# Tommy Ryan

Tommy Ryan (born Joseph Youngs; March 31, 1870 – August 3, 1948) was an American-Canadian World Welterweight and World Middleweight boxing champion who fought from 1887 to 1907. His simultaneously holding records in both weight classes was a rare and impressive feat for a boxer. His record is a topic that has been up for debate for decades. As of May 2021, Boxrec.com lists his official record as 82–2–13 (68KO). The International Boxing Hall of Fame lists his record as 86–3–6 (22KO). Others list his record anywhere from 86–3–6 (68KO), to 90–6–11 (70KO), to 84–2–11 (70KO). Some historians have even speculated that he held closer to 90 knockouts. Ryan was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the class of 1991.

## Boxing career

Ryan was considered by many one of the greatest Middleweights in boxing history. He was the World Middleweight Champion from 1898 to 1906. Some of his opponents included Mysterious Billy Smith, Kid McCoy, Tommy West, and Jack Bonner. After his retirement as a fighter he became a boxing teacher and coach. He was credited with helping devise the crouching technique for defense. During his career of 97 fights he won 82 (70 by knockout), lost 2, with 13 draws. Ryan was considered an excellent boxer-puncher and nearly unbeatable for his time.
Ryan first won the welterweight title in a match with Mysterious Billy Smith on July 26, 1894. He was knocked out by Kid McCoy in the 15th round on March 2, 1896. This bout forms part of the lore of the McCoy legend. McCoy served as a sparring partner for Ryan, and absorbed many beatings at the hands of his employer. Ryan was notorious for showing little mercy to his sparring partners.
As a result, McCoy hated Ryan, and sought revenge. It is alleged that McCoy, who appeared thin, pale and frail, persuaded Ryan that he was seriously ill before their fight. McCoy, who was famed as a trickster, purportedly rubbed flour on his face so as to appear deathly ill. Ryan is said to have fallen for the ruse, failed to train properly and was not in top condition for the bout. Whether true or not, McCoy scored an upset win over Ryan in the non-title match.
In November 1941, Ryan accepted the position of boxing instructor at the Multnomah Athletic Club. A month later, he resigned the position and told The Oregonian, "I don't think I would have come west had I known that professional boxing was barred in the states of Washington and Oregon. There is too much money in other sections of the country for me to stick here at a $150 job".
Ryan was also instrumental in the career of heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries. In fact, Ryan is credited with changing Jeffries' stance and teaching him to fight out of a crouch. Ryan also seconded James J. Corbett in his second attempt to wrest the heavyweight crown from Jeffries. Corbett however, blamed Ryan's strategy for his defeat. In 2003, Ryan was listed in The Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
Ryan died on August 3, 1948, aged 78.

## Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

### Official record

| 106 fights | 82 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 68 | 1 |
| By decision | 13 | 0 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 1 |
| Draws | 13 | 13 |
| No contests | 3 | 3 |
| Newspaper decisions/draws | 6 | 6 |
All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
| 106 | NC | 82–2–13 (9) | Ed Martin | NC | 6 | Nov 29, 1911 | Armory, Portland, Oregon, U.S. | Ryan was the promoter. This was an exhibition Martin subbed for Fritz Holland |
| 105 | Draw | 82–2–13 (8) | Hugo Kelly | PTS | 6 | Mar 4, 1907 | Bartholomay Pavilion, Charlotte, New York, U.S. | |
| 104 | Win | 82–2–12 (8) | Dave Barry | KO | 5 (20) | Feb 5, 1907 | Bell Opera House, Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 81–2–12 (8) | Billy Stift | KO | 4 (10) | Dec 29, 1904 | Bell Opera House, Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 102 | NC | 80–2–12 (8) | Jack Root | NC | 4 (6) | Nov 23, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 101 | Win | 80–2–12 (7) | Jack Graham | TKO | 4 (10) | Nov 15, 1904 | South Bend, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 79–2–12 (7) | Tommy Wallace | KO | 5 (10) | Oct 26, 1904 | Bell Opera House, Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 78–2–12 (7) | Bob Douglass | KO | 4 (8) | Oct 10, 1904 | Jai Alai Club, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 98 | Win | 77–2–12 (7) | Jack Beauscholte | TKO | 6 (10) | Feb 24, 1904 | Auditorium, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 97 | Draw | 76–2–12 (7) | Philadelphia Jack O'Brien | NWS | 6 | Jan 27, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 96 | Win | 76–2–12 (6) | John Willie | KO | 4 (20) | Jun 30, 1903 | Broadway Theater, Butte, Montana, U.S. | |
| 95 | Draw | 75–2–12 (6) | Dan Hickey | PTS | 6 | Jun 23, 1903 | Auditorium, Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 75–2–11 (6) | James J Walker | KO | 5 (?) | Jun 1, 1903 | Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 93 | Win | 74–2–11 (6) | Cyclone Kelly | TKO | 7 (10) | Feb 3, 1903 | Whittington Park A.C., Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. | |
| 92 | Win | 73–2–11 (6) | Billy Stift | KO | 4 (10) | Jan 15, 1903 | Delaware Club, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 72–2–11 (6) | Barney Walsh | KO | 2 (6) | Oct 3, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 90 | Win | 71–2–11 (6) | Jack Beauscholte | KO | 3 (6) | Oct 3, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 70–2–11 (6) | Kid Carter | KO | 6 (20) | Sep 15, 1902 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Canada | Retained world middleweight title |
| 88 | Win | 69–2–11 (6) | Johnny Gorman | KO | 3 (15) | Jun 24, 1902 | National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London | Retained world middleweight title |
| 87 | Win | 68–2–11 (6) | Jimmy Handler | TKO | 4 (10) | May 26, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 86 | Win | 67–2–11 (6) | Billy Stift | PTS | 10 | Apr 3, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 66–2–11 (6) | Mysterious Billy Smith | KO | 4 (10) | Mar 14, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 84 | Win | 65–2–11 (6) | Tim Draffin Murphy | KO | 8 (10) | Feb 25, 1902 | Strope's Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 83 | Win | 64–2–11 (6) | Jack Beauscholte | PTS | 6 | Feb 15, 1902 | De Soto Club, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 63–2–11 (6) | George Green | KO | 7 (10) | Jan 30, 1902 | 3rd Regiment Armory, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 81 | Loss | 62–2–11 (6) | George Green | DQ | 6 (15) | Oct 10, 1901 | Jackson County Democratic Club, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | Ryan was disqualified for striking Green with his knee |
| 80 | Win | 62–1–11 (6) | Bob Douglass | TKO | 7 (10) | Aug 22, 1901 | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 79 | Win | 61–1–11 (6) | Tommy West | TKO | 17 (20) | Mar 4, 1901 | Auditorium, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 78 | Win | 60–1–11 (6) | Jim Judge | KO | 4 (6) | Jan 31, 1901 | Minneapolis A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 77 | Win | 59–1–11 (6) | Jack Beauscholte | KO | 3 (20) | Jan 17, 1901 | City Hall, Springfield, Ohio, U.S. | |
| 76 | Win | 58–1–11 (6) | Kid Carter | PTS | 6 | Nov 27, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 75 | Win | 57–1–11 (6) | Geoff Thorne | KO | 3 (6) | Nov 10, 1900 | Chicago A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 74 | Draw | 56–1–11 (6) | Jack Root | PTS | 6 | Jul 24, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 73 | Win | 56–1–10 (6) | Young Mahoney | PTS | 6 | Jun 29, 1900 | Fort Dearborn A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 72 | Draw | 55–1–10 (6) | Charles Kid McCoy | PTS | 6 | May 29, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 71 | Win | 55–1–9 (6) | George Lawler | TKO | 13 (20) | Feb 2, 1900 | Auditorium, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. | |
| 70 | Win | 54–1–9 (6) | Frank Craig | TKO | 10 (20) | Sep 18, 1899 | Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 69 | Win | 53–1–9 (6) | Jack Moffat | PTS | 20 | Aug 31, 1899 | Auditorium for fistic carnival, Dubuque, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 68 | Win | 52–1–9 (6) | Billy Stift | PTS | 20 | Apr 19, 1899 | Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 67 | Win | 51–1–9 (6) | Frank Neal | KO | 6 (20) | Apr 6, 1899 | Tuxedo A.C., Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 66 | Win | 50–1–9 (6) | Paddy Purtell | TKO | 4 (10) | Mar 13, 1899 | Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. | |
| 65 | Win | 49–1–9 (6) | Charley Johnson | KO | 8 (20) | Mar 1, 1899 | Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 64 | Win | 48–1–9 (6) | Dick O'Brien | TKO | 14 (25) | Dec 23, 1898 | Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 63 | NC | 47–1–9 (6) | Tommy West | NC | 6 | Dec 2, 1898 | Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 62 | Win | 47–1–9 (5) | Johnny Gorman | RTD | 8 (20) | Nov 23, 1898 | Turn Hall, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 61 | Win | 46–1–9 (5) | Jack Bonner | NWS | 6 | Nov 8, 1898 | Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 60 | Win | 46–1–9 (4) | Jack Bonner | PTS | 20 | Oct 24, 1898 | Greater New York A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 59 | Win | 45–1–9 (4) | Tommy West | TKO | 14 (20) | Jun 13, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 58 | Win | 44–1–9 (4) | George Green | KO | 18 (20) | Feb 25, 1898 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 57 | Win | 43–1–9 (4) | Bill Heffernan | KO | 3 (20) | Dec 20, 1897 | Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. | Won vacant world middleweight title |
| 56 | Win | 42–1–9 (4) | Billy Stift | TKO | 6 (12) | Nov 30, 1897 | Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 55 | Win | 41–1–9 (4) | Australian Jim Ryan | KO | 5 (20) | Nov 25, 1897 | Maple Avenue A.C., Elmira, New York, U.S. | |
| 54 | Draw | 40–1–9 (4) | Charles Kid McCoy | PTS | 5 | Sep 8, 1897 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 53 | Win | 40–1–8 (4) | Tom Williams | KO | 2 (20) | Jun 21, 1897 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 52 | Win | 39–1–8 (4) | Patsy Raedy | TKO | 6 (20) | May 24, 1897 | Rienzi A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S. | |
| 51 | Win | 38–1–8 (4) | Paddy Gorman | TKO | 3 (?) | May 10, 1897 | Rienzi A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 37–1–8 (4) | Patsy Raedy | TKO | 18 (20) | Mar 17, 1897 | Rienzi A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 36–1–8 (4) | Tom Tracey | TKO | 9 (20) | Feb 24, 1897 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title |
| 48 | Win | 35–1–8 (4) | Billy Payne | KO | 4 (20) | Dec 23, 1896 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 47 | Win | 34–1–8 (4) | Billy McCarthy | TKO | 7 (20) | Dec 21, 1896 | Empire A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 33–1–8 (4) | Mysterious Billy Smith | DQ | 9 (20) | Nov 25, 1896 | Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 45 | Win | 32–1–8 (4) | Dick Moore | PTS | 20 | Aug 20, 1896 | Lyceum Theater, Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 44 | Win | 31–1–8 (4) | Billy (Shadow) Maber | TKO | 9 (20) | Jun 22, 1896 | Lyceum Theater, Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 43 | Win | 30–1–8 (4) | Joe Dunfee | KO | 6 (20) | May 18, 1896 | Empire A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 42 | Loss | 29–1–8 (4) | Charles Kid McCoy | KO | 15 (20) | Mar 2, 1896 | Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | For vacant world middleweight title |
| 41 | Win | 29–0–8 (4) | Henry Baker | PTS | 6 | Jan 15, 1896 | Powers' Opera House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 40 | Draw | 28–0–8 (4) | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 18 (25) | May 27, 1895 | Sea Side A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title; Stopped when the police intervened, with Smith hanging helpless on the ropes |
| 39 | Win | 28–0–7 (4) | Tom Tracey | TKO | 8 (8) | Mar 20, 1895 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 27–0–7 (4) | Emmett Mellody | PTS | 4 | Mar 11, 1895 | Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 26–0–7 (4) | Shorty Ahearn | NWS | 4 | Feb 25, 1895 | Triangle AC, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 36 | Win | 26–0–7 (3) | Nonpareil Dempsey | TKO | 3 (15) | Jan 18, 1895 | Sea Side A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S. | |
| 35 | Win | 25–0–7 (3) | Billy Layton | KO | 4 (20) | Sep 13, 1894 | Saint Joseph, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 24–0–7 (3) | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 20 | Jul 26, 1894 | Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title; Won world welterweight title claim |
| 33 | Win | 23–0–7 (3) | Jack Pitts | KO | 3 (?) | Jun 1, 1894 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 22–0–7 (3) | Jack Falvey | KO | 3 (8) | May 22, 1894 | Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 21–0–7 (3) | Harry Wilkes | NWS | 5 | Apr 22, 1894 | Olympic Theatre, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 30 | Win | 21–0–7 (2) | Morris Lane | TKO | 3 (8) | Apr 10, 1894 | Savin Rock, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 29 | Draw | 20–0–7 (2) | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 6 | Jan 9, 1894 | Casino, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 28 | Draw | 20–0–6 (2) | Joe Guthrie | PTS | 3 (10) | Dec 11, 1893 | Opera House, Naugatuck, Connecticut, U.S. | Guthrie was practically knocked out, as he lay on the floor an outsider rang the bell. Referee declared he could have fought on if the bell wasn't rung |
| 27 | Win | 20–0–5 (2) | Harry Jamieson | KO | 2 (?) | Nov 2, 1893 | Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 26 | Draw | 19–0–5 (2) | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 6 | Aug 29, 1893 | Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 25 | Win | 19–0–4 (2) | George Dawson | NWS | 6 | Apr 8, 1893 | 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 24 | Draw | 19–0–4 (1) | Tommy Kelly | PTS | 8 | Dec 1, 1892 | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | Exact date unknown |
| 23 | Draw | 19–0–3 (1) | Jack Collins | PTS | 8 | Nov 24, 1892 | Auditorium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 22 | Draw | 19–0–2 (1) | Jack Wilkes | PTS | 17 (?) | Jul 30, 1892 | Germania Hall, South Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title; The bout was stopped by police in the 17th round and was declared a draw |
| 21 | Win | 19–0–1 (1) | Paddy Brennan | PTS | 10 | May 7, 1892 | Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 20 | Win | 18–0–1 (1) | Con Doyle | PTS | 8 | Apr 11, 1892 | Grand Opera House, Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 19 | Win | 17–0–1 (1) | Frank Howson | KO | 14 (?) | Dec 13, 1891 | skating rink, near Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title |
| 18 | Win | 16–0–1 (1) | Billy McMillan | KO | 3 (?) | Aug 8, 1891 | Richardson, Illinois, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title |
| 17 | Win | 15–0–1 (1) | Danny Needham | RTD | 76 (?) | Feb 17, 1891 | Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | Won vacant world welterweight title |
| 16 | Win | 14–0–1 (1) | Professor McGuire | TKO | 3 (5) | Dec 6, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 15 | Win | 13–0–1 (1) | Frank Garrard | NWS | 3 | Dec 6, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 14 | Win | 13–0–1 | Ed Bartlett | KO | 3 (?) | Nov 23, 1890 | Sheffield, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 13 | Win | 12–0–1 | Con Doyle | TKO | 28 (?) | Oct 5, 1890 | Barn, Shelby, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 11–0–1 | John McInerssey | KO | 5 (?) | Aug 7, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 10–0–1 | Bob Harper | KO | 4 (?) | Aug 4, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 9–0–1 | Henry Baker | KO | 3 (?) | Jun 6, 1890 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 9 | Draw | 8–0–1 | Jimmy Murphy | PTS | 57 (?) | Oct 10, 1889 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Martin Shaughnessy | KO | 48 (?) | Jun 18, 1889 | Lake St. Clair Beach, Grosse Point, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Michael Dunn | KO | 9 (?) | May 27, 1889 | Ice House, Grosse Point, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Martin Shaughnessy | KO | 23 (?) | Apr 30, 1889 | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Dick England | KO | 23 (?) | Dec 21, 1888 | Lake City, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Joe Johnson | KO | 5 (?) | Jul 20, 1888 | Marion, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Chris Christopher | KO | 10 (?) | Mar 3, 1887 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Jack Conway | KO | 3 (?) | Feb 2, 1887 | Rock Island, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | John Case | KO | 5 (?) | Jan 1, 1887 | United States of America | |

### Unofficial record

| 106 fights | 87 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 68 | 1 |
| By decision | 18 | 0 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 1 |
| Draws | 14 | 14 |
| No contests | 3 | 3 |
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
| 106 | NC | 87–2–14 (3) | Ed Martin | NC | 6 | Nov 29, 1911 | Armory, Portland, Oregon, U.S. | Ryan was the promoter. This was an exhibition Martin subbed for Fritz Holland |
| 105 | Draw | 87–2–14 (2) | Hugo Kelly | PTS | 6 | Mar 4, 1907 | Bartholomay Pavilion, Charlotte, New York, U.S. | |
| 104 | Win | 87–2–13 (2) | Dave Barry | KO | 5 (20) | Feb 5, 1907 | Bell Opera House, Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 86–2–13 (2) | Billy Stift | KO | 4 (10) | Dec 29, 1904 | Bell Opera House, Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 102 | NC | 85–2–13 (2) | Jack Root | NC | 4 (6) | Nov 23, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 101 | Win | 85–2–13 (1) | Jack Graham | TKO | 4 (10) | Nov 15, 1904 | South Bend, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 84–2–13 (1) | Tommy Wallace | KO | 5 (10) | Oct 26, 1904 | Bell Opera House, Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 83–2–13 (1) | Bob Douglass | KO | 4 (8) | Oct 10, 1904 | Jai Alai Club, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 98 | Win | 82–2–13 (1) | Jack Beauscholte | TKO | 6 (10) | Feb 24, 1904 | Auditorium, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 97 | Draw | 81–2–13 (1) | Philadelphia Jack O'Brien | NWS | 6 | Jan 27, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 96 | Win | 81–2–12 (1) | John Willie | KO | 4 (20) | Jun 30, 1903 | Broadway Theater, Butte, Montana, U.S. | |
| 95 | Draw | 80–2–12 (1) | Dan Hickey | PTS | 6 | Jun 23, 1903 | Auditorium, Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 80–2–11 (1) | James J Walker | KO | 5 (?) | Jun 1, 1903 | Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 93 | Win | 79–2–11 (1) | Cyclone Kelly | TKO | 7 (10) | Feb 3, 1903 | Whittington Park A.C., Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. | |
| 92 | Win | 78–2–11 (1) | Billy Stift | KO | 4 (10) | Jan 15, 1903 | Delaware Club, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 77–2–11 (1) | Barney Walsh | KO | 2 (6) | Oct 3, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 90 | Win | 76–2–11 (1) | Jack Beauscholte | KO | 3 (6) | Oct 3, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 75–2–11 (1) | Kid Carter | KO | 6 (20) | Sep 15, 1902 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Canada | Retained world middleweight title |
| 88 | Win | 74–2–11 (1) | Johnny Gorman | KO | 3 (15) | Jun 24, 1902 | National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London | Retained world middleweight title |
| 87 | Win | 73–2–11 (1) | Jimmy Handler | TKO | 4 (10) | May 26, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 86 | Win | 72–2–11 (1) | Billy Stift | PTS | 10 | Apr 3, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 71–2–11 (1) | Mysterious Billy Smith | KO | 4 (10) | Mar 14, 1902 | Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 84 | Win | 70–2–11 (1) | Tim Draffin Murphy | KO | 8 (10) | Feb 25, 1902 | Strope's Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 83 | Win | 69–2–11 (1) | Jack Beauscholte | PTS | 6 | Feb 15, 1902 | De Soto Club, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 68–2–11 (1) | George Green | KO | 7 (10) | Jan 30, 1902 | 3rd Regiment Armory, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 81 | Loss | 67–2–11 (1) | George Green | DQ | 6 (15) | Oct 10, 1901 | Jackson County Democratic Club, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | Ryan was disqualified for striking Green with his knee |
| 80 | Win | 67–1–11 (1) | Bob Douglass | TKO | 7 (10) | Aug 22, 1901 | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 79 | Win | 66–1–11 (1) | Tommy West | TKO | 17 (20) | Mar 4, 1901 | Auditorium, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 78 | Win | 65–1–11 (1) | Jim Judge | KO | 4 (6) | Jan 31, 1901 | Minneapolis A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 77 | Win | 64–1–11 (1) | Jack Beauscholte | KO | 3 (20) | Jan 17, 1901 | City Hall, Springfield, Ohio, U.S. | |
| 76 | Win | 63–1–11 (1) | Kid Carter | PTS | 6 | Nov 27, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 75 | Win | 62–1–11 (1) | Geoff Thorne | KO | 3 (6) | Nov 10, 1900 | Chicago A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 74 | Draw | 61–1–11 (1) | Jack Root | PTS | 6 | Jul 24, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 73 | Win | 61–1–10 (1) | Young Mahoney | PTS | 6 | Jun 29, 1900 | Fort Dearborn A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 72 | Draw | 60–1–10 (1) | Charles Kid McCoy | PTS | 6 | May 29, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 71 | Win | 60–1–9 (1) | George Lawler | TKO | 13 (20) | Feb 2, 1900 | Auditorium, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. | |
| 70 | Win | 59–1–9 (1) | Frank Craig | TKO | 10 (20) | Sep 18, 1899 | Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 69 | Win | 58–1–9 (1) | Jack Moffat | PTS | 20 | Aug 31, 1899 | Auditorium for fistic carnival, Dubuque, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 68 | Win | 57–1–9 (1) | Billy Stift | PTS | 20 | Apr 19, 1899 | Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 67 | Win | 56–1–9 (1) | Frank Neal | KO | 6 (20) | Apr 6, 1899 | Tuxedo A.C., Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 66 | Win | 55–1–9 (1) | Paddy Purtell | TKO | 4 (10) | Mar 13, 1899 | Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. | |
| 65 | Win | 54–1–9 (1) | Charley Johnson | KO | 8 (20) | Mar 1, 1899 | Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 64 | Win | 53–1–9 (1) | Dick O'Brien | TKO | 14 (25) | Dec 23, 1898 | Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 63 | NC | 52–1–9 (1) | Tommy West | NC | 6 | Dec 2, 1898 | Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 62 | Win | 52–1–9 | Johnny Gorman | RTD | 8 (20) | Nov 23, 1898 | Turn Hall, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 61 | Win | 51–1–9 | Jack Bonner | NWS | 6 | Nov 8, 1898 | Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 60 | Win | 50–1–9 | Jack Bonner | PTS | 20 | Oct 24, 1898 | Greater New York A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 59 | Win | 49–1–9 | Tommy West | TKO | 14 (20) | Jun 13, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 58 | Win | 48–1–9 | George Green | KO | 18 (20) | Feb 25, 1898 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 57 | Win | 47–1–9 | Bill Heffernan | KO | 3 (20) | Dec 20, 1897 | Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. | Won vacant world middleweight title |
| 56 | Win | 46–1–9 | Billy Stift | TKO | 6 (12) | Nov 30, 1897 | Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 55 | Win | 45–1–9 | Australian Jim Ryan | KO | 5 (20) | Nov 25, 1897 | Maple Avenue A.C., Elmira, New York, U.S. | |
| 54 | Draw | 44–1–9 | Charles Kid McCoy | PTS | 5 | Sep 8, 1897 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 53 | Win | 44–1–8 | Tom Williams | KO | 2 (20) | Jun 21, 1897 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 52 | Win | 43–1–8 | Patsy Raedy | TKO | 6 (20) | May 24, 1897 | Rienzi A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S. | |
| 51 | Win | 42–1–8 | Paddy Gorman | TKO | 3 (?) | May 10, 1897 | Rienzi A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 41–1–8 | Patsy Raedy | TKO | 18 (20) | Mar 17, 1897 | Rienzi A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 40–1–8 | Tom Tracey | TKO | 9 (20) | Feb 24, 1897 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title |
| 48 | Win | 39–1–8 | Billy Payne | KO | 4 (20) | Dec 23, 1896 | Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 47 | Win | 38–1–8 | Billy McCarthy | TKO | 7 (20) | Dec 21, 1896 | Empire A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 37–1–8 | Mysterious Billy Smith | DQ | 9 (20) | Nov 25, 1896 | Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 45 | Win | 36–1–8 | Dick Moore | PTS | 20 | Aug 20, 1896 | Lyceum Theater, Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 44 | Win | 35–1–8 | Billy (Shadow) Maber | TKO | 9 (20) | Jun 22, 1896 | Lyceum Theater, Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 43 | Win | 34–1–8 | Joe Dunfee | KO | 6 (20) | May 18, 1896 | Empire A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 42 | Loss | 33–1–8 | Charles Kid McCoy | KO | 15 (20) | Mar 2, 1896 | Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | For vacant world middleweight title |
| 41 | Win | 33–0–8 | Henry Baker | PTS | 6 | Jan 15, 1896 | Powers' Opera House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 40 | Draw | 32–0–8 | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 18 (25) | May 27, 1895 | Sea Side A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title; Stopped when the police intervened, with Smith hanging helpless on the ropes |
| 39 | Win | 32–0–7 | Tom Tracey | TKO | 8 (8) | Mar 20, 1895 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 31–0–7 | Emmett Mellody | PTS | 4 | Mar 11, 1895 | Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 30–0–7 | Shorty Ahearn | NWS | 4 | Feb 25, 1895 | Triangle AC, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 36 | Win | 29–0–7 | Nonpareil Dempsey | TKO | 3 (15) | Jan 18, 1895 | Sea Side A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S. | |
| 35 | Win | 28–0–7 | Billy Layton | KO | 4 (20) | Sep 13, 1894 | Saint Joseph, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 27–0–7 | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 20 | Jul 26, 1894 | Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title; Won world welterweight title claim |
| 33 | Win | 26–0–7 | Jack Pitts | KO | 3 (?) | Jun 1, 1894 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 25–0–7 | Jack Falvey | KO | 3 (8) | May 22, 1894 | Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 24–0–7 | Harry Wilkes | NWS | 5 | Apr 22, 1894 | Olympic Theatre, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 30 | Win | 23–0–7 | Morris Lane | TKO | 3 (8) | Apr 10, 1894 | Savin Rock, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 29 | Draw | 22–0–7 | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 6 | Jan 9, 1894 | Casino, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 28 | Draw | 22–0–6 | Joe Guthrie | PTS | 3 (10) | Dec 11, 1893 | Opera House, Naugatuck, Connecticut, U.S. | Guthrie was practically knocked out, as he lay on the floor an outsider rang the bell. Referee declared he could have fought on if the bell wasn't rung |
| 27 | Win | 22–0–5 | Harry Jamieson | KO | 2 (?) | Nov 2, 1893 | Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 26 | Draw | 21–0–5 | Mysterious Billy Smith | PTS | 6 | Aug 29, 1893 | Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 25 | Win | 21–0–4 | George Dawson | NWS | 6 | Apr 8, 1893 | 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 24 | Draw | 20–0–4 | Tommy Kelly | PTS | 8 | Dec 1, 1892 | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | Exact date unknown |
| 23 | Draw | 20–0–3 | Jack Collins | PTS | 8 | Nov 24, 1892 | Auditorium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 22 | Draw | 20–0–2 | Jack Wilkes | PTS | 17 (?) | Jul 30, 1892 | Germania Hall, South Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title; The bout was stopped by police in the 17th round and was declared a draw |
| 21 | Win | 20–0–1 | Paddy Brennan | PTS | 10 | May 7, 1892 | Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 20 | Win | 19–0–1 | Con Doyle | PTS | 8 | Apr 11, 1892 | Grand Opera House, Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. | |
| 19 | Win | 18–0–1 | Frank Howson | KO | 14 (?) | Dec 13, 1891 | skating rink, near Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title |
| 18 | Win | 17–0–1 | Billy McMillan | KO | 3 (?) | Aug 8, 1891 | Richardson, Illinois, U.S. | Retained world welterweight title |
| 17 | Win | 16–0–1 | Danny Needham | RTD | 76 (?) | Feb 17, 1891 | Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | Won vacant world welterweight title |
| 16 | Win | 15–0–1 | Professor McGuire | TKO | 3 (5) | Dec 6, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 15 | Win | 14–0–1 | Frank Garrard | NWS | 3 | Dec 6, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 14 | Win | 13–0–1 | Ed Bartlett | KO | 3 (?) | Nov 23, 1890 | Sheffield, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 13 | Win | 12–0–1 | Con Doyle | TKO | 28 (?) | Oct 5, 1890 | Barn, Shelby, Indiana, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 11–0–1 | John McInerssey | KO | 5 (?) | Aug 7, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 10–0–1 | Bob Harper | KO | 4 (?) | Aug 4, 1890 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 9–0–1 | Henry Baker | KO | 3 (?) | Jun 6, 1890 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 9 | Draw | 8–0–1 | Jimmy Murphy | PTS | 57 (?) | Oct 10, 1889 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Martin Shaughnessy | KO | 48 (?) | Jun 18, 1889 | Lake St. Clair Beach, Grosse Point, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Michael Dunn | KO | 9 (?) | May 27, 1889 | Ice House, Grosse Point, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Martin Shaughnessy | KO | 23 (?) | Apr 30, 1889 | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Dick England | KO | 23 (?) | Dec 21, 1888 | Lake City, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Joe Johnson | KO | 5 (?) | Jul 20, 1888 | Marion, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Chris Christopher | KO | 10 (?) | Mar 3, 1887 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Jack Conway | KO | 3 (?) | Feb 2, 1887 | Rock Island, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | John Case | KO | 5 (?) | Jan 1, 1887 | United States of America | |