Tom Hyer | |
|---|---|
 Hyer, circa 1849, in his prime | |
| Born | Thomas Hyer 1 January 1819 New York City, New York |
| Died | 26 June 1864 (aged 45) New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American  |
| Other names | Young American Bowery King Chief Hyer |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | 180 lb (82 kg), heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Varies downward slightly in records |
| Stance | Orthodox Long reach, right handed Used London Prize Ring Rules |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 3 * professional bouts only |
| Wins | 2 |
| Wins by KO | 2 |
| Losses | 1 |
Tom Hyer (January 1, 1819 – June 26, 1864) was an American bare-knuckle boxer. He became a heavyweight boxing champion after defeating Country McCloskey in a long brutal fight in New York on September 9, 1841, though there was no sanctioning body to recognize his championship. Until he retired in 1851, he was widely celebrated as the first Heavyweight Boxing Champion of America.[1] His victory increased American participation in boxing, and made him a celebrity; generating fight coverage and publicity in hundreds of American newspapers.
Hyer was a brawler and engaged in several bar fights. The fights he had as a result of his political association with the nativist Bowery Boys' anti-immigration gang in 1855, were often particularly violent, and often involved weapons.[1][2]
- ^ a b "Tom Hyer". Cyber Boxing Zone. Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
- ^ Hyer involved in fight with William Poole present, in The New York Daily Times, Volume 4, Number 1074, Monday, 26 February 1855, page 1