14 Facts About Tommy Ryan

Tommy Ryan's simultaneously holding records in both weight classes was a rare and impressive feat for a boxer.

Tommy Ryan's record is a topic that has been up for debate for decades.

Tommy Ryan was considered by many one of the greatest Middleweights in boxing history.

Tommy Ryan was the World Middleweight Champion from 1898 to 1906.

Tommy Ryan was credited with helping devise the crouching crab technique for defense.

Tommy Ryan was considered an excellent boxer-puncher and nearly unbeatable for his time.

Tommy Ryan first won the welterweight title in a match with Mysterious Billy Smith on July 26,1894.

Tommy Ryan was knocked out by Kid McCoy in the 15th round on March 2,1896.

McCoy served as a sparring partner for Tommy Ryan, and absorbed many beatings at the hands of his employer.

Tommy Ryan was notorious for showing little mercy to his sparring partners.

Tommy Ryan is said to have fallen for the ruse, failed to train properly and was not in top condition for the bout.

In November 1941, Tommy Ryan accepted the position of boxing instructor at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

Tommy Ryan is credited with changing Jeffries' stance and teaching him to fight out of a crouch.

In 2003, Tommy Ryan was listed in The Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.