BoxRec

This is a project that I've wanted to do for a long time on this site, and will be adding more information to each perspective individual listed. From Tom Mulineaux to John L. Sullivan, a period of over 150 years, to be covered with detail. I hope to eventually analyze and determine each man's worth according to certain variables (skillset, win/loss ratio, social impact, opposition quality).

Hopefully in the future, this thread will be made into a sticky, so that others can add on to the thread, and learn from the 'biographies' and stats of each man. While unorthodox, I will start this thread off not with Mulineaux, but rather a fighter whose career was built essentially in my region of the world. His claim to the title was weak, but his prowess and charisma made him a popular champion in a time when boxing was considered less than bull baiting and rat catching.

"The Deck Hand" Mike McCoole
Born March 12th, 1837 and Died October 17th, 1886

Notable Life Events:

October 29th, 1873 McCoole was arrested for shooting a boxer by the name of Patsy Mavery in St. Louis, Missouri. The charge was later dismissed, and McCoole moved to New Orleans.

September 23, 1873 defends title against Tom Allen, and loses the championship in Madison County, Illinois in the 7th round (20 minutes); also held on Chouteau Island, the same location he won the title from Bill Davis in 1866. McCoole was quoted as saying afterwards: "I am far too old to do any more fighting and I am through with the ring game. I was foolish to take on Allen in that last contest after a layoff of over four years." McCoole was 36 years old.

November 10th, 1870 scheduled to rematch Tom Allen, but fight was cancelled

Featured in the New York Times (issue November 4th, 1869) for being arrested on the 3rd of the same month and taken before the courts and was bound in the sum of $5,000 to never again engage in a prizefight in the state of Ohio; he was attempting to stage a rematch with Tom Allen in the Cincinnati area

June 15th, 1869 McCoole and Tom Allen fight; McCoole's second defense of the title; Allen was reportedly better, but lost on an alleged foul

September 4th, 1868 attempted to fight John C. Heenan, but fight was cancelled

May 27th, 1868 McCoole and Coburn attempted to fight it out for the "true" championship at Cold Spring Station, Indiana but police intervened and arrested Coburn and his trainer

August 31st, 1867 fought Aaron Jones at Busenbark Station, Ohio in his maiden defense of the American Heavyweight Championship--- the fight had to be continued across the Ohio River into Kentucky, as police intervened--- stoppage in the 34th round (26 minutes); this happened to be Cincinnati's first championship contest and more than 3,000 people arrived to witness the contest. Jones, suffered broken ribs, a concussion and internal bleeding. A few days after the contest, he died from the injuries he received. Jones, was certainly no push over, as he had fought the legendary English champion Tom Sayers twice.

September 19th, 1866, won the American Heavyweight Championship from Bill Davis on Chouteau Island, Madison County, Illinois--- also won in the 34th round (35 minutes)--- apparently the title was "vacant" because McCoole demanded a rematch from Joe Coburn, the true champion, and was refused, so McCoole and his backers staged a championship fight on the premise that Coburn by not accepting a rematch, therefore forfeited the title

May 17th, 1863 McCoole challenged Joe Coburn for the American Championship, in Charleston Maryland; McCoole lost the contest (76 rounds, One Hour and Ten Minutes) and apparently was out hustled, out boxed as Coburn had only a lump on the temple and scratches on his back while McCoole's eyes were sealed shut and more than exhausted at the conclusion. A complete article concerning the contest can be found at this link http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SDU18630529.2.11

1850- Emmigrated from Ireland to Cincinnati; CyberBoxingZone states he was born in England. McCoole worked exclusively on the Ohio River on barges, where he developed tremendous physical strength and picked up prizefighting along the way, competing as far East as Pittsburgh and far West as St. Louis in his early years--- it can be stated that his record is incomplete. McCoole was 6'2" in height and weighed 220 pounds at his peak.

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Overall Analysis of Mike McCoole:

In the early stages of his career, and most notably when he fought Joe Coburn for the title in 1863, he was more reknowned for his wrestling and throwing abilities--- where he enjoyed using his prodigous strength and size to best advantages. At this time, until 1892, prizefighting made allowances for throws and wrestling holds. Only after his one sided loss to Coburn, did he develope more striking abilities. He was exceptionally tough, as the Coburn fight indicates, and apparently could fight at a good pace for long periods of time.

In a time, also, when prizefighting was very much a regionalized business, McCoole at the time of the Coburn contest was considered the "Champion of The West", and Corburn as champion of the East. He was very much a popular fighter, and interest in the fight with Coburn was bigger than any prizefight in American history up until that point. Over $2,000 was at stake on the contest, an unheard of sum, considering the average man in those times made less than $5 a week.

McCoole was also very charismatic, and had a huge Irish following. Apparently he was one for bravado, and would do some trash talking before and during contests. In this sense, at least, it can be said McCoole was something of a 19th century Irish Muhammad Ali, in terms of flamboyance. Because of his rough and tumble style, and loud, brash talking he was a very popular fighter.

However, he could be out boxed, out thought, and was one dimensional; still, his punching power and tremendous throws, were lethal. By the end of his career, he was well known throughout the Midwest, Deep South and East Coast. His victories over Jones and Davis, set him apart from the many "pretenders" who tried to claim the title, but he was certainly not as good as Tom Allen who would later claim the World championship.

http://fultonhistory.com/newspaper%209/ ... 200173.pdf

http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper4/Bin ... 200196.pdf

This promises to be a great topic. many thanks homicidehenry.

Thanks SteveO, that means alot considering your contributions to the site and forum have been of much help to furthering the legacy of certain fighters. I'll never forget, when the subject of Jem Roche came about, and you managed to provide evidence of dozens of matches he was involved in, when for eighty some odd years people believed him to be just a pro debuter who fought Burns.

If I can provide any further information about the old timers you might mention later, I'll be pleased to do so.
I can't add anything extra about Mike McCoole though - you've got it all covered :-)

SteveO wrote:If I can provide any further information about the old timers you might mention later, I'll be pleased to do so.
I can't add anything extra about Mike McCoole though - you've got it all covered :-)

Everything except for where Mike McCoole is burried, and information as to how he lived out his days in New Orleans. However, he had to of been of much importance, else people like 'Gentleman' Jim Corbett wouldn't of taken the time to of wrote about him in articles, you know?

"The American Giant" Charles Freeman
Born 1821 Died 1845


Notable Life Events:

-Became a circus strongman and acrobat while in his teenage years, and reportedly could lift 2,000 pounds with relative ease. Not only could he do so, but could perform somersaults and ride two horses at the same time. Based on these accounts, in combination with his size, Freeman may very well of been the most athletic man (overall) on the planet in his time.

-Joined former British champion Ben Caunt on his exhibition tour of America (1840), and under Caunt's tutelage learned the tricks of the trade, while taking on 'all-comers'. The only exhibition of note, is between Freeman and Caunt, held in New York City. This contest had to of been the 'acid test' for Freeman, as he kayoed Caunt in five rounds (length of contest unknown). This, however, is not a professional prizefight and isn't counted as such. Shortly thereafter, Caunt and Freeman set sail for England to challenge William 'Slasher' Perry, who had beaten Caunt for the title.

-Charles Freeman, upon entering England, was billed as being the "American Champion" though he never engaged in a true prizefight. According to historians, Caunt and Freeman before setting sail had sent word to England for Perry to get ready to meet his match. It was generally accepted that the contests would be for the World Championship.

-December 6th, 1842 fought William 'Slasher' Perry, the champion of Great Britain, in a 70 round contest (84 minutes); by consent of both parties the contest was ended due to it being night time and completely limited both men's vision. Freeman, however, was considered the superior fighter. The contest was continued on December 20th, two weeks later, and went on for 37 rounds before Perry fouled himself out of the contest (he threw himself down to the ground without being hit).

-Apparently the 'title' never changed hands, nor did Freeman or Caunt either one insist that Freeman was the world champion. One must speculate this was solely because the fight ended on a foul, and title's could not change hands on fouls. Both contests were considered long, drug out, and rather boring affairs with Perry darting in, throwing punches that landed mainly on Freeman's arms, and Freeman tossing Perry when he could, or missing most of his enormous, swinging punches.

-After his two contests with Perry, Freeman owned and operated a pub and appeared on the stage giving performances of strength, agility, and even acted in parts tailored around his size. In 1843, for example, he appeared in the Royal Theatre in Birmingham in a play entitled "The Son of The Desert", which was followed up with Freeman in pose as the "Grecian Statues".

-Featured in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, then aged 19, and was billed as 7'3" in height with a fifty-four inch chest measurement. Freeman would also be featured in the Royal Medical and Chirurgal Society collective works of 1846, recounting his ailing health from tuberculosis. According to the transcriptions, Freeman was listed as 6'11.4" in height, 19 stones 5 pounds in weight, with a 47 inch chest measurement in 1842. By 1845, Freeman had withered away to skeletal proportions, weighing only 10 stones (140 pounds), and apparently shrunk to 6'7.5" in height as well.


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Overall Analysis of Charles Freeman:

It can be said, that a man of size and strength can be awkwardly dangerous to even the most skilled of boxers. This can be said of Freeman. However, his heart was never in the boxing game. There is many accounts, reports, that his character and demeanor was that of a gentle giant who did not want to hurt anyone. The fact that he apparently didn't go 'full out' on Perry, is more a testament to his constitution as a pacifist than it does his abilities. Pound for pound, Perry was the best tactician in the world, and his indecisive battles with Freeman should not be looked into too deeply. It must be noted, that there is an apocraphyl tale concerning their first initial meeting, that when Perry saw the near seven foot Michigan native he allegedly said: "I came to fight a large man, not a mountain," and had to be convinced and presuaded to take up the contest even though it had been promoted for quite some time.

There is many legends and reported stories around Freeman, that ought to be taken with a grain of salt or be altogether dismissed as fantasy folk lore. According to one popular account, Freeman already had his mind made up to become a prizefighter and when he heard Caunt was in America giving exhibitions he challenged him to a $10,000 prizefight in New York City. As the story goes, Caunt refused after seeing Freeman, and instead became his manager. This simply does not add up to what is known about Freeman's personality, or makes sense considering it is documented in newspapers that Freeman and Caunt did box an exhibition together. Nor does $10,000 seem likely at all considering Freeman was an unknown, never boxed before and size or no size it is highly doubtful that anyone on his behalf would raise such a purse, considering $100 in 1840 was the 2002 equivilant of nearly $2,700 which would mean the purse would of been well over a quarter million dollars; especially when prizefighting in those days was considered less than bull baiting and rat catching.*

*To put it into a greater perspective, in the same time period, Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert was given an annual salary of 30,000 pounds. To have a purse be one-third the yearly income of a head of state figure is (again) extremely unlikely.

It must be noted, that Freeman would die virtually destitute soon after his initial success in England, losing his pub and most money collected during his time there. When he died, Ben Caunt paid the funeral expenses. Freeman, initially, was burried in Winchester. However, this being the 19th century, this was a day and age where men and women did most anything in order to make a living, and Freeman's body was dug up, and sold to the Huntarian Royal College of Surgeons. His skin and muscles were boiled off, his bones bleached, and was placed on display next to 18th century Irish giant Charles Byrne.

Freeman, in a historical perspective concerning this sport, was one of America's first and most successful international stars. To come from such humble beginnings, starting life off as a country boy swinging an axe in rural Michigan, to touring with Barnum's Circus, and then becoming a world title challenger, and later an actor--- essentially set the tone, and precedant for future boxers in the heavyweight division in terms of self promotion. His abilities, however, were not judged kindly in his time (or for that matter even in ours). Alot of it was because he was so much larger than everyone else, and public opinion was he should of beaten Perry easily. Instead, because of his kind nature, he didn't put a full effort. Still, even at half best, he gave the greatest fighter in the world fits of rage.

In my view, at least, he deserves mention as being an American champion, even if he only fought (essentially) once in his entire life. Because of this general feeling, the title lineage for American Heavyweight Champions should go as follows: Tom Molineaux, Charles Freeman, Tom Hyer, John Morrissey, John Carmel Heenan, Joe Coburn, Jimmy Elliott, Mike McCoole, Tom Allen, Joe Goss, Paddy Ryan, and John L. Sullivan.

SugahRay Robitussen wrote:Personally I dont think Freeman's body was dug up,
like Charles Byrne the famous Irish giant's body
they probably bribed someone or intercepted the body before it was even buried.

BTW last year I contacted the Bare Knuckled Fighters Hall of Fame and submitted Charles Freeman's name.
They had a discussion about it but turned it down because he had only one recorded fight.
He was still famous tho,thats why we are still talking here about him well over 150 years later.

According to an 1845 book entitled "The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Chronicle" which was volume 24 of a series, it states the following concerning the life and times of Charles Freeman:

"October 28th, at the County Hospital, Winchester, aged 28, Charles Freeman, "The American Giant." He had been in this country for about six years, exhibiting his feats of Herculean strength in the metropolis and in the provinces. These extraordinary and repeated efforts of strength, and the habits of life so common with men of his stature and pursuits, brought on a disease of the lungs, of which he died. It is deserving of remark that, in February last, he was baptized by the incumbent of St. Thomas's church, Stepheny; and this event is recorded in a prayer book, given to him on the occasion by the above rendered gentleman. Freeman's behavior while in the hospital was not exemplary, and he greatly expressed his gratitude for the means used for the alleviation of his disease.

The Rev. the Warden, in the absence of the Chaplain, was unremitting in his pious endeavors to prepare him for the solemn event that awaited him; and to his relations in America it must be consolotary to know that, in judgement of his spiritual advisor, and of others who were much with him, he gave strog testimony of his sincerity of his repentance towards God, and of his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It may be truly said of him, "Nothing in his leaving became him like the leaving it." The deceased, who was a native of the United States, accompanied Caunt (the celebrated pugilist)on his return from Canada rather more than five years since.

Previous to his late illness, eighteen months since, his stature was 6'10" and his weight 21 stone; but for a short time before his death he had become almost a skeleton, his weight being reduced to 10 stone one pound, and his height to six feet seven and on half inches. He was a remarkably well proportioned man, and is understood to of lifted, in the zenith of his strength, 20 cwt. in the course of exhibiting at London and Brighton. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Winchester on the 23rd, followed by Caunt, as chief mourner, and several other of his friends. Caunt behaved in a most kind manner to the deceased, and defrayed the funeral expenses."


Quite a very sad read, or so I think. And I am one who believes he does deserve a place in the Pioneers section of the Boxing Hall of Fame, one match or not. I've seen men in that particular wing have but a handful of matches, and are honored. I think, considering Freeman's body was disgraced and how horribly he died, he deserves to be placed in the HOF.

"The Black Ajax" Tom Molineaux
Born 1784 Died 1818

Notable Life Events:

-Given his freedom and $500 in 1809; from Virginia he traveled to New York and set sail for England, arriving there in the winter of 1809.

-1810, begins training with Bill Richmond, and in quick succession wins two bouts which put him in line for a shot at Tom Cribb's title.

-December 1810, challenges Tom Cribb for the title; though losing, the great writer Pierce Egan was mightily impressed with Molineaux, describing him as the "Tremendous Man of Colour"--- February 1811, he challenges Cribb again, and loses via kayo in 11 rounds.

-1814, Molineaux and William Fuller engage in one of the classic fights of Great Britain's history; writer Pierce Egan marveled at the tremendous stamina and action in this contest, saying it was beyond parallel.

-March 1815, engages in what would be the last prizefight of his career, losing in fourteen rounds to English gypsy George Cooper, who was now the champion of Britain. Later, the two men would set sail to Ireland and engage in negotiations to face Dan Donnelly. The Irishman, however, refused to fight Molineaux, instead opting to fight Cooper whom Donnelly felt was the better man between the two.


Overall Analysis of Tom Molineaux:

'The Virginia Slave' was America's first champion of note. Prior to this, boxing was strictly taboo, and not written about in much capacity. The champions of America before Molineaux, will more than likely be lost to the history books forever. The fact that America's first champion of note was a black man, and not a white man, tells much of alleged history we are generally taught in school. In those early days of our nation, there were free men and there were slaves--- and often times, a slave after much service was freed by their buyers. Some, were granted their freedoms sooner, either due to personal feelings of guilt or kindness given to their slaves and servants, or through merit.

The latter, was the case for Tom Molineaux. His early years and history is not well known, but in his teenage years he was 'upgraded' from manual farm labor to being a prizefighter. It was commonplace in those days, that plantation owners would match their best man against a rival plantation's best man. Sometimes, plantation owners from across the state would organize one big event, a royale rumble, where a group of slaves would battle it out. The last man standing was the winner. Such practices were the subject (in part) of such films as Mandingo and Django Unchained, though one can argue that the brutality depicted in those films is a rather graphic and ultra-violent adaptation of those events. Seldom ever was their fights to the death.

Molineaux's father and brother, apparently, were boxers also and taught him everything he knew. The vast experience of having his family being fighters, undoubtedly, contributed to his success. Because of his success, he made his plantation owner so much money, that not only was the slave given his freedom, he was also given money from his slave holder. Whether it was because he feared what may happen to him if he remained in America, or if it was because somewhere in his life he heard much talk of how men could make serious money overseas, he left the States and went to England hoping to become not only rich but also to become a champion.*

*Molineaux's American championship status is mainly due to the fact that since prizefighting was seldom ever done between privelaged whites, that because he accomplished so much against so many rival plantations, by proxy he was in essence the best boxer in America.

When he set foot on English shores, Molineaux soon found out that a fellow American was in the vicinity, and that he too was a freed slave. The free man's name was Bill Richmond, a slave boxer who not only won his freedom, but became something of an institution in England. He was a well respected man. He was also a trainer of fighters, now that he was formally retired from competing. Richmond, who probably is in truth America's first champion and not Molineaux, had fought the British champion Tom Cribb in what was one of the more competitive fights of the era. Unfortunately for Richmond, he lost. However, when the old prizefighter saw Molineaux, he quickly decided to take him on and began training him to further tune up his skills.

Molineaux's first match as a free man was against Jack Burrows, in a contest that lasted 65 minutes. The British public at large was instantly impressed with this newcomer, who was quick as he was powerful. Though only 5'8" in height, Molineaux was 198 pounds of solid muscle. The win over Burrows, who was one of the top men in Britain, solidified him a shot at Tom Cribb, the same man who defeated his trainer and benefactor. Strangely enough, though, most didn't believe that Molineaux stood much of a chance with Cribb as the betting odds were that it wouldn't go no more than ten rounds.

To the surprise of all who witnessed the contest, not only was Molineaux competitive, he was showing Cribb up. In the nineteenth round, the two men clashed together in a clinch, and the referee was undecided as to whether or not to break the hold. The crowd stormed the ring, and in all the madness Molineaux suffered a broken hand, and no one was certain if Cribb had made it back to the 'scratch' within the count of thirty. The referee, undecisive, allowed the contest to continue on. In the 28 round it appeared that Cribb was all but out on his feet, but then Cribb's chief seconds summoned the referee to inspect Molineaux's hands, to see whether he had stones and/or shot in his fists.

Nothing could be found to warrant any sign of cheating, and the fight commenced. Cribb was now fully refreshed and began fighting in earnest. Molineaux, unfortunately, later on would slip and hit his head on one of the ring posts during the fight. From that point on, he was essentially done for. When it reached the 34th round Molineaux was exhausted, and both men were bloodied and battered and beaten. He said between rounds, he could not continue on, but was pushed out by his chief second and was kayoed in the 35th.

They would rematch two months later, and both men trained down. According to sources, Molineaux and Cribb both lost a stone in weight to do the contest. Over 15,000 people watched the contest. However, something was lacking this time around. Molineaux, though he landed many power punches, wasn't as effective as he was in the first fight. Some argue this was mainly due to the fact that Cribb landed a low blow on Molineaux in the sixth round, and the former slave fully never recovered. Cribb, absorbed the blows, and proceeded to break Molineaux's jaw, and knock him out in the eleventh round. Unfortunately for Molineaux, this wouldn't be the only blow he would suffer on that day. His trainer and benefactor Bill Richmond, disgusted that his charge would lose not once, but twice to the man who defeated him years prior parted ways with the young Molineaux and in the years to follow, would even sue the young man for money that Richmond claimed he spent on Molineaux (training expenses). Molineaux, truly a man on his own, was even placed into debtors prison because of Richmond's bitterness.

Despite all this, Molineaux rebounded back. Between 1813-1814, he rebuilt his image to a point, by defeating Jack Carter in 25 rounds, and William Fuller on a foul in 2 rounds (one hour, eight minutes). He also engaged in wrestling matches, and exhibitions (most notably with Tom Cribb). 1815, however, was his third and final chance to redeem himself. Cribb was retiring from boxing, and the title was up for grabs. Among the top names in the division in England was George Cooper, a man of gypsy descent, and on March 10th a match was set. Molineaux, who had struggled with arrest and incarceration, and doing whatever he could to earn a living in this foreign land had fell into a life of excess. Though he was still a heavy hitter, the speed and reflexes he once enjoyed was now no more. Because of heavy drinking, Molineaux was now robbed of top flight conditioning. It showed. He was beaten in fourteen rounds (20 minutes).

However, his story in pugilism doesn't necessarily end here, though it was his last recorded contest. Soon after losing to Cooper, he and the victor set sail to Ireland to meet a young man who was making much noise on the Emerald Isle. His name was Dan Donnelly. According to historians, both he and Cooper met the Irishman in a pub and suggested that Donnelly fight Molineaux first, and the winner would get a shot at Cooper's title. Donnelly, a proud and boastful man, said that he felt he would be doing a disservice to himself if he fought Molineaux--- not because of his skin color, but rather because Molineaux had already lost to Cooper. If Donnelly was to fight, he wanted the better man of the two who came to greet him. Cooper, agreed on the spot. Molineaux, with no alternative, decided to give up prizefighting and live a quiet life in Ireland. Of course, Donnelly defeated Cooper, and his legend is forever immortalized by the famous landmark 'Donnelly's Hollow' which bares a monument in memory of how an Irishman defeated an English champion on Irish soil.

Molineaux, a full blown alcoholic, destitute, and without prospects eventually he would die August 4th, 1818 at the age of 34. The cause of death, for this legendary champion, was liver failure. The saddest part of it all, was he died alone in the confines of a regimental bandroom in Galway. At his peak, he had unbelievable stamina, was quick and had heavy hands. He certainly was the best man America had to offer, but it can be stated that he fought the absolute best version of Tom Cribb. Richmond, who fought Cribb years prior, had fought a younger and inferior version. Molineaux, at least, fought one of the best prizefighters in all of British history at their peak.

Thomas Hyer
Born January 1st, 1819 Died June 26th, 1864

Notable Life Events:

-Claimed the American Heavyweight Championship in 1841 after beating George McChester in a fight that lasted nearly three hours; the following year he challenged out former British champion Ben Caunt to a prizefight, but the ex-champion refused to do so.

-1848 & 1849, saw Hyer get into a tremendous bar-room fight with Yankee Sullivan and created such public interest, that the following year an actual prizefight was staged between these two legendary fighters; Hyer would defeat Sullivan in seventeen minutes and eighteen seconds (16 rounds), which means each 'round' had to be on average between 45-60 seconds, a complete blow-out win for Hyer.

-1850 & 1851, certainly the peak of his years, as he challenged out British champion William Perry. Perry refused to do so, and in 1851, with no further worlds to conquer Hyer retired and vacated the championship.

-1854, guess who's back? Hyer challenged out John Morrissey, a claimant for the title, and a fight was scheduled to happen and Morrissey did not show. Later that same year, in October, Hyer challenged out Morrissey again, and this time Morrissey had the courtesy to decline rather than fight the former champion.

-1855, Hyer was involved in two well-known bar room brawls against Jim Turner and Lew Baker; apparently this man was the John L. Sullivan of his era taking on all comers wherever they came.

-1857, the end of the line, as Hyer would lose to a man named Tom Hunter in Washington, DC. He never fought again. He was thirty-eight years old.


Overall Analysis of Thomas Hyer:

Thomas Hyer, was truly a product of his times. Prior to his birth and early years, prizefighting was a practice mainly under the 'regulation' of plantation owners who pitted slaves against eachother. These landowners, were of course descendants of those during the 'Regency Era' of prizefighting in Great Britain; it was unnatural and unlawful for any civilized man to engage in such contests. Men of prestige battled with swords and pistols, not with fists.

During his lifetime, however, Thomas Hyer saw alot of social and economic changes in America. Overseas in Ireland the Famine was in full swing, and the land barons were taxing the people to death. Not only did the Irish bring their families, sense of pride and humor with him; they also brought their own brand of prizefighting. It would be during this great mass Exodus from the Old World to the New World, that boxing would truly break from the gentry who paid out the nose to see illiterate, horse whipped slaves battle it out--- and instead become the sport of the common man.

Thomas Hyer, however, was no immigrant. He was born and raised in the state of New York, and when he reached adulthood, was quite the impressive specimen standing nearly 6'3" and weighing in at 185 pounds (modern Cruiserweight). His record almost certainly must be incomplete, as most sources show Hyer's debut as being for the "Heavyweight Championship of America"; it is more likely that Hyer, between his birth and 1841 was like most everyman, being an apprentice to someone else or doing odd jobs such as bricklaying. He undoubtedly picked up the 'tricks of the trade' from somewhere during that first 22 years--- as most historians say of him that he was a "skillful fighter".

Regardless, from what little we know, he won the title against George McChester in a fight that went one hundred and one rounds (2:55:00). It took place at Caldwell's Landing, and soon after was being challenged by Ben Caunt--- who was on an exhibition tour of America, after losing the British title to William Perry--- but it did not happen. It is not known what Hyer exactly did between the years 1842-1847, again this record is no doubt incomplete, but it was well reported that in 1848 he had a famous bar-room brawl with Yankee Sullivan, which ultimately lead to the two men to fight it out in an actual contest for the championship.

The match was held in Stillpond Creek, Maryland on February 7th, 1849 and Hyer without question proved the superior man on that day, beating Sullivan in 16 rounds (17:18). In 1850 Hyer challenged out William Perry, the British champion, but no fight ever came out of it. With the best men in Britain not willing to face him, Hyer retired from boxing and vacated the championship. For a time, he would travel to California to get into the well known 'Gold Rush' phenomenon that was sweeping the nation; he proved unsuccessful in these ventures, and returned to New York. In 1854, it was arranged for Hyer to fight John Morrissey, but Morrissey never showed up. Again, later in the year, Hyer challenged out Morrissey, and this time Morrissey was at least man enough to decline.

It must be noted, that during this time, there was much rioting in the state concerning the racial divide between 'native born Americans' and immigrant Irish. Hyer was a well known supporter of the 'native born' cause, and was one of several thousands who sided with Bill Poole--- the man who fought Morrissey, and was later killed by Morrissey supporters. While Hyer was in California, he was at that time challenged by Morrissey, but refused the young man because there wasn't enough money to get his interests. Upon his return to New York, again Morrissey challenged him out, and the excuse was the same: money. However, it must be noted, that Hyer was willing to engage Morrissey in a duel with pistols. This may of been more to do with the fact that Hyer was 'native born' and Morrissey was Irish, more than anything else.

It seems from this point on, that Hyer only engaged in bar room brawls and never again defended the title--- he would continue fighting, however, until 1857 at the age of 38. Only in his last contest, did he ever lose. He would die on June 26th, 1864 from dropsy at the age of forty-five.

'Old Smoke' John Morrissey
Born February 5 1831 Died May 1st 1878


Notable Life Events:

-John Morrissey and Bill Poole was later used (loosely) as characters in the famed novel and later Academy Award winning film "Gangs of New York".

-1852 traveled to California to challenge out Thomas Hyer, who wanted too much money to engage in a prize fight. Morrissey, instead, fought Hyer's trainer George Thompson for $2,000 and won after Thompson fouled him twice. Morrissey then claimed the championship of America.

-1853, after failing to have Hyer engage in a prizefight with him, he defended the title claim against Yankee Sullivan, and it is considered one of the most controversial fights in all of boxing history, as Morrissey made it to the scratch before Sullivan did following a riot in which the crowd stormed the ring.

-1854, fought and lost to Bill Poole; Poole would be later murdered by a group of Morrissey's supporters; Morrissey was later found innocent of any involvement, which lead to extreme violence around the city between 'native born Americans' and immigrant Irish. Morrissey and his family left New York City, for rural Troy, New York soon after.

-1858, successfully defended the championship against John C. Heenan and vacated the championship soon afterwards, becoming a New York senate member and two-time Congressman.


Overall Analysis of John Morrissey:

Morrissey was born in Tipperary, Ireland and was among the thousands of immigrants who made way to America for a better life, as his native homeland was wrought with poverty, sickness, and flat out oppression from welathy land barons who taxed the poor without mercy. Morrissey, is best known to the boxing world, as being the first prizefighter of significant note who later became a politician. Such was his popularity in the state of New York among the Irish immigrants, he was later elected to two terms in Congress.

What he lacked in skills, he made up for in tremendous strength, and conditioning. He was certainly a willing combatant, who didn't mind getting down in the trenches (so to speak) to turn the tide in a contest. What people in those days called 'bottom' (resolve), he had in aces. It was this tough mindedness that he had, one can say was truly the determining factor in not only his success in the ring, but outside of it as well. He did not know when to give up, there was no quit in him.

This was truly evident, when Morrissey challenged out Thomas Hyer's trainer George Thompson. The fight was so brutal, and lasted 22 minutes (11 rounds), with Thompson using every ounce of experience he had, as well as a few dirty tactics to keep the younger man off him. Morrissey won the contest, via referee decision after Thompson deliberately fouled Morrissey twice. It seemed no matter what Thompson did, Morrissey only got more stronger and more daring as the fight went on.

Morrissey prior to this contest, had challenged out Thomas Hyer, the American Champion. And, in fact, seemed to be chasing him down across the country. When Morrissey returned to New York after facing Thompson in California, he again challenged Hyer out. The Champion, wanting more money than Morrissey's backers could raise, was being difficult. However Hyer, who was a well known hardass and easily roused into confrontations, said he would face Morrissey into a duel with pistols. Morrissey declined this offer. There was no more to be done or said, so Morrissey shifted his attention elsewhere in the figure of Yankee Sullivan.

The two men would fight on October 12th, 1853 in Boston Corner's, the border between Massechusetts and New York. The contest, was one of the most incredibly foul and controversial fights in all of boxing history, and the older, more experienced Sullivan gave Morrissey a lesson in prizefighting for 36 rounds. In the 37th round, however, Morrissey was desperate and charged Sullivan into the ropes and proceeded to choke him. Supporters of both men stormed the ring, and in all the confusion the referee tried to restore order by ordering the two men to return back to the scratch; Morrissey heard the command, and promptly did so. Sullivan, was arguing with Morrissey's chief second, and as a consequence failed to return to the scratch. Morrissey was given the victory and was proclaimed the Champion of America.

Because of his newfound as champion, Morrissey soon after began investing in gambling rackets around New York, and ventured into politics. It was not long after that he was elected to the status of being New York's premiere 'gang buster' and his leadership proved equally great in restoring order and providing protection to those at polling stations during elections. However, Morrissey was a man of pride to a fault. This would prove to be his undoing, in regards to his boxing, when he was challenged out by an opposition leader Bill "The Butcher" Poole to a fight on Poole's home turf. Unfortunately for Morrissey, during the contest, loads of opposition supporters made it impossible for Morrissey to defend himself and he had to admit he was beaten--- or else risk the chance of being stomped, kicked, punched, bitten and gouged to death by Poole and this riotous crowd.

Later on, Morrissey's supporters tried to get Poole to rematch Morrissey, but this lead to a bitter confrontation which ultimately lead to Bill Poole being shot to death in cold blood. The so called "Native American Party", which Poole was apart of (as was Thomas Hyer), became enraged at this circumstance--- and even more so when Morrissey was found innocent of any ivolvement in Poole's death. Riots of extreme violence pointed in the direction of immigrant Irish men and women, were now at an all time high. Over 20,000 people allegedly showed up in the funeral procession of Bill Poole. Because of all this mayhem, combined with the fact that Morrissey's wife Susan had just given birth, lead the champion to leave New York behind for a time.

However, business ventures in Troy failed, and the public outcry for him to defend the title was getting too much. Against his wife's wishes, he declared: "I shall fight to vindicate my character for honor and manhood, and relieve myself from the persecution and assaults of my foes." Not long after, he settled on facing John C. Heenan who was also a native of Troy, New York. Though he was raised by an Irish family, Heenan was a "Native American" and he was easily backed by those who supported Bill Poole and Thomas Hyer. And on October 20th, 1858 Morrissey defended the title against Heenan in Long Point, Canada (apart of Lake Erie). It was alleged that $250,000 dollars in total was being wagered on this contest, such was the public fury for this contest.

The contest, which went for 21 minutes (11 rounds) was won by the defending champion Morrissey. He proved, in the face of so much hatred and mounting odds against him, to be the best heavyweight in all of America. Though, it must be noted, in round one of the contest Heenan had broken his hand by accidentially hitting a ring post. However, Heenan was taller and longer in reach than Morrissey and better skilled overall, and was able to comfortably keep Morrissey off of him. However, by the end of round three (after Morrissey slammed Heenan) the tide turned in favor of the defending champion. By round five, it was clear that Heenan was done for, and only pride and skill kept him somewhat in the contest. By round eight, Heenan was collapsing from exhaustion, and in the eleventh round Morrissey kayoed Heenan with a punch to the back of the neck.

Following this match, Morrissey gave up the title, and focused on his many growing business investments which included opening up a horse racing course in 1860 (Saratoga). He would run for the New York senate twice, and ran twice for Congress twice. During his New York senate campaign in 1877 he fell ill, and would die a few days later. It must be noted, though, he did indeed win the senate seat. Over 12,000 people showed up for the funeral.