View source for Tom Sharkey

{{short description|Irish boxer}}
{{about|the boxer|the plant biochemist|Thomas D. Sharkey}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=April 2013}}
{{Tone|date=December 2023}}
}}
{{Infobox boxer
| name = Tom Sharkey
| image = Tom Sharkey c1910.jpg
| caption =Sharkey in 1910
| nationality= 
| nickname = Sailor Tom
| height = {{convert|5|ft|8+1/2|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| reach = {{convert|70+1/2|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = [[Heavyweight]]
| birth_date = November 26, 1873{{Efn|Although sources vary, with some stating he was born on January 1, 1871, and others on November 16, 1873.|name=a}} 
| birth_place = [[Dundalk, Ireland]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1953|4|17|1871|11|26}}
| death_place = [[San Francisco, California]], US
| style = [[Orthodox stance|Orthodox]]
| total = 54
| wins = 37
| KO = 34
| losses = 9
| draws = 6
| no contests = 2
}}

'''Thomas''' "'''Sailor Tom'''" '''Sharkey''' (November 26, 1873 – April 17, 1953){{Efn|Although sources vary, with some stating he was born on January 1, 1871, and others on November 16, 1873.|name=a}} was an [[Irish people|Irish]] [[Professional boxing|professional boxer]] who laid claim to the world [[heavyweight]] title by defeating [[Bob Fitzsimmons]] on December 2, 1896 in a highly controversial fight.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fighting fit — Brian Maye on bare-knuckle heavyweight boxer Tom Sharkey |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/an-irish-diary/2023/11/19/fighting-fit-brian-maye-on-bare-knuckle-heavyweight-boxer-tom-sharkey/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> Sharkey's recorded ring career spanned from 1893 to 1904. He is credited with having won 37 fights (with 34 KOs), 9 losses, 6 draws, and 2 no contests. In 1953, Sharkey was named in ''[[Ring Magazine]]''{{'}}s list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,818317,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628203829/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,818317,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 28, 2007 |title=- TIME |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=2008-05-21 |date=April 27, 1953}}</ref>

He is notable for his bouts with [[List of world heavyweight boxing champions|heavyweight champions]] [[James J. Jeffries]], [[James J. Corbett|"Gentelman Jim" Corbett]], and Bob Fitzsimmons, fighting them each twice.

==Early life==
{{unreferencedsection|date=October 2024}}
Sharkey was born in [[Dundalk]], [[Ireland]], on November 26, 1873.{{Efn|Although sources vary, with some stating he was born on January 1, 1871, and others on November 16, 1873.|name=a}} His story began when he ran away from home and went to sea as a cabin boy. In 1892, Sharkey landed in [[New York City]] and joined the [[United States Navy]]. He was eventually deployed to [[Hawaii]] where he began his pro fighting career.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Tom Sharkey |url=http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/oldtimer/sharkeytom.html |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=www.ibhof.com}}</ref>

==Professional career==
Standing {{convert|5|ft|8|in|m|abbr=on}} tall, Sharkey had unusually broad shoulders for a man of his height, and sported a tattoo of a star and battleship on his chest. In 1900, he also acquired a large [[cauliflower ear]], courtesy of a brawl with [[Gus Ruhlin]], that added to his persona.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SAILOR TOM |url=https://www.britishvintageboxing.com/blogs/news/sailor-tom?srsltid=AfmBOoqvDDuxvT9DXb6SJD1BBKaU6-tlrOKvTvdtkqwh6kLmHYz3Ga7O |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=British Vintage Boxing |language=en}}</ref>

Sharkey won his first professional bout against [[Royal Navy|British Navy]] [[heavyweight]] champion [[Jack Gardner (boxer)|Jack Gardner]], who he knocked out in the fourth round on [[Saint Patrick's Day|St. Patrick's Day]] 1893.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aches - Sailor Sharkey |url=https://www.seekdundalk.ie/aches-sharkey |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=SEEK DUNDALK |language=en}}</ref> In 1896, he met his first real challenge when he went the distance with hall of famer [[Joe Choynski]], who later knocked out legendary heavyweight [[Jack Johnson (boxer)|Jack Johnson]] in an eight-round match, and claimed victory after eight rough rounds.<ref name=":0" /> Sharkey followed that fight up by challenging [["Gentleman Jim" Corbett]]. The two met and the fight was ruled a draw after four rounds due to police interference.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thomas "Sailor" Sharkey |url=https://www.dib.ie/biography/sharkey-thomas-joseph-tom-sailor-a7995 |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=www.dib.ie}}</ref>

===Sharkey vs. Fitzsimmons===
{{main|Fitzsimmons vs. Sharkey}}
[[File:Christian Endeavor Convention Hall, Mechanics' Pavilion, July, 1897, San Francisco, from Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views.jpg|thumb|Interior of the Mechanics Pavilion, San Francisco, in 1897]]
On December 2, 1896, the [[San Francisco Athletic Club]] sponsored a fight at the Mechanics' Pavilion in San Francisco between [[Bob Fitzsimmons]] and Sharkey. Unable to find a referee, at the last minute they called on former lawman [[Wyatt Earp]]. He had officiated 30 or so matches in earlier days, though not under the [[Marquess of Queensbury rules]].<ref name=reilly>{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Joe |title=Born To Uphold The Law: Frank Sulloway's Principles Applied to the Earp-Clanton Feud of 1879–1882 |url=http://idea.library.drexel.edu/bitstream/1860/1208/1/2006175044.pdf |publisher=Drexel E-Repository and Archive |access-date=June 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712215527/http://idea.library.drexel.edu/bitstream/1860/1208/1/2006175044.pdf |archive-date=July 12, 2007 }}</ref> The fight may have been the most anticipated fight on American soil that year. It had been billed for the heavyweight championship of the world, as it was thought that the champion, [[James J. Corbett]], had relinquished the crown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-26 |title=The fight, the foul and the lawman |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/9879734/the-day-famous-wyatt-earp-infamously-refereed-heavyweight-title-fight#:~:text=They%20were%20the%20promoters%20of,didn't%20have%20a%20referee. |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Fitzsimmons was favored to win, and bets flowed heavily his way. Earp entered the ring still armed with his customary [[Colt .45 Pistol|Colt .45]] and drew a lot of attention when he had to be disarmed. He later said he forgot he was wearing it. Fitzsimmons was taller and quicker than Sharkey and dominated the fight from the opening bell. In the eighth round, Fitzsimmons hit Sharkey with his famed "solar plexus punch", an uppercut under the heart that could render a man temporarily helpless. The punch caught Sharkey, Earp, and most of the crowd by surprise, and Sharkey dropped, clutched his groin, and rolled on the canvas, screamed foul.<ref>{{cite news |last=Barra |first=Alan |title=BACKTALK;When Referee Wyatt Earp Laid Down the Law |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/26/sports/backtalk-when-referee-wyatt-earp-laid-down-the-law.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm |access-date=April 23, 2013 |newspaper=New York Times |date=November 26, 1995}}</ref>

Earp stopped the bout, ruling that Fitzsimmons had hit Sharkey when he was down. His ruling was greeted with loud boos and catcalls.<ref name=rasmussen>{{cite news |last=Rasmussen |first=Cecilia |title=LA Then and Now: Mrs. Wyatt Earp Packed Her Own Punch |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-04-me-37325-story.html |access-date=June 29, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 4, 2000}}</ref> Earp based his decision on the Marquess of Queensberry rules, which state in part, "A man on one knee is considered down and if struck is entitled to the stakes." Very few witnessed the foul Earp ruled on. He awarded the decision to Sharkey, whom attendants carried out as "limp as a rag".<ref name=shillingberg>{{cite journal |title=Wyatt Earp and the Buntline Special Myth |url=http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-quarterly-wyatt-earp-and-the-buntline-special-myth/13255 |first=William B. |last=Shillingberg |date=Summer 1976 |volume=42 |number=2 |pages=113–154 |journal=Kansas Historical Quarterly}}</ref>

===Sharkey vs. Jeffries===
{{unreferencedsection|date=October 2024}}
[[File:Jeffries vs sharky.jpg|thumb|left|Sharkey (left) during his fight with Jeffries]]

Sharkey claimed the heavyweight title until Corbett resumed his fighting career, who was recognized as the champion until he was knocked out by Fitzsimmons in a title bout. Sharkey was involved in another controversial fight when he faced Corbett on November 22, 1898. In this bout, Sharkey manhandled the shifty and elusive Corbett. He threw him to the ground, hit him with hard punches to the body and head and seemed on the verge of victory when one of Corbett's seconds jumped into the ring in the ninth round. The referee disqualified Corbett and awarded the bout to Sharkey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sharkey & Corbett boxing match... - RareNewspapers.com |url=https://www.rarenewspapers.com/view/704447?list_url=/list?page=1%2525q%255Btext%255D=Michigan&imagelist=1&srsltid=AfmBOoqLwnORtgx37E2eePv1ly-Kt61I9Uf14hxbFL7o_22KczwLBC_b |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=www.rarenewspapers.com}}</ref>

On January 10, 1899, Sharkey faced another ring legend, the tricky [[Kid McCoy]]. Sharkey knocked out McCoy in the tenth round thereby securing a shot at the heavyweight title then held by [[James J. Jeffries]]. The two had met previously, fighting a hotly contested 20-round slugfest on May 6, 1898. The decision went to Jeffries in a close fight.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1898-05-07 |title=1898.05.07 Times Union, Brooklyn, Jeffries beats Sharkey; O'Rourke's NY clout good for boxing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-times-18980507-time/67262865/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Times |pages=9}}</ref> Nevertheless, Sharkey vowed to beat the {{convert|6|foot|2.5|inch|adj=on}} burly Jeffries in the rematch.

The two fought a memorable twenty-five round bout on November 3, 1899, in [[Coney Island]], [[New York (state)|New York]]. The match was the first championship fight filmed for motion pictures, and was the first indoor fight successfully filmed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-11-08 |title=The Coney Island Athletic Club |url=https://www.coneyislandhistory.org/ask-mr-coney/coney-island-athletic-club |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Coney Island History Project |language=en}}</ref> The lights required for the filming were so hot that they burned the hair from the top of both fighters' heads.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-03 |title=Nov. 3, 1899: Jeffries vs Sharkey II - The Boilermaker Defeats Sailor Tom |url=https://www.thefightcity.com/jeffries-vs-sharkey-rematch-boxing/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Fight City |language=en-US}}</ref>

Sharkey took the early lead when he battered the larger Jeffries, but Jeffries gained control of the fight in the later rounds and the bout was awarded to him. During this fight, Sharkey suffered a broken nose and two broken ribs, and his left ear swelled to the size of a [[grapefruit]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The New York Times: This Day In Sports |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/packages/html/sports/year_in_sports/11.03.html?scp=2&sq=tom%20tom%20club&st=cse |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=archive.nytimes.com}}</ref>

==Later life ==
After retiring from boxing, Sharkey operated a saloon and worked as a night watchman and security guard. In 1938, he entered [[Laguna Honda Hospital]] in [[San Francisco]], according to newspaper accounts, desperately ill. He died there in 1953 and is buried at [[Golden Gate National Cemetery]] in [[San Bruno, California]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-04-17 |title=Sharkey death article |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-eagle-sharkey-death-article/1513393/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Brooklyn Eagle |pages=15}}</ref>

[[File:Thomas Sharkey headstone.JPG|thumb|Sharkey's headstone]]

==Professional boxing record==
All information in this section is derived from [[BoxRec]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/010551|title=BoxRec: Tom Sharkey}}</ref> unless otherwise stated.

===Official record===
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=34
|ko-losses=4
|dec-wins=1
|dec-losses=2
|dq-wins=2
|dq-losses=1
|draws=6
|nws=2
|nc=2
}}
All [[newspaper decision]]s are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|54
|style="background:#DDD"|Loss
|{{nowrap|37–7–6 {{small|(4)}}}}
|align=left| Jack Munroe
|NWS
|6
|Feb 27, 1904
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|2nd Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|53
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–7–6 {{small|(3)}}
|align=left| Gus Ruhlin
|TKO
|11 (15)
|Jun 25, 1902
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|National Sporting Club, London, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For English heavyweight title}}
|-
|52
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|NC|No contest}}
|37–6–6 {{small|(3)}}
|align=left| [[Peter Maher (boxer)|Peter Maher]]
|NC
|3 (6)
|Jan 17, 1902
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Stopped for lack of action}}
|-
|51
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–6–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Mexican Pete Everett
|DQ
|2 (20)
|May 7, 1901
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Cripple Creek, Colorado, US}}
|
|-
|50
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–5–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Fred Russell
|KO
|4 (10)
|May 3, 1901
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US}}
|
|-
|49
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–5–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Bob Fitzsimmons]]
|KO
|2 (25), {{small|2:06}}
|Aug 24, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coney Island A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|48
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–4–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Gus Ruhlin
|TKO
|15 (25)
|Jun 26, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|47
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Yank Kenny
|KO
|1 (25), {{small|2:16}}
|Jun 8, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|46
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Choynski]]
|TKO
|3 (6)
|May 8, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US}}
|
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Tom 'Stockings' Conroy
|KO
|3 (10), {{small|2:12}}
|Mar 29, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US}}
|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jack McCormick
|KO
|1 (20), {{small|0:38}}
|Mar 15, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, US}}
|
|-
|43
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jim Jeffords
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|2:06}}
|Feb 19, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US}}
|
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Goddard (boxer)|Joe Goddard]]
|TKO
|4 (6), {{small|1:10}}
|Feb 13, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|41
|{{no2}}Loss
|30–3–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Jeffries]]
|PTS
|25
|Nov 3, 1899
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coney Island A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For world heavyweight title}}
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–2–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jack McCormick
|KO
|2 (6)
|Jan 30, 1899
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–2–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Kid McCoy|Charles 'Kid' McCoy]]
|KO
|10 (20), {{small|1:13}}
|Jan 10, 1899
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–2–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Corbett]]
|DQ
|9 (20)
|Nov 22, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–2–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Gus Ruhlin
|KO
|1 (25), {{small|2:17}}
|Jun 29, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Greater New York A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|36
|{{no2}}Loss
|26–2–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Jeffries]]
|PTS
|20
|May 6, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost world heavyweight title claim}}
|-
|35
|{{draw}}Draw
|26–1–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Choynski]]
|PTS
|8 (20)
|Mar 11, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Choynski fell out of the ring and the fight was declared a draw}}
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–1–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Goddard (boxer)|Joe Goddard]]
|KO
|6 (20)
|Nov 18, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained world heavyweight title claim}}
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–1–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Punch Vaughn
|KO
|3 (?)
|Aug 16, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK}}
|
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–1–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Tom Parks
|KO
|1 (?)
|Aug 7, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Dundalk, Ireland}}
|
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–1–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Pat McCourt
|KO
|2 (?)
|Jul 30, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, UK}}
|
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–1–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Joe Craig
|KO
|1 (?)
|Jul 23, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Ginnett's Circus, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK}}
|
|-
|29
|{{draw}}Draw
|21–1–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Peter Maher (boxer)|Peter Maher]]
|PTS
|7
|Jun 9, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Palace A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|28
|{{draw}}Draw
|21–1–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jim Williams
|PTS
|8
|Apr 5, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Salt Lake City, Utah, US}}
|
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–1–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Bob Fitzsimmons]]
|DQ
|8 (10)
|[[Bob Fitzsimmons vs. Tom Sharkey|Dec 2, 1896]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[List of world heavyweight boxing champions|world heavyweight title claim]]}}
|-
|26
|style="background:#DDD"|Loss
|20–1–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Reddy Gallagher
|NWS
|4
|Oct 1, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lyceum Theater, Denver, Colorado, US}}
|
|-
|25
|{{draw}}Draw
|20–1–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Corbett]]
|PTS
|4
|Jun 24, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Williams
|TKO
|7 (10)
|Jun 3, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Choynski]]
|PTS
|8
|Apr 16, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|People's Palace Theater, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| 'Sailor' Charles Brown
|KO
|1 (?)
|Apr 7, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|21
|{{draw}}Draw
|17–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Alec Greggains
|PTS
|8
|Mar 12, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Bush Street Theater, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| John Miller
|TKO
|9 (?)
|Nov 7, 1895
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Colma A.C., Colma, California, US}}
|
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| William Dunn
|KO
|1 (?), {{small|0:58}}
|Aug 17, 1895
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Australian Billy Smith
|TKO
|7 (20)
|Jul 25, 1895
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Colma A.C., Colma, California, US}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Martin Mulverhill
|KO
|20 (?)
|Oct 20, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Armory Hall, Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Sailor Charles Brown
|KO
|1 (?)
|Aug 21, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Marks
|KO
|1 (?)
|Aug 11, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Rough Thompson
|KO
|4 (?)
|Aug 4, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack McAuley
|KO
|1 (?)
|Jul 18, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Billy Tate
|KO
|2 (?)
|Jul 18, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|11
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|ND|No decision}}
|8–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Nick Burley]]
|ND
|3
|Jun 21, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–1–1
|align=left| Jack Langley
|KO
|8 (?)
|Jun 20, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|9
|{{draw}}Draw
|7–1–1
|align=left| [[Nick Burley]]
|PTS
|9 (8)
|May 24, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant Hawaii heavyweight title}}
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–1
|align=left| Rough Thompson
|KO
|2 (?)
|May 14, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|7
|{{no2}}Loss
|6–1
|align=left| George Washington
|KO
|? (?)
|Feb 7, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|align=left| Jim Barrington
|KO
|1 (?)
|Sep 10, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|align=left| John Walsh
|KO
|2 (?)
|Aug 21, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|align=left| Jim Harvey
|KO
|2 (?)
|May 27, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left| Jack Langley
|KO
|4 (?)
|May 3, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left| J. Pickett
|KO
|2 (?)
|Apr 7, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left| Jack Gardner
|KO
|4 (?)
|Mar 17, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|}

===Unofficial record===
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=34
|ko-losses=4
|dec-wins=1
|dec-losses=4
|dq-wins=2
|dq-losses=1
|draws=6
|nc=2
}}
Record with the inclusion of [[newspaper decision]]s in the win/loss/draw column.
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|54
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|37–9–6 {{small|(2)}}}}
|align=left| Jack Munroe
|NWS
|6
|Feb 27, 1904
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|2nd Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|53
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–8–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Gus Ruhlin
|TKO
|11 (15)
|Jun 25, 1902
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|National Sporting Club, London, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For English heavyweight title}}
|-
|52
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|NC|No contest}}
|37–7–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Peter Maher (boxer)|Peter Maher]]
|NC
|3 (6)
|Jan 17, 1902
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Stopped for lack of action}}
|-
|51
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–7–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Mexican Pete Everett
|DQ
|2 (20)
|May 7, 1901
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Cripple Creek, Colorado, US}}
|
|-
|50
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–6–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Fred Russell
|KO
|4 (10)
|May 3, 1901
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US}}
|
|-
|49
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–6–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Bob Fitzsimmons]]
|KO
|2 (25), {{small|2:06}}
|Aug 24, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coney Island A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|48
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–5–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Gus Ruhlin
|TKO
|15 (25)
|Jun 26, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|47
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Yank Kenny
|KO
|1 (25), {{small|2:16}}
|Jun 8, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|46
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Choynski]]
|TKO
|3 (6)
|May 8, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US}}
|
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Tom 'Stockings' Conroy
|KO
|3 (10), {{small|2:12}}
|Mar 29, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US}}
|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack McCormick
|KO
|1 (20), {{small|0:38}}
|Mar 15, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, US}}
|
|-
|43
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Jeffords
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|2:06}}
|Feb 19, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US}}
|
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Goddard (boxer)|Joe Goddard]]
|TKO
|4 (6), {{small|1:10}}
|Feb 13, 1900
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|41
|{{no2}}Loss
|30–4–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Jeffries]]
|PTS
|25
|Nov 3, 1899
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coney Island A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For world heavyweight title}}
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–3–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack McCormick
|KO
|2 (6)
|Jan 30, 1899
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–3–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Kid McCoy|Charles 'Kid' McCoy]]
|KO
|10 (20), {{small|1:13}}
|Jan 10, 1899
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–3–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Corbett]]
|DQ
|9 (20)
|Nov 22, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–3–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Gus Ruhlin
|KO
|1 (25), {{small|2:17}}
|Jun 29, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Greater New York A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|36
|{{no2}}Loss
|26–3–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Jeffries]]
|PTS
|20
|May 6, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost world heavyweight title claim}}
|-
|35
|{{draw}}Draw
|26–2–6 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Choynski]]
|PTS
|8 (20)
|Mar 11, 1898
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Choynski fell out of the ring and the fight was declared a draw}}
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–2–5 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Goddard (boxer)|Joe Goddard]]
|KO
|6 (20)
|Nov 18, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained world heavyweight title claim}}
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–2–5 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Punch Vaughn
|KO
|3 (?)
|Aug 16, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK}}
|
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–2–5 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Tom Parks
|KO
|1 (?)
|Aug 7, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Dundalk, Ireland}}
|
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–2–5 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Pat McCourt
|KO
|2 (?)
|Jul 30, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, UK}}
|
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–2–5 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Joe Craig
|KO
|1 (?)
|Jul 23, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Ginnett's Circus, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK}}
|
|-
|29
|{{draw}}Draw
|21–2–5 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Peter Maher (boxer)|Peter Maher]]
|PTS
|7
|Jun 9, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Palace A.C., New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|28
|{{draw}}Draw
|21–2–4 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Williams
|PTS
|8
|Apr 5, 1897
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Salt Lake City, Utah, US}}
|
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Bob Fitzsimmons]]
|DQ
|8 (10)
|[[Bob Fitzsimmons vs. Tom Sharkey|Dec 2, 1896]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[List of world heavyweight boxing champions|world heavyweight title claim]]}}
|-
|26
|{{no2}}Loss
|20–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Reddy Gallagher
|NWS
|4
|Oct 1, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lyceum Theater, Denver, Colorado, US}}
|
|-
|25
|{{draw}}Draw
|20–1–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[James J. Corbett]]
|PTS
|4
|Jun 24, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Williams
|TKO
|7 (10)
|Jun 3, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Joe Choynski]]
|PTS
|8
|Apr 16, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|People's Palace Theater, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| 'Sailor' Charles Brown
|KO
|1 (?)
|Apr 7, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|21
|{{draw}}Draw
|17–1–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Alec Greggains
|PTS
|8
|Mar 12, 1896
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Bush Street Theater, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| John Miller
|TKO
|9 (?)
|Nov 7, 1895
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Colma A.C., Colma, California, US}}
|
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| William Dunn
|KO
|1 (?), {{small|0:58}}
|Aug 17, 1895
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Australian Billy Smith
|TKO
|7 (20)
|Jul 25, 1895
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Colma A.C., Colma, California, US}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Martin Mulverhill
|KO
|20 (?)
|Oct 20, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Armory Hall, Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Sailor Charles Brown
|KO
|1 (?)
|Aug 21, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Marks
|KO
|1 (?)
|Aug 11, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vallejo, California, US}}
|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Rough Thompson
|KO
|4 (?)
|Aug 4, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack McAuley
|KO
|1 (?)
|Jul 18, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Billy Tate
|KO
|2 (?)
|Jul 18, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|11
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|ND|No decision}}
|8–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Nick Burley]]
|ND
|3
|Jun 21, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–1–1
|align=left| Jack Langley
|KO
|8 (?)
|Jun 20, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|9
|{{draw}}Draw
|7–1–1
|align=left| [[Nick Burley]]
|PTS
|9 (8)
|May 24, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant Hawaii heavyweight title}}
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–1
|align=left| Rough Thompson
|KO
|2 (?)
|May 14, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|7
|{{no2}}Loss
|6–1
|align=left| George Washington
|KO
|? (?)
|Feb 7, 1894
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|align=left| Jim Barrington
|KO
|1 (?)
|Sep 10, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|align=left| John Walsh
|KO
|2 (?)
|Aug 21, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|align=left| Jim Harvey
|KO
|2 (?)
|May 27, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left| Jack Langley
|KO
|4 (?)
|May 3, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left| J. Pickett
|KO
|2 (?)
|Apr 7, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left| Jack Gardner
|KO
|4 (?)
|Mar 17, 1893
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Honolulu, Hawaii}}
|
|-
|}

{{s-start}}
{{S-pre|}}
{{S-bef | before=[[Bob Fitzsimmons]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=World Heavyweight Champion |years= December 2, 1896 &ndash; November 22, 1898 <br>''Lost bid for undisputed title''}}
{{s-vac | next=[[Sam Langford]]}}
{{s-end}}

==Notes references==
{{Commons category}}
{{Notes list}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{cite news|title=HEROES OF THE RING IN DOUBT |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19060628.2.72&srpos=5&e=------190-en--50--1--txt-txIN-Fitzsimmons+Sharkey----1906--- |access-date=8 January 2017|publisher=Los Angeles Herald |date=28 June 1906 |page=10|quote=John L. Sullivan was a Boston cabman. He is lecturing on temperance. Jim Jeffries was a boilermaker. Now he's a farmer. Jim Corbett was a bank clerk. He's an actor at present. Bob Fitzsimmons was a blacksmith. He is running a farm now, doing monologue turns and fighting between times. Tom Sharkey was a sailor. He has a saloon.}}
*{{cite news|title=TOM SHARKEY, FAMOUS OLD TIME HEAVYWEIGHT BOXER, PRAISES BOB FITZSIMMONS |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19171024.2.124&srpos=46&e=------191-en--50--1--txt-txIN-Fitzsimmons+Sharkey------- |access-date=8 January 2017|publisher=Los Angeles Herald |date=24 October 1917 |quote=By TOM SHARKEY, One of the World's Greatest Heavyweight Boxers}}
*{{cite news|title=JIM JEFFRIES TELLS OF HIS FIRST BATTLE WITH TOM SHARKEY. THE SAILOR |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19180212.2.346&srpos=40&e=------191-en--50--1--txt-txIN-Fitzsimmons+Sharkey------- |access-date=8 January 2017|publisher=Los Angeles Herald |date=12 February 1918 |quote=This is the fifth chapter of James J. Jeffries' own story of his career as a boxer.}}
*{{cite news|title=VETERAN TOM SHARKEY FIRST TO TAKE UP BOXING AS SPORT IN U. S. NAVY |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19170831.2.105&srpos=51&e=------191-en--50--51--txt-txIN-Fitzsimmons+Sharkey------- |access-date=8 January 2017|publisher=Los Angeles Herald |date=12 February 1918 |quote=Tom Sharkey, old-time heavyweight boxer and now partner of Jim Jeffries}}
*{{cite news|title=CORBETT LIKED TO BOTHER SHARKEY |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19170831.2.105&srpos=51&e=------191-en--50--51--txt-txIN-Fitzsimmons+Sharkey------- |access-date=8 January 2017|publisher=Los Angeles Herald |date=26 June 1918 |quote=He couldn't box much, but he was about as wicked a man to tackle in the ring as we ever had" Jim said. "If he couldn't hit you he could pretty near squeeze you into a pulp once he got hold of you.}}

{{Footer US NC 200m Men}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharkey, Tom}}
[[Category:Heavyweight boxers]]
[[Category:Irish bare-knuckle boxers]] 
[[Category:American bare-knuckle boxers]] 
[[Category:1873 births]]
[[Category:1953 deaths]]
[[Category:Irish emigrants to the United States]]