Young Griffo vs. Tommy Ryan

Young Griffo lost to Tommy Ryan by TKO in round 3 of 6

• Date: 1897-06-21
• Location: Greenpoint S.C., Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Attendance: 500


Griffo had just been released from jail; he was sentenced to a year's imprisonment on August 13, 1896 for assaulting a 12-year-old boy.


Washington Post, June 22, 1897:

"Five hundred persons went to see Young Griffo, of Australia, and Tommy Ryan, of Philadelphia, box ten rounds at catch-weights before the Greenpoint Athletic Club, Brooklyn, to-night. Griffo, who has spent the last eleven months in prison, made a very poor showing against the clever young Philadelphian, and surprised the spectators by quitting in the third round. Ryan opened with a left smash on Griffo's face, and had the better of the Australian in several rallies during the first two rounds. It was very apparent that Griffo was not in good shape, and his well-known style of defense was not in evidence. Ryan sent rights and lefts to the head and face cleverly in the third round, and had Griffo bleeding from the mouth. The latter sent back some punches on the body and head, but they lacked steam. When he saw that Ryan had the better of the contest Griffo stopped, and said as he tugged at his gloves: 'I'll give you the decision; I can't box tonight.'

"There were hisses and cat-calls when this was heard. Griffo walked to the ringside and said: 'I am in no condition to-night. You all know I have been on a long vacation, and am not in shape. A week from to-night I will meet this man and box him ten rounds.'

"This did not satisfy the sports, and they denounced Griffo in very strong terms."