Background
Geoghegan was born in 1840 in Ireland.
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Owney Geoghegan
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Career
Geoghegan claimed the Lightweight Championship of America in 1861, and held it until his retirement in 1863. He stood 5’ 6”, and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. He traveled to the United States in 1849 and settled in New York His first recorded prize-fight took place in 1860 against Jim McGann in New New York
That same year, he defeated Deaf Moran, Bill Dukes, Arthur Gowan, and held a draw with Mike Donohue.
The two men met on April 18, 1861 in New New York Although Toughey was a better boxer, Geoghegan wore his opponent down with his incredible strength.
The bout between Geoghegan and Orem took place near South Amboy, New Jersey on May 15, 1863. After this contest, Geoghegan relinquished his title and retired from the ring.
Shortly after retirement, he opened a sporting house known as “The Bastille of the Bowery”.
By 1885, he had opened several gambling houses and was known to give sparring exhibitions. Following the death of his father, Geoghegan slipped into a severe depression. He died soon after, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Geoghegan was said to have left behind upwards of $100,000.
Achievements
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Geoghegan won the bout in five rounds and 15 minutes. Patrick “Scotty” Brannagan retired as Lightweight Champion of America in 1861, and a contest was held between Geoghegan and Eddie Touhey to fill the vacant title. After 45 rounds, and 61 minutes, Geoghegan was declared the new champion. After 19 rounds and 23 minutes, Geoghegan was declared the winner, when his opponent committed an illegal foul.
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Between 1861 and 1863 he defended his title against Bob Slaon, Chick Sullivan, Banty Edwards, and Pat Devlin before being challenged by the 144-pound Con Orem.
