Boxing Champion. For a time, he was considered the heavyweight champion of Ireland. During his career, it was not uncommon for bouts to last dozens of rounds spanning several hours, which was especially brutal when coupled with the fact that glove boxing had not been introduced yet - boxing was bareknuckle. He was involved in two matches that resulted in death. The first occurred on June 2, 1830, when he fought Alexander McKay, who was champion of Scotland at the time. The bout lasted 47 rounds before McKay collapsed after a punch to the throat, which didn't seem particularly powerful. Thirty hours later, McKay died of subdural haematoma. He was put to trial for the death of McKay, and was found not guilty. Nearly two years later, on May 30, 1833, he fought against James Burke in a bloody bout that lasted 99 rounds and spanned over three hours. Burke knocked him unconscious in the 99th round, and Byrne was carried from the ring to the nearby Woolpack Inn in Saint Albans. It appeared that he was near death the night of the fight, but seemed to begin recovery over the next two days. His condition deteriorated, and on June 2 he died from injuries sustained in the match against Burke.
Boxing Champion. For a time, he was considered the heavyweight champion of Ireland. During his career, it was not uncommon for bouts to last dozens of rounds spanning several hours, which was especially brutal when coupled with the fact that glove boxing had not been introduced yet - boxing was bareknuckle. He was involved in two matches that resulted in death. The first occurred on June 2, 1830, when he fought Alexander McKay, who was champion of Scotland at the time. The bout lasted 47 rounds before McKay collapsed after a punch to the throat, which didn't seem particularly powerful. Thirty hours later, McKay died of subdural haematoma. He was put to trial for the death of McKay, and was found not guilty. Nearly two years later, on May 30, 1833, he fought against James Burke in a bloody bout that lasted 99 rounds and spanned over three hours. Burke knocked him unconscious in the 99th round, and Byrne was carried from the ring to the nearby Woolpack Inn in Saint Albans. It appeared that he was near death the night of the fight, but seemed to begin recovery over the next two days. His condition deteriorated, and on June 2 he died from injuries sustained in the match against Burke.
Bio by: Mike Beard
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