Paddy Ryan

Patrick "Paddy" Ryan (15 March 1851 – 14 December 1900) was an Irish American boxer, and became the bare-knuckle American heavyweight champion on May 30, 1880, after he won the title from Joe Goss. He retained the title until losing it to the exceptional John L. Sullivan on February 7, 1882. Ryan fought only ten major bouts, but as many as twenty-five exhibitions including many Sullivan in his late career. Exhibitions brought him income, but with fewer rounds and less risk.