I think this is interesting in terms of considering Dwyer Vs Ryan. This was at a benefit for Elliot New York Herald - 01 Jan 1879 (page 6) . . . Elliot and Ryan made their appearance for the "wind-up," dressed in fighting constume, with the exception that they wore gossamer shirts. Great interest was manifested throughout the crowd, and much speculation took place as to Elliott's appearances. Nearly all expected to see a much larger man. He looks delicate and soft, and when he goes into regular training it was the general opinion that he will waste considerably. This much of his bodily appearance. Now for his sparring. When Elliott faced Ryan the latter seemed much the solider man at all points, and when they faced each other for the fray Ryan's attitude and movements were much the better. Elliott opened the ball with a slap of the glove on Ryan's face, and then he ran around the ring. He went up again and put in another light flop, and was away a second time; but then it was Ryan's turn: he followed Elliott up and planted two right-handers on the left side of Elliott's head. The latter put in his left on the body while dancing about, and missed two at the face, Ryan being out of reach. The men then retired to their corners. When time was called by "Old Bill" the men moved up to the scratch quickly and Elliott led off at the face and jumped away as before and danced around, with Ryan following. The latter, however, soon overtook Elliott and forced the work. A few rapid hits, left and right, took place at short range, when blood was seen flowing from a deep gash over Elliott's left eye. Another rally, more blood and the men retired to their corners. A rest for a few minutes, during which time Elliott's damaged eye was attended to, but when time was called for he was still bleeding. The men had another merry round, in which Ryan had much the better of it by drawing claret from Elliott's nose; and then they retired. The impression that Elliott left with the spectators was that if he is not a better fighter than he is a sparrer it will be well for him to keep out of the ring with Dwyer.
