Viro Small

Viro Small (born c. 1854) was a collar-and-elbow wrestler and boxer of African descent who was active in the late 19th century.

These wins made him possibly the first champion of African descent in the United States, but there are conflicting accounts and competing claims to this distinction.

The bar contained two rings for boxing and wrestling contests, and was notorious for crooked management, rowdy patrons and an overall seedy atmosphere.

Geoghegan reportedly won a decision over an opponent in the Bowery by having his henchmen aim a gun at the referee's head after the fight.

A documentary Black Sam's Statue on Viro Small's life was made by Elliott Marquis and released in February 2015.