Tommy Ryan TKO17 Tommy West, one of the best unfilmed title-fights?

Given that the fight was stopped when Terry McGovern threw up the sponge to protect West, it must have been a hellish, gory battle. Just chucking together an impression from a variety of sources, Ryan's cheek split in the sixth round "and soon his chest was crimson", as if that were not disaster enough 14 rounds from any decision, Ryan also was tagged on the nose, possibly suffering a break and resulting in "more blood". In a horrifying seventh round Ryan's lip was split, "West's nose was broken, his right eye was closed, his forehead was split open in two places and his cheek was split...blood poured from [West's] wounds as time and time again Ryan landed on the injured places...the punishment West took was wonderful, blood pouring from nearly a dozen [12] of his wounds. West's corner looked like a slaughterhouse, so much so that some persons near the ring were nauseated and had to leave."


Ryan's MW title was at stake, the two had agreed a catchweight of 157. It was their third meeting (NC6, Ryan WKO14). The fight seems to have started fast, fast with both landing hard and often, but it was the second round where things really took off. Ryan seems to have been all but knocked out by a surging west, who went onto dominate the next couple of rounds with pressure and counter-pressure. Taking the count twice, Ryan is described as taking nine seconds to beat the 10 and needing every one of them. A little clue in the fifth as to why West might have had success against Joe Walcott (aside from his being absolutley excellent), as he pressured Ryan with space, allowing him to lead but countering and dominating. However, Ryan steadies the ship with expert and violent boxing and begins to tear West up with precision punching, making a "veritable chopping block" of his man.

And McGovern threw up the sponge - of all people.

West as the most underated fighter to hail from the UK?

Anyone know or love this fight? Any interesting bits and bobs on it?

 

Hello. This is from a year ago.