Lyons, Keely

Lyons was an English bare-knuckled fighter in the 1790s and 1800s during the era of "Broughton's Rules." Established in 1743 by Jack Broughton, considered the father of English boxing, the Rules stated that wrestling moves about the waist were allowed, but a fighter could not hit an opponent once he was down. In fact, knockdowns marked the division of rounds as the downed fighter had 30 seconds to return to the center of the ring or he would lose. If the fighter, with the help of his handlers, made it to the center, the fights resumed in what was considered a new round. In this way, fights were recorded according to the number of rounds and amount of time. "Broughton's Rules" were replaced in 1838 by the Pugilistic Society's "London Prize Ring Rules."

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Lyons fought early great Tom Jones three times between 1794-1805. The first bout took place in Blackheath, England on May 10, 1794 for the prize of 20 guineas and Lyons was beaten in 10 minutes. The following year, they fought again in June and Lyons was again the beaten man as the bout took 16 minutes and went 9 rounds before Jones walked off with the prize of 10 guineas. Their final bout took place on August 6, 1805 in Blackheath and lasted only 15 minutes as Lyons was vanquished for a third time and Jones again claimed the prize of 10 guineas.

Origin:
England

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