Old old Tommy Ryan, but supposedly this is him, on the right as you look at the screen I am guessing. This is his 6 round draw with Hugo Kelly. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SME9ds14H2w&feature=sub[/ame]
McGrain, Thanks for sharing this footage of the great Tommy Ryan against Hugo Kelly...The year was 1907...Ryan who was thirty seven years at this time was long past his great prime...Thanks again..B.B.
That is a very impressive performance for an ancient Tommy Ryan. 2 years earlier, Hugo Kelly fought 2 draws with Tommy Burns! I think an old Tommy Ryan deserved the decision, Kelly could do nothing but run and hold and was clearly bothered by Tommy's power and ability to chase him down and land. In fact, if that fight was scored a draw today, many would call it a robbery! I wonder whether it was an agreed draw if it went the distance.
That film has been circulating for years as Tommy Ryan-Hugo Kelly when in fact it is Georges Carpentier-Frank Klaus...
Yes it does seem to be the Carpentier-Klaus fight which was also uploaded by RareBoxing. At first I thought it was legit but then I saw the distinct similarities with the Carpentier-Klaus film. I guess that means no legitimate footage of Tommy Ryan's fights for us yet. Maybe some other day.
I have seen Ryan in his prime in 1899 spar with Jim Jeffreis. Do not use the 1906 film to formulate an opinion on Ryan. He was much quicker in his prime! Ryan is a forgotten old timer. He should rate up there as a top welter, and middle and as a trail blazer. As middle weight champion ( 1899 ) Ryan offered a title fight to black contender Frank Craig, and defeated him.
Dont worry. If you step into the minefield of tracking down early fights, you will step on the odd mine. You managed to hit that tightrope before I did which means that you run faster.