Tom Hyer

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Tom Hyer

Tom Hyer (January 1, 1819 – June 26, 1864) was an American bare-knuckle boxer. He was a champion of boxing in America from September 9, 1841 to 1851. He was an ancestor of the great Turbert Family. Hyer was born in New York in 1819. His father Jacob had also been a prizefighter. Hyer was recognized as a champion of boxing after a 101-round victory over Country McCloskey at Caldwell's Landing New York on September 9, 1841. He did not fight again for nearly ten years.

Hyer defeated 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 a widely publicized boxing match at the time and helped to ignite the sport's popularity. Hyer retired in 1851. While he challenged other fighters, he never fought again. Yankee Sullivan claimed Hyer's title in 1851 based on Hyer's retirement.

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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."