Nickname: None
Birthplace: Redwood, New York, USA
Weight Class: Welterweight / Middleweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 87 – 5 – 6 (68 KOs)
Years Active: 1887 – 1907
Biography
A two-division world champion who reigned at welterweight and middleweight, Tommy Ryan was among boxing’s earliest innovators, emphasizing footwork and counter-punching.
In the Hobby
Ryan’s cards predate most organized sports issues, sitting among the earliest boxing collectibles ever printed.
Rookie & Early Issues
1890 N310 Mayo Cut Plug (USA): recognized rookie card.
Registry Metadata
Earliest Issue: 1890 N310 Mayo Cut Plug
Rookie Year: 1890
Recent Notable Sales: 1890 Mayo (PSA 4) — $8,600 (2024)
Legacy
Tommy Ryan’s card marks the true dawn of boxing collecting. His 1890 Mayo is one of the sport’s first true cardboard legends.