Tom Hyer
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Tom Hyer (January 1, 1819 – June 26, 1864) was an American bare-knuckle boxer.
Hyer is generally considered to be the first "American Champion" after defeating Yankee Sullivan in the 16th round at Still Pond Creek, Maryland on February 7, 1849. The fight lasted 17 minutes 18 seconds and Hyer won a $10,000 purse. This was the first widely publicized boxing match to take place in the USA and helped to ignite the sports popularity.
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- Washington Post; November 26, 1905; "Tom Hyer the Great Pug. Monarch of the Prize Ring Fifty Years Ago. John Morrissey Feared Him. Endeavors to Bring the Two Together in a Fistic Combat Failed. Hyer Would Have Taken All the Heavy-weight Champions Up to and Including Sullivan Into Camp. There has recently been some discussion of the merits of the fighters who graced or disgraced the war time era of the United States and the early Victorian era of England. This discussion has borne largely upon the merits of Tom Hyer, Yankee Sullivan, and John Morrissey."