Paddy Ryan

...any man breathing...

Circa 1880

By late 1879, Paddy Ryan was becoming known in fighting circles as possible championship material. At slightly over six feet in height and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Ryan was a formidable figure in his time.

As Joe Goss of England claimed the championship of the world, John Dwyer travelled with Goss doing exhibitions and was considered the American champion. Following such exhibitions it was Dwyer's custom to issue a challenge to "fight any man breathing".

Beginning in the Spring of 1878, Paddy Ryan had been offering to take up Dwyer's challenge. Following numerous delays the matter came to a resolution on the night of December 9th. But, not in the ring, but rather in Billy Tracy's saloon at Broadway and Twenty-ninth street.

"The meeting was accidental. Ryan has tried for a year past to arrange a mill with Dwyer, but failed for various reasons. Ryan heard that Dwyer had said he was a "looking-glass fighter," and said he would make him eat his words or "smash" his nose. This threat was reported to Dwyer and when Ryan entered Tracy's about midnight, Dwyer asked him about it. Ryan said the report was true, and that Dwyer was a liar. Dwyer called him a liar, whereupon Ryan struck him a powerful blow, knocking him down and badly wounding him. Dwyer rose and clinched with Ryan, and the later threw him and beat him until he begged for mercy...

-New York Times. December 10, 1879

So much, for any man breathing.The following May 30th. Paddy Ryan fought Joe Goss at Colliers Station, West Virginia, in a bout of one hour and twenty-four minutes, total of 87 rounds. The forty year old Goss was unable to come to scratch for the 88th round and Paddy Ryan was Champion.

Ryan's reign proved short-lived, in February, 1882, he met John L. Sullivan at Mississippi City, Mississippi and after nine furious rounds, Ryan his jaw broken was unable to continue and the era of the Great John L. had dawned.

Vintage Wood Studio Albumen Print Type Photograph

Price: $ 550.00

3000-0605

Size: 3 7/8 x 5 1/2

Condition: Excellent Plus. Corner chip lower right. Photo has been glued to a heavy paper stock and evidences some surface wrinkling visible mainly in raked light.

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