BoxRec

Patrick 'Paddy' Ryan was born in Tipperary, Ireland in 1851 but like many Irish of that time moved to the USA whilst young to seek a better life.

He was a hugely powerfull man who boxed and wrestled, many say he was a better wrestler than a Boxer. He appeared to have had as many street fights and fights in bars than recorded fights. He also boxed many exhibitions with John L Sullivan.



Any other thoughts, opinions or information on this rough and ready character?

Ryan fought Sullivan 2 or 3 times and got battered each time. He was more of a wrestler than boxer and it shows the disarray that boxing was in that he was "champion" before he lost to Sullivan. Paddy Ryan is probably the best reason why John L should be considered the father of modern day boxing