[Bryan Swartz]

PROLOGUE: 14 years of slightly organized chaos

1839

The first-ever 'organized bout' occurs May 24, between Americans Tom Hyer(20) and George McChester(18). Hyer's defense proved the difference as McChester landed just 20% of his punches, winning the middle two rounds but unable to do anything at the beginning or conclusion of the fight.


1841

With the addition of Bill 'The Butcher' Poole, Chris Lilly, and Tom McCoy, the US pool grew to five within a little under two years. This 'American Quintet' of pugilists would prove to be the core around which the sport would grow. In December, McCoy handed Hyer his first loss(9th career bouts, he was 5-0-3 coming in) to put his status as the unofficial 'champion' under question for the first time.


1842

Hyer won a rematch with McCoy, and his 'throne' was secure once more. This one was by TKO at 1:58 2nd round, bleeding cut above his right eye.


1844

A February loss to sub-.500 McChester by Hyer throws the division into a bit of chaos. Only Hyer and Lilly(5-8-3, the worst record of the group) are ranked though, so he maintains the top spot. Everyone else has lost at least six times, and it's only his second defeat -- there's still no question who the top dog is.

In June, despite beating McCoy again, Hyer is dropped to second as McChester is given the #1 spot. All five are ranked now, but a sixth is required for the formation of an official title bout. Still, this puts the 6-7-2 McChester(second-best mark to Hyer's dominant 12-2-3) in the position of unofficial champ of the moment, and so the Champions pool will make room for him.

That spot was given more credence in September when the two fought to a draw, Hyer taking the first two rounds, McChester the next three and Hyer edging the final round to claim a share. Overall McChester outfought him, landing nearly 59% of his blows to 46% with both fighters equally busy. Still, McChester retains the #1.

In November, Hyer took it back with a win over Poole while McChester was idle.


1845

The roller-coaster continues. A shocking upset by Bill 'The Butcher' Poole in July sent Tom Hyer to another loss, and McChester regained the top spot despite having lost both his bouts this year(both to Hyer). Parity rules the day, helping maintain interest here in the fledgling sport.


1846

The Butcher got a shot in March, but lost a split decision to McChester, then dropped another fight in May as Hyer got his revenge. November saw Hyer finally end McChester's year and a half reign and five-fight winning streak with a majority decision to put himself back on top ... but for how long?


1847

A draw in May against McChester broke a fine winning run for Hyer, but he retained the #1 position, then got his second knockout against the now-hapless McCoy in August. October brought all sorts of chaos as another bout against McCoy was lost and Poole upset McChester.

That was the break the Butcher needed as he takes the top position! Only Chris Lilly(last at 7-15-3) has failed to be the man on top of the mountain to this date.


1848

In February, McChester wins a return bout against Poole and makes his run very short-lived, while Hyer's unlikely nemesis McCoy holds him to a draw. May brought an inconclusive end to the McChester-Butcher rivalry as it ended in a draw. Then an apparently overconfident McChester lost to Chris Lilly in July, allowing Poole back into the lead.

Shockingly, Hyer fought three bouts this year, losing two and drawing one. It appears that at 29, his career is at a crossroads.


1849

For the first time in almost a decade, there is fresh meat as John Morrisey joins the crowd. Meanwhile, over in England the first organized fight is being planned ...

Morrisey debuted in April against current #1 Poole, losing a surprisingly close unanimous decision. Meanwhile in June, the first fight in England featured Tom Sayers(23) and youngster Jem Mace. Sayers was clearly the more skilled, but Mace was relentless and his spirit earned him an unexpected draw.

Poole did just enough to retain his perch throughout the year ...


1850

Another fighter ended the fray on each side of the Atlantic: George Thompson in the US and Sam Hurst in England.

January -- John Morrisey's first win comes in a shocking upset of Poole, handing Hyer the top spot again as he easily defeats Thompson in the latter fighter's debut.

February -- In the fourth meeting between the two, finally a decisive battle as Mace defeats Sayers to earn the nod as England's first 'champ'. Sayers would then beat Hurst, who would follow that by beating Mace in August ... so at first blush, it seems random parity abounds in England even moreso than here in the States.

Tom Hyer's resurgence is the story of the year as he has now won seven straight, besting his previous streak and rebounding decisively after a horrid '48.


1851

No newcomers this year, so matters continue on as before.

February -- Tom Hyer's streak comes to an end as young Morrisey(3-2-3) gets his second top scalp, and he's off to a fantastic start against older, more experienced fighters. With #2 Poole also losing, Hyer retains the top spot despite the loss.

April -- Hyer rights the ship with a bell-beating 4th-round KO(3rd overall) of George McChester.

Morrisey won all four of his fights this year, and is looking primed to be a top contender once he gets enough bouts in to be ranked ...


1852

Irishman Pat McGowan joins the fray against the trio from England over in Europe.

August -- Morrisey is still on a roll, this time with his first stoppage, a final-round TKO over Chris Lilly.

November -- Another win for Morrisey and he debuts in the top spot over idle Hyer! The stage is set for the first official North American title fight to begin next year, and more than a little controversy to go with it.