George Byers

Circa 1898

John Wood Studio Photograph

The Colored Middleweight Whom Tommy Ryan Is Afraid to Meet

At the turn of the century George Byers was one of the most highly regarded middleweights in the country. But inspite of repeated public offers Champion Tommy Ryan refused to meet him.

Byers at 5 feet 8 1/2 inches and weighing never more than 160 pounds found himself fighting light heavyweights, amd heavyweights, the likes of Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, Jack Twin Sullivan , Jack Root and Sandy Ferguson.He concluded his career never having fought for the title. Later he life he became a respected trainer.