Paddy Ryan

Patrick Ryan (15 March 1853 – 14 December 1900) was an Irish American boxer, and became the bare-knuckle American heavyweight champion on 30 May 1880, after he won the title from Joe Goss. He retained the title until losing it to the exceptional John L. Sullivan on 7 February 1882. Ryan fought only ten major bouts, but as many as twenty-five exhibitions including many against Sullivan in his late career. Exhibitions brought him income, but with fewer rounds and less risk.