Champion Tommy Ryan vs Frank Craig. 1899, histroy was made. More info requested.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Mendoza, May 8, 2009.


  1. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    What was the news like when Middle Weight Champion Tommy Ryan offered a title shot to black contender Frank Craig in 1899?

    I have read the fight report, Ryan won fairly easy. My interest is how the society of the times viewed the fight. The middle weight championship of the world was a significant title. I believe this is the first lineal queesberry title shot where a top level white champion put his title on the line vs a black fighter.

    Can anyone add to the build up and reaction to this seldom talked about, but historic boxing match? After all this match was 9 years before Johnson vs Burns.
     
    Mendoza, May 8, 2009
    Mendoza, May 8, 2009
    #1
  2. flamengo

    flamengo Coool as a Cucumber. Full Member

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    Should it be such an intrigue???

    George Dixon was a Champ...

    Joe Gans was a champ to be..

    Plenty of others were champions on 'national' levels. What makes the loud mouthed Yanks of the Era, the legitimate champs?? Nothing really is completely without arguements.
     
    flamengo, May 8, 2009
    flamengo, May 8, 2009
    #2