[2] He emigrated to the United States from Canada with his parents and siblings in 1892, and the family settled in Manchester, New Hampshire.

[1] Over the next four years, he would score 48 wins, 11 losses, and 14 draws, fighting in venues across the Northeastern United States, from his hometown in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Memphis.

[1] On November 11, 1920, Sweeney met similarly sized 5'7½" Sam Langford at the Lenox Athletic Club in Boston.

[7] Langford would go on to defeat World Lightweight Champion Joe Gans barely two weeks later on December 8, 1903, and continue with an exceptionally successful career, eventually fighting in the heavyweight category, fighting and defeating men who towered over him in height.

[1] During this time, Sweeney lost to William "Honey" Mellody (three losses), Jimmy Gardner, and Matty Matthews, as well as others.