I believe is it generally accepted that Joe Goss became champion of America when he beat Tom Allen on 7th September 1876. He is said to have lost this title to Paddy Ryan on 30th May 1880, although some recognised John Dwyer as champion from 1879. However, Professor William Miller published a book in which he states: "In America, in 1878, I won the Boxing Championship from Joe Goss" A summary of his career in his book states: "He met and defeated, in different boxing contests, Steve Taylor, T Denny (Champion of Boston), John Dwyer (Champion of America), Paddy Ryan (Champion of America), Joe Goss, La Bossiere (Champion of Canada)." He later beat Larry Foley over 40 rounds in 1883 (officially a draw), and claimed the Australian title. I therefore have 2 questions: 1) Are the above results true, and did William Miller really beat all the contenders/claimants of the American title in the 1870s? 2) If these results are true, does this make Miller the World Champion, and what impact would this have on the lineage?
Miller was in-or-around the best in the World, circa 1880 but most of the fights he mentioned were exhibitions, the top guys sparred each other regularly with gloves.
If you read the papers from the time it become clear that the fight between Joe Goss and Paddy Ryan was for the vacant title. The fight that everyone wanted was John J Dwyer Vs Paddy Ryan, but for various reasons it just didn't happen.
When did Goss stop being champion? Is Miller’s claim that he beat Goss for the title wrong because Goss didn’t hold the title when they fought, or because it wasn’t a title fight?
Miller beat Goss with blackened gloves, Ryan actully defeated Miller with the same equipment. Miller and Dwyre had several close glove battles, maybe Miller had the edge in some. Elliott, Coburn, Rooke, Taylor were others in the circuit at that time.
You can't win the world championship with gloves when most people accept that it's a bareknuckle title, IMO.
I'm not certain, but he wasn't making any claim when he was involved in the negotiations between Ryand and Dwyer
This content is protected Write-up about Miller in Feb 7, 1880, New York Clipper. No mention of his champinship aspirations, but lower on the same page a write-up about the scheduled championship fight between Goss and Ryan.
Just to add some information from a few year later: In October 1883, John L Sullivan was reported as follows: "Mike Gillespie, of Boston, says that Sullivan is willing to spar Jem Mace, William Miller, Paddy Ryan or any other man for $5,000 a side, with soft gloves, four rounds. Marquis of Queensberry rules. In December 1883, Miller challenged Sullivan to a fight for the world title: "I hereby challenge Mr. John L. Sullivan, of Boston, champion of America, to box with small or ordinary sized boxing gloves, one to win, for £500 a side, which is as nearly as possible $2,500 a side, and the championship of the world; the match to take place in Australia or New Zealand, and the regular rules of the ring to govern the contest. I will allow Sullivan £100, which is nearly $500, for expenses. An answer through the New York Clipper or the Melbourne Sportsman, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, will receive prompt attention. If Sullivan accepts this challenge and wishes the £600 deposited with S.V. Winter, proprietor of the Melbourne Sportsman, prior to his starting for Australia, by sending a letter to that effect to the New York Clipper or the Melbourne Sportsman, the whole of the money will at once be deposited, and Sullivan, if he desires it, can receive a wire by cable to that effect. Yours obediently, WILLIAM MILLER, Champion of Australia." The fight never happened, but would arguably have been the first world title fight under Queensbury Rules.
