Tom Sayers
English boxer (1826-1865) · Athletes · Died at 39
Thomas Sayers was an English bare-knuckle prize fighter. There were no formal weight divisions at the time, and although Sayers was only five feet eight inches tall and never weighed much more than 150lbs, he frequently fought much bigger men.
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A typical day, 30 days to 24 August 2026
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Media & music
Photos 8
Nat Langham, the only boxer to defeat Sayers
Tom Sayers, champion of England 1857-60
Tom Sayers, champion of England, and his battles (from the Police Gazette)
Sayers's 1859 letter accepting Heenan's challenge
The Champion Fight between Heenan and Sayers on the 17th April, 1860. From a sketch on the spot by Thomas Nast, engraved by A.V.S. Anthony, on board the Vanderbilt, on her return passage, for the New York Illustrated News
Retired boxer Jem Ward painted this picture of the Sayers-Heenan fight.
The tomb of Tom Sayers at Highgate Cemetery
A blue English Heritage plaque marks the building where Sayers diedAwards
About this person
In a career which lasted from 1849 until 1860, he lost only one of sixteen bouts. He was recognized as heavyweight champion of England between 1857, when he defeated William Perry, and his retirement in 1860.
Category
Athletes
Type
Athlete
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1826 to 1865 · aged 39
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