepped back.
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Fort Wayne Journal 19 August 1917
by Robert Edgren
McCoy" -was a stage burglar, but that didn't make any difference to Norman Selby He liked the name and he didn't –want to fight under his own.
Since that day Kid McCoy has had a life of adventure such as no other boxer can boast He has been a world champion. He has fought In Africa, England, France and America. He has traveled on brake beams and in private cars. He has sold diamonds, automobiles and horses. And to-day, in khaki, he is awaiting the chance -for the "great adventure" Beside which all others are mere petty Incidents of-life.
While McCoy wears the khaki and Is being hard trained for active service the others who fought him In the great old days of the ring have all gone by and dropped from sight. I have seen McCoy, tall, wide shouldered, carrying himself with a military swing, leap into the ring to call for war volunteers (he has been a recruiting sergeant for the Seventy-first regiment of New York) and some of his old opponents peering up at him from ringside seats in sheer envy of his lasting vitality of the youth that clings to him in spite of a hundred lives lived in one.
Where, by the way. are the men who fought McCoy? , Choynski is a boxing teacher m Pittsburgh. Peter Maher has been down and out for years. Jim Corbett Is financially successful, but far beyond the adventurous stage that is driving McCoy into the fighting lines. Tom Sharkey is. "tending bar" in Los Angeles, California, and is fat and stodgy and settled down. Gus Ruhlin is dead. Tommy Ryan has a "club" In Syracuse. Many others have disappeared and are forgotten entirely. The khaki hasn't called them. They are all too old. McCoy is alone in his class.
Adventure Called Him.
Adventure always did call McCoy.He ran away from home when a Small boy in knee pants and rode around the country on brake beams and "side door Pullmans." .He was of a good family, and had been well educated, while his education lasted. Also he was of an angelic appearance, so that the hard, cruel trainmen didn't- kick him off the trains, but took him into the caboose and him ham and eggs and coffee and
sympathized with him when he told them he was a homeless orphan.
Somehow McCoy learned to box.He found out that he could hit one night when a brakeman tried to beat him up for "riding- the rattler." McCoy didn't wait to learn what hospital they took the brakeman to. He moved along. In a few weeks he was a sparring partner in some boxer's camp. And very soon after that he was fighting preliminaries and then star bouts in small towns. He didn't "ride the rattler" now. He got on a
regular passenger coach, carefully selected a ticket check from the hat of some sleeping passenger, and went to his various destinations unquestioned.
In the next stage of his development he paid fares. But that was after he began earning a little money. Adventure began to prod young Kid McCoy as soon as he achieved some fighting reputation. He slipped away from New York and sailed to South Africa. There he introduced himself, quite privately, to a sporting person who conducted prize-fights.
This person fancied himself as a boxer. He offered the slight, slim, smiling Kid a tryout in private, and invited In a few friends to see him hammer a wandering American. McCoy half murdered him. He did It with a Bright smile of contempt on his face. The battered victim decided that the Kid could trim any heavyweight in Africa, kept It quiet and arranged some matches with big side bets.
McCoy did knock out one victim, but then some one discovered that he was "Kid McCoy" of New York. So the Kid gathered his earnings— a few thousand dollars—and sailed home again. No one else In Africa wanted his game.
Ryan "Thought He Knew."
The Kid's first great success came when he stopped Tommy Ryan. Ryan was a great fighter—middleweight champion of the world. Kid McCoy worked for him as a sparring partner, taking all the hard beatings Ryan handed him and saying never a word. But he harbored a grudge , and the man He had a grudge against might as well order the flowers. McCoy resigned went away and got backing and an offer of a match with Ryan.
Tommy didn't know what to make of It when offered real money to fight his former sparring partner. But Kid McCoy wrote him a letter asking him to please make the loser's end of the purse a little bigger and -to refrain from "beating up" the unfortunate Kid too much. 'You know what you can do to me," wrote the Kid, plaintively.
Ryan thought he did. He cut out training and went into the ring fat and out of shape. He got the surprise of his life. McCoy, sneering and cynical, deliberately began to chop him down. Ryan fought desperately. McCoy knew his every move and had a counter for it. He wanted revenge. Refusing to knock Ryan out when he had him helpless he cut Tommy to pieces until Ryan's seconds threw In the sponge.
After that McCoy fought the best heavyweights of his time—all but Fitzsimmons. He always said he'd wait until Fitz was about eighty years old before challenging him. As I said before. McCoy had brains. He fought and beat Maher, Ruhlin. Choynski and others equally famous. He knocked Tom Sharkey down twice, and then the Sailor broke the Kid in two with a swishing swing into the stomach.
McCoy made a few fortunes In the ring. He lost them, as a rule, at the race tracks. McCoy was a fool for one thing—horses. He always thought he could beat the game that can't be beaten. Incidentally, the Kid has been married six times. A life of adventure surely did appeal to him. When he began to slip a little as a fighter he traveled around playing poker with chance acquaintances. This paid very well. It's said the Kid has no superior as a card player. Then he sold automobiles, had a diamond shop and became a stock broker.
Tiring of trade, he went to England, where Jack O'Brien was cleaning up all-the English heavies. O'Brien fled from England when McCoy appeared. O'Brien always did think the Kid's poaching on his preserves rather unkind. McCoy knocked out three English champions In one night and after that there was nothing For him to do in England. He went to France And challenged the champion savate artist. It was Always been an open question whether or not the Skillful kicker could have landed his Battling toe or heel on McCoy.
The Kid using the nimble brain that had often Served him well before. He won before the Frenchman could start As they squared off the Kid assuming a look of Pleased surprise looked past the crouching Frenchman and asked “Is that pretty woman your wife”. The Frenchman glanced over his shoulder, it was enough. McCoys blow caught him just under the ear. They brought him to an hour later.
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The Dubuque Herald 5 June 1900
Siler On The Pugilists
The Famous Chicago Referee Talks
Of The Ryan – McCoy
Fight
He Strongly Favors The Loser
Fully ten thousand persons Saw Tommy Ryan and "Kid" McCoy go through six rounds of fighting at top speed at Tattersall’s Tuesday night. Interest in the contest had been at fever heat for days before the night set for the meeting. Each had admirers, and arguments as to their respective merits were us numerous as flies around a molasses barrel in hot weather.
McCoy, on the strength of his fights with Sharkey and other heavyweights, and also upon his aspirations to the heavyweight championship, was a natural favorite. The betting, and there was quite some, was 2 to 1 McCoy would gain the decision and even money Ryan would not stand the limit. Bets on the former receiving the decision were more numerous than upon Ryan's being there at the end. I thought it ought to be the other way at the odds, as I considered the "Kid’s" chance of knocking Tommy out was greater than his chance of receiving the verdict
Ryan is equally as clever as McCoy; has had as much if not more experience; is built on stronger lines; can land more punishment, and is, if anything better in mixups than the Kid. figuring along those lines, it appeared to me that Ryan, if on his feet at he end of the sixth round — the limit — would be equally us strong as the Kid. and such proved to be the case.
McCoy is considered the stiffest puncher, because he dropped Sharkey several times, and in addition knocked out Peter Maher and other heavyweights.
Followers of fighters, and they are the principal betters are posted on the Kid's hitting abilities Just as well as I am; therefore I cannot understand why even money on McCoy's knocking Ryan out should not have predominated. His chance of doing so, figuring its hitting powers, was certainly better than his possibility of securing the decision.
In speaking of the betting at the odds quoted above I allude only to those that had no personal feeling in the affair. Those that had, and they were but few, naturally bet on the decision. Those that bet on Ryan, of course, lost. Not, however, because McCoy clearly outpointed Ryan, or that he put it all over him, but simply because of a misunderstanding between the management and Referee Hogan. I said misunderstanding, but that word hardly fills the bill. I should say negligence, omission of duty to the referee and public, or carelessness.
According to an understanding between the principals and the club officials It was agreed that should both men be on their feet at the end of the contest no decision should be rendered. This clause, I understand, was Inserted in the articles. It appears, however, Referee Hogan was not aware of this, not being notified. This seems strange, especially when the personal friends of the contestants and quite a few outsiders knew, or say they knew, or hinted. It would be a draw should both men be there at the finish.
Ryan says Harry Franks, one of the club officials informed him that he, Franks, had talked the matter over with Hogan. Franks, on the other hand, denies this. Others, friends of Ryan say they heard Hogan remark a day or two before the fight that the contest would have to be declared a draw should both men last the limit. Hogan, In defense of himself, says he was not aware of the clause in the articles calling for a draw and the management upholds him.
The whole affair was, unfortunately for Ryan, his backers and everybody else concerned, badly mixed , and it is hoped for the good of the game, it will never occur again. It gave the management a lesson it will not forget in a hurry, and Hogan, I'm sure, will demand, at least, a peep at the articles hereafter before entering thering. That, however, is poor consolation for Ryan. He received, on account of the misunderstanding, the worst of it. and as the referees decision is final he has no redress. The purse was cut as per previous arrangement, so that the decision did not Injure him financially.
The fight was a fight pure and simple .It had to be. The men are enemies and have been for years. Each thought he was the other's master at the game of fisticuffs. Each wanted to slaughter the other. Ryan's defeat at Maspeth rankled in his breast. He wanted revenge. The money end of the game was fixed up for him,
win or lose so he was easy on that score. That, however, was the least of his thoughts. He would, so he said, willingly give McCoy all the purse money just for the pleasure and satisfaction of giving him a good hiding. McCoy felt the same toward Ryan, with probably the exception of the financial proposition.
I'll let the latter part of the argument drop, as I know they both like money. There was a feeling between them strong enough to assure a fight for blood, and such it was. McCoy on account of his height and reach had a decided advantage His long left Jab found Ryan’s face frequently, and too often to suit the latter in the first round. His short right hook also found lodgment on the side and back of Tom's head in the early part of the fight. In fact, the Kid looked an easy winner after the first round.
Ryan was the receiver general. Whenever he would advance he went plumb into McCoy’s left and when he sparred for an opening he would find or rather feel His opponents left glove hitting in and out of his face and body. This, however, was only in the initial round and during the early part of the second. Toward the end or the latter round he got his bearings — or, I should say, McCoy's bearings —after which he had something to say himself regarding the affair.
He sailed in, determined to get within his own reach. Long range work was too much to McCoy's liking, which Tom was not long in learning. Defeat at that kind of a game was certain, so there was nothing left for him but to gut to close quarters and exchange blow for blow. And this he did, and I must say successfully, too.
After the second round he followed those tactics .to the end. He gave the Kid no rest. He was at him and after him everywhere and at all times. In and out of corners, against the ropes, and in the center of the ring, forcing and rushing, swinging left and right for head and body, missing and landing and slipping into clinches
when he saw no opening to land a blow. Exchanging blow for blow when the opportunity presented itself, never dodging the Issue, breaking from clinches and on top of his man again.
He would shift from straight punches to swings. From body blows to kidney blows landing several of the latter .good and hard. He was always up and doing. Misses did not discourage him. His wind was good. He had the Kid breaking ground and frequently on the run. Many of his blows caught McCoy on neck, head, face or body. Some wore effective and some were not. It made but little difference to Tom. He knew fighting at close quarters was his long suit against his rangy and long armed opponent, and close quarters It was to the end.
He had McCoy tired and breathing hard. He had him anxious to clinch, anxious to slip away from the hot exchanges. He carried the fight to him in every part of the ring. He wanted to lick his man and lick him good and plenty and If he did not succeed It certainly was not his fault for he tried and tried hard. McCoy, however, was not idle while Ryan was forcing the fighting and chasing him around the ring. He also did good work .His consisted of straight left Jabs, hooks and counters, right hooks and upper cuts and right hand cross counters. intermixed with swings and left backhand slaps, the latter a stall for a right-hand cross counter.
Most of these blows were delivered, hit or miss after breakaways, before Ryan could get close for a mixup, or whenever the latter stood away for a breathing spell.
His foot work, ducking, and slipping out of danger were clever and saved him many a hard punch. He had to act the part of the artful dodger or get a good walloping. He was cool at all times and did not overlook clutching Tom by the throat several times as though to shut his wind off. He never neglected to give Ryan's neck a hard squeeze whenever he caught It under his arm. In fact, he did not overlook any part of the game any more than did Ryan and that Itself is proof positive that the light was a light In all the word implies.
It Is a different matter for anybody to keep a correct account of all the blows delivered In a contest and it Is therefore Impossible to say which scored the most points. But, summing the fight up from start to finish - execution, cleverness, aggressiveness, slipping, dodging, ducking, blocking, etc.— I will say that the worst Ryan should have had was a draw, and am casting no reflections on my friend Hogan's abilities at that.
In his defense 'I will say that he decided the contest as he saw it, and not as I and thousands of others did. The misunderstanding regarding the draw clause in the articles and the assault of Ryan on Hogan were the bad and unfortunate features of the contest.
Ryan thought he was double-crossed; He thought Hogan was aware of the draw clause In the agreement and despite that clause thought he was rightfully entitled to a draw. This nettled him and when after explaining to Hogan and receiving no satisfaction it angered him still more.
Those who jumped in the ring and on the ledge of the platform after the decision had been rendered told him he had been robbed, and this added fuel to the fire. He wanted to cool off and the only way he could do so was by slugging the referee, and this he did. It was an unfortunate occurrence, and it will do the game no good. Ryan wrenched his back during the-contest, but was out .and around the next day.
A few days after the contest the club officials took It upon themselves, to rescind Hogan's decision and for the benefit of Ryan declared the contest a draw to conform with the articles . This revocation, however, will have no bearing on the bets, as they must stand. "Wagers were laid on the respective abilities of the men, not on any stipulations In the articles, and as Hogan decided the contest on the merits of the men the losers cannot reclaim their money by falling back on the articles. Furthermore, Hogan will stand by his decision as rendered In the ring, and that settles all betting, arguments. McCoy, I understand, says he will take Ryan's name on his record book Irrespective of the actions .of the club officials.
