JACK MARTIN (THE “MASTER OF THE ROLLS”)—1813‒1828.[160]
Jack Martin, on whom the ring reporters conferred the punning title of
“Master of the Rolls,” from his calling as a baker, was born on the 10th
of July, 1796, near Kennington Church.
“Boxiana” contains the usual preliminary narrative of a “big
coal-heaver,” “a sheriff’s officer, a well-known good man,” “a butcher,”
etc., whom Martin disposed of while “a boy.” We shall pass these, and
come to young Doughey’s first reported battle, which was with Tom
Oliver’s brother George, at Ilford, in Essex, for 20 guineas, on
Thursday, July 18, 1816, in a twenty-four feet ring, after the fight
between Ford and Harry Lancaster. George Oliver was seconded by his
brother Tom and Jack Clark, Martin by Harry Harmer and Bill Richmond.
Five to four on Oliver.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The attitude of Martin was free and
good; it spoke more of the sparring school than
that of his opponent, which was by no means
that of a scientific boxer. Martin immediately
went to work and nobbed his opponent without
ceremony, till they got into a close, when,
after hugging and pummelling each other for a
few seconds, they broke away, and some hits were
exchanged at arm’s length. They again closed and
a violent struggle took place against the ropes,
when they both went down. This round occupied
one minute and a half.
2.—Both full of activity, but the flurried
manner of Oliver was evident to every one, and
his fists crossed each other with the celerity
of a smoke-jack. He presented no security from
attack, and his mug got pinked in style. In
closing, they both went down.
3.—The Master of the Rolls put in two severe
facers, and beat his opponent down against the
stakes. On commencing this round Oliver tried to
trip up his adversary, but his brother told him
it was wrong.
4.—Oliver, although brought into the ring by his
brother, really seemed to have no notion of
fighting. He hit at random, and did but little
execution. The baker again milled his face, and
ultimately threw him.
5.—This was a dreadful round for punishment. In
closing, some heavy hits passed between them,
and they broke away. The blood was running down
Oliver’s face; notwithstanding, he fought his
way into a desperate rally, in which his nob
received a couple of desperate blows. In
closing, they both got suspended on the ropes,
and a violent struggle took place before they
went down.
6.—Some sharp milling; and, in closing, both
fell out of the ring.
7.—Oliver displayed no science whatever; his
chief aim seemed to be struggling with his
opponent; but even in closing he failed, as
Martin generally brought Oliver down.
8.—The right hand of Martin again punished
Oliver’s nob, and the claret flowed in
abundance. In closing, both down.
9.—The hugging system again prevailed. Both
down, but Oliver fell completely over the ropes.
10.—Martin went in with great spirit and bored
his adversary to the ropes. In closing, both
down.
11.—Oliver appeared rather distressed, and came
slowly up to the mark. The right hand of the
baker was again at work, and Oliver’s mug was
getting fast out of shape. Both down.
12.—In this round Martin showed he possessed
scientific knowledge, had completely the best of
it, and sent his opponent down.
13.—Oliver seemed anxious to do something, and
went sharply up to his man, when they closed. In
struggling they broke away, and several heavy
blows were exchanged. They again closed, and
both went down, Oliver bleeding profusely.
14.—The movements, in general, of Martin were
scientific, but they were soon lost sight of in
the overpowering close of Oliver, who always
endeavoured to force his adversary to the ropes,
and tire him out by struggling. Both down, and
their backs and loins were much marked by their
suspension on the ropes.
15.—Martin, upon setting-to, nobbed Oliver with
effect, when they again closed, and both fell
out of the ring. Oliver required the assistance
of his second to get him off the ground.
16.—The strength of Oliver was leaving him fast,
and in this round he got dreadfully punished.
The baker hit him in every direction; Oliver was
thrown completely over the ropes. (Seven to four
upon Martin.)
17.—No chance for Oliver, except closing; he
caught hold of Martin, and both went down.
18.—More hugging, and both on the ground.
19.—It was all up with Oliver; the fight was
taken out of him, and he had not strength to
close with his opponent. In fact, he only stood
up as a mark for punishment; and the baker put
in some severe hits till Oliver dropped like a
log.
20.—Oliver could scarcely stagger to the
scratch. He immediately went down from a
punishing hit.
21 and last.—Oliver had had quite enough of
milling, and turned away from his adversary to
avoid. The baker lost no time, he saw victory
was certain, and with two hits completely
finished his opponent. Twenty-nine minutes had
elapsed.
REMARKS.—Oliver, as a scientific boxer, had no
resemblance to his brother except his name. In
fact, he was a complete novice in every sense of
the word; relied entirely upon main strength for
victory, and pulled and hauled his opponent
about. It was widely different on the part of
Martin: he exhibited those promising traits
of science that appear only to want practice
to improve, and which, at some future period,
may develop themselves in a more conspicuous
manner. Martin is in height about five feet
nine inches, and eleven stone in weight. He is
extremely active, and possesses a decisive mode
of hitting.
This promising _debut_ inspirited Martin to issue a challenge at eleven
stone, but two years elapsed before he got suited with a customer in
“Paddington Johnson,” for 50 guineas a side. The battle came off at
Coventry Farm, the Hale, Middlesex, on Tuesday, September 15, 1818.
Johnson was well known to the ring, from his conquests over Roe, Harry
Lancaster, and Purcell, also as a right-handed hitter, and an
acknowledged game man. Martin was better known for theory than in
practice, and more as a sparrer than a pugilist. In consequence Johnson
was the favourite, six to four. The latter first showed, and threw his
hat in the ring, and Martin soon followed the example in a very modest
unassuming manner. Johnson was seconded by the veteran Joe Ward and
Paddington Jones; Martin was waited upon by Ben Burn and Spring. The
Baker, it seems, disdained the ordinary mode of milling in drawers, and
appeared in a loose fashionable pair of white trowsers. This change was
generally considered an improvement. Five minutes to one o’clock the men
set-to.
[Illustration:
JACK MARTIN (THE “MASTER OF THE ROLLS”).
_From a Drawing by_ A. WYVILL, 1824.
]
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Johnson appeared the
rounder and bigger man. His face was full of
colour, and he looked well; but the judges of
training thought him too bulky; however, he
was considered generally to be in excellent
condition. Martin, on the contrary, looked pale;
but in other respects his canvass was as sleek
and as smooth as a thorough-bred greyhound.
Upon the combatants taking their attitudes,
Johnson exhibited the highest confidence, and
made a sort of springing run to mill his
opponent in his usual rushing style; but the
leariness of Martin stopped him by a slight
muzzler. The latter almost instantly surprised
Johnson with another header, that not only
operated on his vision, but tapped the claret.
Johnson endeavoured to feel for the alimentary
reservoir of the baker, when a close took place,
and Johnson tried to fib his crusty foe without
effect. In struggling, Martin appeared the
stronger man, as Johnson was undermost on the
ground. The “dead men” smiled at this favourable
commencement of their hero, but the six to four
blades did not half like it.
2.—Martin seemed perfectly prepared for his
enemy, with the skill and caution of an
experienced tactician. He planted his hits upon
the nob of Johnson with as much _sang froid_ as
if he had been aiming at a sack of flour. The
“Paddington boy,” rather enraged at this sort of
treatment, tried again to rush into doughey’s
victualling office, but the latter got away, and
in return mugged him so severely, that Johnson
went half round in a singular style, and in a
struggle Johnson was again undermost. The odds
were now completely turned, and the Baker was
the favourite; in some parts of the ring two to
one.
3.—The handywork of Martin upon his opponent’s
title-page was now apparent; one of his peepers
was already in mourning, and the other had been
taken measure of for black drapery, added to the
claret trickling down his face. The rushing of
Johnson was also stayed, and some long sparring
occurred before any work was attempted; the
latter, however, tried to body the Baker, but
the science of Martin prevented any serious
effect; and in return he gave him one, two,
severely. In closing, Johnson also napt upon the
fibbing system, and, in struggling to obtain the
throw, he was compelled to yield to the superior
strength of the “Master of the Rolls.” The batch
lads were roaring with delight, and “Bravo!” was
echoed through the fraternity at the talent
displayed by Martin.
4.—This round decided the fight; the execution
done by Martin positively made the odds the
monument to a bodkin. On setting-to, the Baker
gave his opponent three staggering facers.
Johnson turned round from the force of the last
hit, but his game never deserted him, and he
returned to the attack like a trump. Johnson’s
right hand told slightly on Martin’s side, but
as to anything like punishment he could not
administer any. It was a long round, occupying
five minutes, without any closing, during which
time, notwithstanding Martin hit frequently
short, he planted twelve facers with ease and
dexterity. Martin followed Johnson so closely
up, that he was at length hit down on his knees,
and measured his length on the grass quite
exhausted. The “dead men” were all upon the
_qui vive_, and, in the pride of the moment,
offered to the hitherto confident Westminster
and Paddington costermongers, a peck loaf to a
halfpenny roll; but the donkey proprietors shied
it.
5.—Johnson’s nob now exhibited a Fuseli
aspect—it was so changed, as to call forth the
observation of “an old friend with a new face.”
Martin went to work with both hands so quickly,
that his opponent’s sensitive plant rolled about
like a humming-top, and he fell out of the ring.
(Great shouting, and any odds offered.)
6.—Johnson was quite abroad, gasping for breath.
He could not get at Martin; but was compelled to
act as receiver-general till he could no longer
stand to take it.
7.—Johnson only came up to take, and one, two,
and three, were put in so terribly upon his
already damaged mug, that he reeled in all
directions. He was also punished round the ring,
and Martin lost his balance in hitting Johnson
as they were both going down. Loud cries of
“Foul” and “Fair” took place; but this attempt
to create a diversion would not do, and the
fight proceeded.
8.—Martin missed several hits, although he
nobbed his opponent grievously; Johnson, from
a desperate effort, got Martin down. Hats were
now thrown up, “Well done, Johnson; now you’ll
see him go to work,” etc., and loud applause
followed.
9.—This was but a momentary triumph for poor
Johnson, who commenced the round with much
spirit, and fought away like a truly game man.
Martin, however, cautious and collected, put in
one, two, straight shoulder-hits upon Johnson’s
distracted upper works that must have operated
stunningly upon his senses. The Baker broke away
from his opponent with surprising agility, and
ultimately gave Johnson so tremendous a nobber,
that he went down as if shot, and rolled over
upon his face. (Twenty to one, but scarcely any
person would take it.)
10.—It was all up with Johnson, and he again
received so much nobbing that he laid himself
down.
11.—Martin, eager to finish the contest, gave
Johnson no chance of recovering from his puzzled
state, but ran in to him, and floored him _sans
ceremonie_.
12.—Johnson, who had hitherto been cheered with
the smiles of conquest, still endeavoured to
protract the contest. Martin again nobbed him
with scarcely any return, and Johnson went down.
13th and last.—It was expected Johnson would
not again show at the scratch; but it appeared
that while he could lift up his hands he was
determined to fight. He was, however, soon
milled down; and, upon being placed upon his
second’s knee, it was communicated to Martin
he had no longer any foe to contend against.
Johnson, with true manliness, shook hands with
Martin; when he became so exhausted that he
was carried out of the ring, and put into a
coach. Martin immediately ran and got into a
postchaise, and drove off the ground. It was
over in thirty minutes.
REMARKS.—No pugilist ever left the ring less
punished than did Martin; and, except a trifling
mark on the side of his head, there was not the
slightest trace that he had been engaged in a
prize contest. He won the battle with ease,
science, and execution, equal to any boxer upon
the list. Johnson had not a shadow of chance
with Martin; and, however the admirers of the
former may urge that his constitution was broken
up, yet in his prime he could never have
defeated the baker. It is two to one against any
puddling fighter, however game he may be, when
opposed to a real scientific two-handed boxer.
To judge impartially of Martin’s talents, it was
thought that he must be tried with a real good
one, where science is opposed to skill, wariness
contrasted with caution, and when in the pinch
of the game bottom is exhibited to make up the
grand climax. The attitude of Martin, in one or
two instances, resembled Spring’s; he leant his
body too much upon his loins.
The above contest and two others proved a rare day’s sport, and,
notwithstanding the torrents of rain, which never ceased during the
fights, the amateurs proved themselves game as pebbles, and kept their
ground with indifference. Some funning took place amongst a few swell
pedestrians, who were induced to marrow bone it, in consequence of the
fineness of the weather, chaffing that they were transformed into
clodhoppers from the heavy pieces of clay clinging to their feet.
As Martin, it appears, could not get any immediate employment for his
fists, he felt determined that his legs should not stand idle, and
therefore backed himself in a pugilistic foot race, a few days after
this battle. On Monday, September 28, 1818, in Hyde Park, at eight
o’clock in the morning, a muster of amateurs assembled to witness a race
for a rump and a dozen, between Spring, Ben Burn, Martin, and a novice.
The distance 200 yards. The latter declined previous to the time of
starting. The race was spiritedly contested, but Martin took the lead,
kept it, and came in first. Spring was second at the winning post; Ben
Burn, though last, ran in good style, and was but a little distance
behind Spring. The 200 yards were run in 25 seconds.
The Master of the Rolls having now made progress towards celebrity in
the prize ring, was, from the following unexpected circumstance, again
brought before the judgment of the amateurs, in opposition to a boxer
who, notwithstanding his defeats by Turner, still stood high in the
opinion of the fancy in general. At Parish’s benefit, held in a large
room at the Coal Exchange, near Billingsgate, the principal feature of
the evening was the bout between Martin and Scroggins, which was
interesting as a test of the capabilities of the crusty hero. The length
and height of the Master of the Rolls over his opponent was evident to
all. Scroggins in this combat proved himself a tragi-comic performer of
talent; and, under the mask of fun, he not only produced roars of
laughter, made his audience frequently look serious, and worked upon his
adversary’s feelings, but concluded by exciting their utmost
astonishment. In short, if the conqueror of Johnson did not gammon it,
and it was a real thing, the fact then is that neither the length nor
the science of the Baker could prevent the boring qualities of Scroggins
from doing heavy execution (so well known and felt by all his opponents,
except Turner), and ultimately sending Martin down. Upon Scroggins
quitting the room, with the best of the bout, “another round” was loudly
called for by the partizans of the Baker. Scroggins immediately
returned, went to work again without delay, and, as the grand climax,
hit Martin down with the celerity of a shot, then turning round, said,
with much naiveté, “Gentlemen, are you now satisfied?” “Quite, quite,”
were the replies; and the little tar left the room overwhelmed with
peals of applause.
Several amateurs were so decidedly in favour of Scroggins, that a
deposit was immediately put down to make it a match for £100 a side, and
a purse of £50 for the winner. But in consequence of the amateurs
withdrawing the purse of £50, this match was off, and the friends of
Scroggins forfeited their deposit of £5. However, a few days afterwards
a new match was made, and the following articles agreed to:—
“_Castle Tavern, November 3, 1818._
“T. Belcher on behalf of Scroggins, and B. Burn on the part of
Martin, have deposited £20 a side for the above men to fight on
Tuesday, the 8th of December, within thirty miles of London, in a
twenty-four feet ring, for £100 a side. To be a fair stand-up fight;
half minute time. £50 a side to be made good at Belcher’s on
Tuesday, November 24; and the whole of the stakes to be completed at
B. Burn’s, the Sun, in Windmill Street, Haymarket, on Thursday,
December 3. If not, the above deposit to be forfeited. The £200 to
be placed in the hands of Mr. Jackson, who will name the place of
fighting. The above deposit of £40 to be lodged in the hands of Mr.
Franklin. One umpire to be chosen by each party, and the referee by
Mr. Jackson.
“(Signed) “T. BELCHER.
“B. BURN.
“Witness, T. CRIBB.”
The odds were immediately five to four on Martin, and in some instances
higher.
This mill took place at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, the 8th of December,
1818, where the amateurs met more numerously than could be expected,
considering this battle was only two days after that of Randall and
Turner. The name of Scroggins still made some impression on the fancy;
but the odds were six to four and two to one against him. It was four
years previous (December 8, 1814), on the same spot of ground that the
celebrated Dutch Sam lost his laurels with Nosworthy; and it was also on
the same piece of turf that Scroggins conquered Nosworthy, in the short
space of eighteen minutes. The little hero seemed as if animated by the
recollection of this affair, and looked more than cheerful. Martin
appeared in the ring first, and threw up his hat, attended by Oliver and
Ben Burn as his seconds; Scroggins, attended by Belcher and Richmond,
soon followed. Both men were in good condition, particularly Martin.
Randall was present, and frequently encouraged Scroggins by offering to
bet upon him. At one o’clock the men shook hands, and the battle
commenced. Mr. Gully was the umpire.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Scroggins with smiling confidence
set-to, but Martin did not seem eager to go
to work. Some long sparring occurred, when
Scroggins hit first, which was returned by
Martin. Some exchanges; the men closed, and
Scroggy got Martin down. (Shouts of applause,
and “Bravo Scroggins!”)
2.—The forehead of the Baker appeared rather
raised, and Scroggy gave him another nobber with
his right hand. The latter endeavoured to make a
rush, but was stopped by a facer. The round was
finished by some sharp fighting; both went down,
Martin undermost.
3.—The Baker did not take the lead in that high
style which had been anticipated. Scroggins,
with much dexterity, planted a desperate hit on
the side of the Baker’s right ear. Martin
returned upon him, and they fought sharply at
the ropes till both went down, and Martin
undermost.
4.—Martin endeavoured to put in a sharp nobber,
but Scroggy, smiling at his efforts, stopped
it cleverly. In closing, both down, when
Scroggins again got his opponent undermost.
(Loud shouting, and “Go it, Scroggy.”)
5.—Martin put in some good hits, and followed
Scroggins to the ropes, when the little one,
with lion-hearted resolution, returned upon
him and drove him back, planting some sharp
blows. In struggling for the throw, Scroggins
was undermost. (The high odds on the Baker had
changed, and in many parts of the ring it was
even betting.)
6.—Scroggins showed good science, and appeared
not so easy to be got at as Martin had
anticipated. The latter paused a good deal
before he attempted to hit. After some milling
on both sides, Scroggins got Martin down in the
close, and undermost.
7.—Scroggins hit Martin twice, and sent him out
of the ring. (Thunders of approbation, and “The
little hero is as good as ever,” was the cry.)
8.—Although Martin did not perform what was
expected, or smash his opponent off hand,
yet ultimately it was thought he would be
victorious. Scroggins hit and got away in
good style. Martin again paused. At length
they commenced fighting, and Scroggins’ nose
was severely pinked. Both down, Scroggins
undermost.
9 to 12.—Displayed no particular points,
reciprocal in most instances; the youth and
strength of Martin the principal advantages.
13 to 16.—The former three rounds displayed
little variation; but the latter was excellent.
Scroggins got Martin at the ropes in such a
peculiar situation that he might have severely
punished him with ease and effect, but disdained
to take any advantage, holding up his hands
and walking away. (Tumultuous applause from
all parts of the ring at his manly conduct.
But it was observed by the judges of pugilism
that Scroggins had given a chance away, and
this generosity might eventually lose him the
battle.)
17 to 24.—In all these rounds it would be
difficult to assign the “best” to either.
Scroggins was rushing in to make a hit, when
Martin stopped him, but the latter fell from
weakness.
25.—This was a good round. Martin hit and got
away; and Scroggy also stopped with judgment. In
closing, Scroggins threw Martin out of the ring.
(Shouts of applause.)
26 to 28.—Scroggins laughed at Martin, when the
latter ran in and gave him a nobber for it. Both
down.
29 to 32.—These were milling rounds, and good on
both sides. Counter hits passed. The nose of
Scroggy looked rather queer, but he made some
excellent stops. Martin’s right eye was damaged.
In closing, Scroggins acted again with much
manliness, disdaining to fall upon the Baker,
which he might have done. (Applause, and two to
one was offered in some places by the friends of
Scroggins.)
33, 34.—The amateurs felt rather astonished that
nothing decisive had as yet been effected.
Scroggins showed good science, good pluck, full
of laughter, and proved an ugly customer for the
Baker. Martin in this round met Scroggins well
as he was coming in by a facer; but the latter
returned, and in closing, fell upon him heavily.
He said to his second. “It is as right as the
day,” meaning he should win it.
35 to 37.—Martin bled in the latter round from
severe facers. Both down, but Martin undermost.
38.—Cautious sparring, during which time
Scroggins smilingly observed to Martin, “I am
not so easy a customer, Jack, as you expected.”
“Never mind,” replied Martin; “how are you to
win it?” Both down.
39.—Scroggins hit down just above the mark.
40 to 45.—Scroggins began playing some antics
with his feet, not unlike his displays of fun
at the Fives Court. He seemed quite at ease,
and some parts of the ring took him for choice
as an old favourite. One hour and thirty-two
minutes had elapsed, and nothing decisive done,
excepting that the youth of Martin was likely to
serve longest.
46.—The face of Scroggins was the worse for the
fight; Martin was piping—his mug, too, rather
changed, but he scarcely bled.
47 to 50.—They both got weak, and Martin went
down from some hits, each frequently gave a
“hem” for wind. Scroggins received a dreadful
floorer on the nob that appeared to make him
so groggy that he did not know where he was,
and the cry was, “It is all up.” Oliver took
off his hat—the spectators run from the outer
ring towards the ropes; some confusion ensued,
and the horsewhips went to work to clear the
ground; the time-keeper found himself pressed
upon by the crowd, and for safety got into the
roped ring; order was at length restored; but it
is thought a minute and a half elapsed before
“Time” could be or was called. Great murmurings
occurred from the friends of Martin. Belcher
here showed his excellent qualities as a second.
51.—Scroggy recovered, to the astonishment of
the ring; the 51st, 52nd, 53rd, and 54th rounds
were downright milling, and Scroggins was as
good as his opponent.
55.—Scroggins floored Martin, and took the
bottle to drink himself.
56 to 66.—To describe these rounds would be
impossible; both men fought in the most
distressed state, yet more execution was done in
them than in the whole fight put together. The
men continued fighting till they absolutely
rolled against each other; in fact, till the
hitting had left them both, and it was thought
once Martin had lost it, it being difficult to
get him off the ground, but he revived a little
and sent Scroggy down, when he could not come
again. It was anybody’s battle at last—the toss
up of a halfpenny. As a proof of the nicety of
the thing, in the 63rd round Martin was hit
down. 64th, Scroggins down. 65th, both down. Two
hours and two minutes had elapsed, Scroggy in a
state of stupor, and Martin little better. The
latter, however, walked to a post-chaise, and
received loud cheers from the spectators.
REMARKS.—In point of fame, Scroggins did not
lose one inch of ground, although the decision
of the fight was against him. He was, however,
more punished than in any other of his battles;
he also showed more science, and evinced game
of the first quality. Martin is nothing else
but a good and a game man; but in taking two
hours to beat a stale one, and that too merely
from chance (excepting the 50th round, when
the ring was broken, which, in point of truth,
was in his favour), operates as a considerable
drawback towards establishing a character as
a first-rate finishing fighter. It was the
constitution of Martin that won it. With a man
of fine science it becomes a question as to what
place on the list he might claim. The amateurs
expected much more from him. Martin also was
severely punished.
Scroggins showed in town on the Friday following, but not in an exact
state to sit for his likeness, when the little hero observed, “that
Martin was the best man he had ever been opposed to.” Martin was very
ill, and did not arrive in town for several days.
The success of Martin now prompted him to obtain a higher situation
among the milling heroes; he therefore entered the lists with Randall.
(See RANDALL, _ante_, p. 346.) In this contest his enterprising spirit
received a check, and he was doomed to experience defeat.
Martin, it seems, was not dismayed at the above reverse of fortune, but
endeavoured to recover his lost laurel with the game and scientific
Turner. (See TURNER, _ante_, p. 387.) In this battle Martin also
experienced defeat. To use his own words upon this occasion, Martin
observed, “he should not have been satisfied in his own mind if he had
not fought with Randall and Turner.” He also, with great candour, stated
“that these heroes were too good fighters for him, and he therefore
acknowledged, with the utmost sincerity, they were his superiors.”
Martin, in addition to his milling capabilities, was also a good
pedestrian. Previous to his battle with Scroggins, he offered to make
the best of his way to Brighton, a distance of fifty miles, in eight
hours, for a wager of fifty guineas.
The Master of the Rolls, always ready to fight, accepted a challenge
from Joshua Hudson for fifty guineas a-side. This affair took place on
Tuesday, December 14, 1819, at Colnbrook, in Buckinghamshire, eighteen
miles from Hyde Park Corner. Hounslow Heath originally was the appointed
place, but the beadle of the parish gave the hint it would be stopped,
and “a beak” shortly afterwards confirmed the injunction. The motley
group then pushed forwards to Colnbrook, where a field was soon
procured, and at three o’clock Martin, followed by Spring and Randall,
threw up his hat. Hudson shortly afterwards appeared, accompanied by Tom
Belcher and Clarke. The parties soon shook hands and set to. Six to four
on Hudson.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Hudson appeared in the highest
condition—good humour, manliness, and confidence
seemed smiling on his brow. Martin looked
equally well, and there was a steady composure
about him, as if victory was his sole intention.
It was generally expected that a slashing fight
would be the result, from the well-known
bull-dog qualities of Hudson; but, upon the
combatants placing themselves in attitudes,
a minute elapsed in manœuvring, both anxious
to obtain the first advantage. At length Martin
let fly, hit Hudson’s left shoulder, and also
got away. The latter endeavoured to plant a
severe right-handed blow, which Martin stopped
cleverly. Sparring was again resorted to, and
caution used on both sides. Some trifling
exchanges took place, when Hudson put in a
tremendous hit under Martin’s left ogle, that
not only measured it for a suit of mourning,
but the claret instantly followed. This conduct
rather surprised Martin, but he endeavoured
to return with his left hand. More sparring.
The combatants now made counter hits on the
mouth, but the blow from Hudson seemed most
effective. Martin tried to make one of his
severe right-handed hits, which was stopped,
when Hudson, in return, put in so severe a
facer, that Martin went staggering away two
yards towards the ropes, and it was expected he
must have gone down. The blood was now seen
trickling from his nose. Some more cautious
manœuvring occurred, when the men fought their
way into a close, and both went down, Martin
undermost. Loud shouting, “Bravo, Hudson—£100 on
Josh.”—Six and seven to four were currently
offered. This round occupied upwards of seven
minutes and a half.
2.—The appearance of Martin was much against
him; in fact, he looked rather exhausted. The
blow he had received on his eye was on the same
that Randall and Turner had so severely
peppered. Martin got away from a well-directed
facer meant by Hudson, and, in return, put in
a severe blow on the ribs of his opponent. Some
little sparring, but fighting was the order
of this round. Martin soon received a severe
“snorter” that produced the “pink” instantly;
but after this blow he had it all his own way.
With his right hand he planted a blow just above
the temple of Hudson, which looked red, and
also put in a sharp hit under the left ear of
his opponent. Josh seemed rather staggered,
but he returned manfully to the charge, and
some exchanges took place in a partial close,
till they got out of it, when Martin made
himself up, and a tremendous hit, which he put
in upon the point of Hudson’s left shoulder,
operated so powerfully that, he turned pale,
and staggered towards the ropes in a confused
state, and Randall bid Martin follow up his
success. The accident was not known at this
period, and Hudson was too good to fall. Martin
now approached him, and, with a slight
left-handed blow on Hudson’s head the latter
went down.—“Well done, Martin; that’s the time
of day to win.” During the time Hudson sat on
his second’s knee he communicated to them that
his shoulder was dislocated; and on “Time” being
called victory of course was declared in favour
of Martin. The fight was over in nine minutes.
REMARKS.—There is scarcely room for observation,
in consequence of the shortness of the contest,
but the general opinion of the ring was that
Hudson would ultimately have proved the
conqueror. Fortunately, a medical man was upon
the spot, and Hudson’s shoulder was set in less
than five minutes afterwards. The accident he
thought little about; but he shed tears on
losing the victory. Hudson walked about the ring
afterwards, and appeared at the Castle Tavern in
the evening with his arm in a sling.
Martin, it seems, determined to keep the game alive, made no hesitation
in entering the ring against the “iron-hitting Cabbage,” as the latter
was termed. This battle was for one hundred guineas a-side, and took
place on Tuesday, March 28, 1820, at Farnham Royal, near Dawney Common,
contiguous to Stoke House, near Stowe, Buckinghamshire, twenty-four
miles from London. Maidenhead Thicket, in Berkshire, a distance of
twenty-nine miles from the Metropolis, was the spot fixed upon for the
day’s play, and the length of road made it necessary for the amateurs to
start as soon as daylight peeped. The “toddlers” were quite out of it,
as nothing but good “prads” could attempt a distance of sixty miles. The
stage-coaches made out well upon the occasion; and, notwithstanding the
numerous vehicles of this sort upon this great road, many amateurs were
disappointed. There was considerable attraction about the contest, and a
greater sprinkling of Corinthians than usual adorned the ring with their
presence. Cabbage had derived great notoriety from being the champion of
the light weights in Bristol, and also for being one of the most
determined boxers on the list. A large company mustered at an early hour
in the town of Maidenhead; but one of the beaks, it seems, got hold of
the scent, and a warrant was issued against Cabbage. This circumstance
alarmed the milling coves; it was soon communicated to the motley throng
that “it wouldn’t do;” so Gibbons brushed off with the stakes, and
formed the ring at Farnham Royal, in a field of private property,
without delay; and thither he was followed by horse and foot in rapid
confusion.
At thirty-seven minutes past one o’clock Martin appeared and threw his
hat in the ring, followed by Oliver and Randall as his seconds; Cabbage
soon appeared, attended by Cribb and Clarke. Randall tied the blue
colours to the stakes, and Cribb covered them with the yellow-man
belonging to Cabbage. It was seven to four current betting in favour of
the latter—in many places two to one.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The condition of Cabbage was tiptop; he
was as fine as a star, and his frame compact and
firm as an oak. Not so Martin, he did not look
well, was not fit to fight, and had also had a
recent attack of rheumatism. Some trifling
sparring, when Martin made a hit, which was well
stopped by Cabbage. The Master of the Rolls
appeared clever compared with the rough customer
before him, availed himself of the science he
possessed, and put in two nobbers, but not
heavily, when Cabbage rushed in, and both went
down. Two to one on Martin.
2.—Both combatants made offers, but retreated
sparring. The right hand of Martin again nobbed
his opponent, and Cabbage in return attempted to
be busy. Both down, but Martin undermost.
3.—Although Cabbage was decidedly the favourite,
it was evident he was no fighter, but showed
amazing strength and resolution. Martin got away
from him, and attempted to put in a severe
bodier, and also one on the head; but the
rushing qualities of the latter bored Martin to
the ropes, where, after a severe struggle, both
went down.
4, 5.—Martin showed science, still the odds were
getting up against him, and Richmond observed he
would not take ten to one and stand it.
6 to 10.—A slight tinge of the claret was seen
on Martin’s face, and he appeared weak. It was
almost booked that he would be tired out, as his
strength seemed fast leaving him.
11 to 24.—In all these rounds, notwithstanding
Martin put in repeated facers, little impression
appeared to have been made on the iron mug of
Cabbage until this round, when his right eye
received a severe hit upon an already damaged
place, and bled.
25 to 41.—The amateurs expressed themselves
much disappointed in Cabbage, and the
Commander-in-chief[161] declared “he saw no
choice between them.”
42 to 48.—Cabbage was now so much the favourite
that three to one was laid upon him.
49 to 60.—Martin still kept nobbing his
opponent, but he could not reduce his strength.
The Master of the Rolls was also getting very
weak, and fell down at times exhausted. It was a
manly, good-natured contest, and the combatants
behaved to each other fairly in the extreme.
61 to 70.—It was thought by a few that Martin
was now getting the best of it, and Randall said
it was all right. But this was not the general
opinion.
71 to 73.—Martin, encouraged, took the lead, and
Randall again assured him “It was as safe as the
Bank.”
74.—Martin stopped Cabbage, gave him a facer,
and ran him down.
75th and last.—In this round, in struggling
together, Cabbage got a sudden jerk or twist on
the neck, that totally disabled him from showing
at the scratch when time was called. A medical
man immediately rendered him his assistance, and
he was taken from the ring. The fight lasted one
hour eleven minutes and a half. Great danger
appeared, and it was thought Cabbage would not
recover.
REMARKS.—Few, if any, remarks are needed upon
the above contest. Cabbage belonged to the same
school as Scroggins, depending upon rushing
forwards, and was positively a chance hitter.
His left hand was always open, and he
continually hit round the neck of Martin. It was
thought that Cabbage would never be able to cut
any figure amongst the London boxers, and it was
also urged, from the above specimen, that he was
the worst pugilist from the renowned Bristol
nursery. Martin, in winning this fight, raised
himself considerably in the estimation of the
fancy. He was extremely ill, very weak, and not
fit to fight.
One evening, in the month of June, 1820, it appears that six
well-dressed blackguards were returning from the Coburg Theatre,[162]
about eleven o’clock, and for a “bit of a lark” endeavoured to take a
respectable young woman from her husband, when the latter in the most
manly way resented the insult, but was overpowered by numbers. The
Master of the Rolls was accidentally passing at the time with a friend.
The latter immediately remonstrated with the “dandies” upon the
impropriety of their conduct, but he received a facer for his
interference, and one or two of the party also struck at the Master of
the Rolls. This was enough, or rather too much, for Martin. He let fly
his right on the nob of the first that approached him, and the dandy
went down as if he had been shot; the second shared the same fate; the
third was no better off; the fourth came in for “pepper;” the fifth got
a severe “quilting;” and the sixth received for his insolence so severe
a blow on his mouth as to dislodge some of his ivory. It was truly
laughable to see the ridiculous pickle these bullies were in, the claret
trickling down their cheeks, and holding their hands up to their heads.
When Martin’s friend exclaimed, “Go it, Martin, give it them,” the name
operated like a thunder-clap upon their nerves, and they bolted like
race-horses in a _sauve qui peut_. Martin lost part of his coat in the
scuffle, but did not receive a scratch upon his person.
The charms of a purse of £50, given by the Pugilistic Club, at Norwich,
and also £25 a-side, induced Martin to enter the ring with Sampson
(denominated the Birmingham Youth), at North Walsham, sixteen miles from
the above city, on Monday, July 17, 1820, immediately after the battle
between Oliver and Painter. Sampson was seconded by Turner, and Paul
from Manchester. Martin was attended by the Champion of England and
Spring. The odds were six to four on Martin; in fact, it was almost
booked that he must win.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Martin appeared in prime
condition, and his legs being decorated in
ribbed silk stockings, gave him an attractive
appearance. Sampson was also well, but had too
much of the greyhound about his loins, to
indicate the possession of strength. Sampson did
not appear so eager to go to work as had been
anticipated, and a considerable pause occurred
before any blows were attempted to be made. At
length Martin made an offer with his left hand,
but Sampson got away. Another long pause, when
Sampson put down his hands as if tired. Martin
made another attempt to hit, but Sampson again
retreated. A sort of rush took place between the
combatants; some sharp hits were exchanged, and,
in closing at the ropes, Martin fibbed his
opponent, and also put in a heavy blow on
Sampson’s neck, when both went down. (Loud
shouting, and seven to four on Martin.)
2.—Martin now stood to no repairs, but rushed in
upon Sampson. Some exchanges occurred, when, in
closing, Martin pulled down his opponent, and
fell heavily upon him.
3.—This was a sharp round, and something like
pepper occurred on both sides. Severe fibbing at
the ropes, and, in struggling for the throw,
Sampson was undermost.
4.—The claret was now trickling down both
their faces, and one of Martin’s peepers
appeared rather damaged. The latter run in,
and endeavoured to put in a most tremendous
facer, but missed his aim, and had nearly
slipped down. Martin, however, caught hold of
Sampson, and ran him down. (Two to one on
Martin; but some marks of disapprobation were
expressed by the Johnny Raws.)
5.—Sampson missed a hit, and went round. Martin
slipped down in running after him, but got up
again, when some sharp blows were exchanged,
till both of them went down. Thirteen minutes
had elapsed.
6.—Sampson had been very busy, and Martin’s face
exhibited some severe punishment. His left eye
was bleeding. Both down.
7.—Sampson, with considerable dexterity, broke
away from the weaving system. It was altogether
a good round, till both measured their lengths
on the ground.
8.—Martin missed a hit, and ran himself down.
9.—The Master of the Rolls slipped about all
over the ring, as if he had been sliding on a
pond, and at length went down.
10.—Martin run Sampson out of the ropes. Both
down.
11.—It was complete pully-haully on the part of
Martin, and he fell heavily on his opponent.
(Disapprobation.)
12.—Sampson fought well, and with great spirit,
but he could not resist the strength of Martin.
Sampson was severely fibbed at the ropes, till
both down.
13, 14.—From superior strength, Martin had the
best of these rounds.
15.—Sampson went to work in great style. He
nobbed his opponent, fibbed him terribly at the
ropes, and ultimately fell upon Martin. (A great
burst of applause from all parts of the ring,
and to Sampson the cry was, “Another such a
round and you may win it.”)
16.—Sampson commenced this round well, and again
sharply nobbed his opponent; but Martin run in
upon him, and by main strength pulled Sampson
down by his thighs at the ropes. “Foul, foul.”
“Fair, fair.” But the umpire did not notice it.
17.—At the ropes Sampson was so weak that he
could not hit Martin, when the latter kept
administering pepper severely, till his opponent
went down. It was evident Martin’s strength
could now win it.
18.—Martin went down after a few exchanges.
(Great shouting for Sampson; and the expressions
were, “We wish he may win it, because he has
fought so well.”)
19.—Martin now had got his opponent to his
wishes; he began to fight well, and nobbed
Sampson all over the ring. The claret was
running down his face in profusion. The rain too
was coming down in torrents. (Two and three to
one, but no takers.) Thirty minutes.
20.—Sampson went down from a severe blow in the
wind market. He could hardly be got up.
21.—Sampson was much distressed, and soon went
down. (“Take him away, he can’t win it.”)
22.—Sampson again down, but he would not give
in.
23.—Sampson was going very fast: he had not a
shadow of chance.
24 to 27.—All but gone; and a guinea to a
shilling was offered.
28, 29, and last.—Sampson, after being hit down,
could not come to the scratch when “Time” was
called; and Martin of course was pronounced the
victor.
REMARKS.—This fight did not add to the
reputation of Martin; on the contrary, it tended
to reduce him in the estimation of the amateurs
as a scientific boxer. He defeated Sampson more
from pulling and hauling than from severity of
hitting.
Martin, who was on a sparring tour, met with a little job on the second
day of the Lewes races, Friday, August 11, 1820, in consequence of a
Gipsy having boldly offered to fight any man on the ground. A purse of
twenty-five guineas was made up, and so confident was the Gipsy of
victory, that he begged the money (£6 or £7), collected for the loser,
might be added to the fund for the winner, which was accordingly done.
Clarke seconded Martin, and Davis the Gipsy. The battle was in a roped
ring, and lasted seventeen minutes. It is unnecessary to give the
details of the ten rounds. The Gipsy’s strength was foiled by the
Baker’s science, and Martin gained an easy conquest. The Gipsy was
severely punished. Martin scarcely received a scratch, and afterwards
walked to Brighton. Oliver was time-keeper. The greatest order
prevailed, and it was quite a treat to many of the fashionable visitors
at Brighton, and to the country joskins.
The above fight also, it seems, rather tended to reduce than raise
Martin’s character as a pugilist. Indeed, so much so that David Hudson
was matched against Martin with the utmost confidence for fifty guineas
a side. This match took place at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, October 24,
1820.
Bright Sol put the fanciers all in high spirits, and the swells and kids
left their beds with the expectation of having a gay milling day.
Moulsey Hurst, that delightful spot for a scientific contest, was again
the appointed place to muster, and the Bonifaces along the road, as soon
as the office was given, were seen rubbing their hands, their mugs
smiling with glee, and upon the look-out to welcome the old faces once
more to their houses. The Daffy Club, with its president, gave Bill Just
a turn, at the Half-way House, the Waggon and Horses, Kew Bridge, and
Bob Lawrence’s, at Hampton, were overflowing with company in every part.
The road, at an early period, exhibited lots of vehicles, and when the
rain came on the lads were too game even to mention it, except observing
one to another, “Push along, keep moving.” In a heavy shower of rain, at
half-past one, Martin appeared, and threw his hat in the ring, but the
high wind blew it out. Martin did not like this omen; he went and picked
it up, and again threw it in the ring. Dav. Hudson appeared soon
afterwards, and threw his hat also in the ring. Both the combatants were
loudly applauded. Owen and Belcher were the seconds for David Hudson;
and Randall and Spring officiated for Martin. The odds were in favour of
Hudson; in fact, it was booked to a certainty that the latter must win,
and nothing else. Five and six to four against Martin. Hudson tied his
colours, the yellow-man, to the stakes, Tom Owen, observing, at the same
time, he was the best little man in England; and Spring tied the blue
handkerchief for Martin over them.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, both men appeared in the
highest condition. Numerous as prize-fights have
been, one of the greatest novelties occurred in
the first round that had been witnessed. The men
stood before each other for upwards of seven
minutes in attitude, without making an attempt
to hit. The steadiness of Martin was beautiful,
and his length was so impressive that Hudson
was all caution, and did not like to give the
first blow. The latter was at length tired, and
put down his hands, saying, “Martin, if you do
not give a hit, I shall wait all day.” Hudson,
however, made an offer, and Martin got away.
Hudson again made a hit, which Martin stopped,
and, in return, with his left hand he gave the
latter a facer. The combatants closed, but broke
away, when Martin nobbed his opponent in style.
Another close took place, and, in breaking away,
Martin had again the best of his opponent. Some
blows were exchanged, and, in closing, both
down. The shouting was loud on both sides; but
Martin was the favourite ten to seven. This
round occupied ten minutes.
2.—The superiority of Martin not only astonished
the ring, but Hudson could not reach him; his
right hand, in all his former fights, was
dreadful, but he now used his left hand with
equal facility. He drew the first blood on
Hudson’s right cheek; but, in closing, both
down. (“Martin for £100.”)
3.—The goodness of Hudson was the praise of the
ring, but he was overmatched. Martin was nearly
a stone heavier than his opponent. The length of
Martin enabled him to put in facers with ease,
but Hudson returned, and got Martin down. (Loud
shouting.)
4.—This was a short round, and ultimately in
favour of Martin. Both down.
5.—Hudson showed he was not deficient in
strength, and, in closing this round, he threw
Martin with considerable dexterity.
6, 7.—The confidence of the amateurs began to
forsake them, and Martin was the hero of the
tale; his steadiness and fine fighting quite
astonished all present; in fact, he was quite a
general, till both down.
8.—Hudson received a dreadful blow on the top of
his nose, which produced the claret instantly;
but he attacked Martin with all the gameness of
a man determined to obtain victory, till the
round finished. Both down. (Seven to four on
Martin.)
9.—From the situation in which the men were
placed, it was evident that Martin must prove
the conqueror. Hudson was too short to commence
the attack: he could not plant a hit with any
degree of safety; in fact, he was beaten at both
points—at in and out fighting. Martin went down
from a slip.
10, 11.—In straggling for the throws, also,
Martin showed improved qualities.
12.—After considerable difficulty at the ropes,
Martin went down; but Hudson was severely fibbed
by Martin.
13.—This was altogether a fine round on both
sides. The courage of Hudson was of the highest
quality; but there was a mastery about the
science of Martin that astonished the ring, on
reflection, that ever Randall or Turner should
have defeated him. Martin hit Hudson terribly in
the body, and also nobbed him till he went down.
14.—Hudson’s left eye was nearly closed, and he
had been much distressed for wind in several of
the preceding rounds, but Martin was a little
weak, and went down.
15.—Every round was now closing to the
disadvantage of Hudson. The length of Martin
enabled him to hit his opponent in all
directions, till he went down exhausted.
16.—Hudson now appeared like a drunken man, and
came staggering to the scratch, when Martin hit
Hudson away from him three times, with severe
facers and also punished him down. (“It’s all
up,” was the general cry.) Martin slipped down.
17.—It was only the goodness of Hudson that
could have induced him to continue the contest.
His hits were short; in fact, he could not get
at Martin, the guard of the latter was so
lengthy and firm. Hudson again received some
tremendous nobbers on the right side of his
head, till he went down.
18 and last.—Hudson was punished in all
directions till he went down. He was lifted up
by his seconds, but when time was called he
could not answer the sound, and victory was of
course declared in favour of Martin, in
thirty-nine minutes and ten seconds.
REMARKS.—Martin, it seems, was held much too
cheap. It was expected by the amateurs in
general that he would have been beaten off hand.
He has, however, raised himself by his superior
fighting in this battle to the top of the tree.
He has conquered one of the best little men
of the day, with a heart like a lion, and
considered also a first-rate boxer. This
circumstance alone is saying a great deal for
him in the sporting world; but he has also
conquered in succession, Josh. Hudson, Cabbage,
the Birmingham youth, a big Johnny Raw, at the
Lewes Races, and, lastly, Dav. Hudson. Martin
has only been defeated by Randall and Turner;
and the former has also beaten Oliver’s brother,
Paddington Johnson, and the hardy Scroggins.
Hudson did not hit Martin heavily, while the
blows of the latter operated with the severity
of a horse’s kick, and he retired from the ring
little the worse for blows. Martin could have
beaten another Dav. Hudson in the same ring. The
latter was severely punished. Martin weighed
eleven stone six pounds on this occasion.
We have already noticed Martin’s pedestrian capabilities. On Thursday,
March 11, 1819, at Brixton Causeway, Martin cleverly defeated a well
known runner, “the Chicken Butcher,” in a half mile race for £10, the
professional giving Martin a start of twenty-five yards.
Martin now considered that experience and success in the ring would
justify him in calling upon Turner for a second trial of skill.
Preliminaries were arranged and Tuesday, June 5, 1821, appointed as the
day of battle. The rendezvous was Crawley Hurst. The cognoscenti booked
this affair as a “gift” of 100 guineas to Turner; and as he had beaten
Martin so cleverly in 1819, in one hour and seven minutes, with a bad
knee, it was now betted evens that he won the battle within an hour.
Turner was first in the ring, attended by Tom Belcher and Randall;
Martin soon after him, waited upon by Tom Spring and a Norwich amateur.
Colours—light blue for Martin, and dark blue for Turner, were tied to
the stakes by their respective seconds, and the men stood up for
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The Master of the Rolls commenced
practice without delay, but hit short with
the right hand, Turner getting away. Martin,
not dismayed, followed Turner so quickly,
endeavouring to plant some hits, that the
latter was nearly falling, but he recovered
his balance, when an exchange of blows
occurred. Martin appeared so impetuous in
his attack, that Turner sung out, “Hollo!
hollo! Go it, my lad!” The Master of the
Rolls planted a heavy blow on Turner’s
throat. A pause. Turner got away from some
blows, and, with his left hand put in a
severe hit on Martin’s eye, which almost
closed it. Martin, with his left hand, gave
a heavy body blow; he also put in a facer.
Ned now went to work, sharp blows passed
between them, and, in closing, the weaving
system was resorted to, till both went down.
2.—Turner hit Martin’s guard down. A pause.
Ned’s left hand again told on the nob of his
opponent, and he got away. In closing at the
ropes, some sharp milling took place, when
Turner was down, and undermost.
3.—It was evident that Martin meant nothing but
fighting, and they alternately followed each
other over the ring. In closing, Martin held
Turner fast, and punished him till he slipped or
went down from a slight blow.
4.—Martin confidently put in another body blow,
and also a facer, when Turner was nearly
falling, but he recovered his position. This was
a good round; both men fought till they were
distressed, and the knees of Turner trembled
considerably. Martin bored in, and got Turner
down.
5, 6, and 7.—These rounds were well contested,
and although Turner fought at points he did not
do that execution which had been so decidedly
witnessed in his former battles. Martin,
however, showed the first blood.
8 to 11.—Turner stood well in the opinion of the
amateurs. He had proved himself a game man, a
dangerous fighter, and one that would not go
away for a trifle; but if Turner put in a hit,
he got a blow in return for it. Martin fell very
heavy on Turner. Randall cried out to Martin
he would bet seven to four. “I’ll take it,”
answered Martin, and went to work to win it.
12 to 15.—Martin put in several severe blows
about the lower ribs of his opponent, and also
some facers. In fact, Martin was now getting the
best of it; but the friends of Turner were so
much attached to him they could not perceive the
fact.
16.—The Master of the Rolls put in a batch of
hits—three facers without a return. Turner
endeavoured to turn this round in his favour,
but, on the contrary, Martin put in a severe
body blow, and Turner fell.
17.—A long pause. At in-fighting Martin proved
himself the best man; he also put in a blow
on the nose of his opponent that produced the
claret. In closing, Turner went down, undermost.
The odds were all used up, and even betting, but
Martin for choice.
18, 19.—Turner went down awkwardly. Murmurings,
and an appeal to the umpires. Several amateurs
insisted Turner went down without a blow, but
the fight went on.
20 to 25.—Martin, in the whole of these rounds,
if he did not show off in style, had the best of
them.
26 to 30.—In the last round, on Turner’s going
down, an appeal was made to the umpires.
31 to 36.—Turner could not stop the body blows
of his opponent; in fact, he was getting weak,
and also getting the worst of it. (“One hour,”
said the time-keeper, “has passed away.” Martin
answered, “I can fight for six hours.”)
37 to 40.—Two to one in favour of Martin. An
appeal was made to the umpires that Turner had
again gone down without a blow. “You are
mistaken,” said one of the umpires, “I should
not like to have had it.” The other umpire
appeared to have doubts on the subject, when the
referee observed he saw nothing foul.
41.—Martin put in another body blow without any
return being made. Some blows were exchanged as
Martin followed Turner over the ring, when the
latter went down.
42.—Both down after an exchange of blows.
43.—Turner seemed getting second wind, and put
in a severe left-handed hit on Martin’s
forehead that made the claret follow
profusely. “It’s all right now,” said a few of
the over-the-water-boys; “give him the
Bermondsey screw, Ned.” Martin, although
getting the worst of this round, followed up
his opponent till he went down.
44, 45.—Turner made some sharp hits, but was
down in both these rounds.
46.—Turner hit Martin bang in the head, and got
away. Some exchanges were made, and when Martin
followed Turner, the latter once more dropped;
the former again remarked “That Ned went down
without a blow,” and immediately went up to the
umpires to complain. “Foul, foul,” and “Fair,
fair,” resounded from all parts of the ring. In
consequence of so much scandalous dereliction of
duty, Martin, in a violent passion, said “he was
not used well,” and endeavoured to get over the
ropes: in fact, one of his legs was half out,
and he would have bolted if Spring had not, with
great presence of mind, held him fast, and thus
saved him from losing the battle. Mr. Jackson
here interfered, and observed to the pugilists
in the ring, that neither the fighting men nor
their seconds had any right to interfere; nor,
indeed, any other person but the umpires, who
were appointed to watch the motions of the men,
and if they disagreed, then a final appeal must
be made to the referee.
47.—Martin still appeared very angry, and it was
thought that he was giving a chance away, from
the effects of passion. But he cooled upon it,
a good round was the result, and Martin sent
Turner down. (Loud shouting from the “dead men”
party, and exclaiming, “It’s all right again,
and Jack’s alive.”) Turner, while sitting on his
second’s knee, however, seemed to think he was
winning the battle, as he gave the office with a
smile to some of his friends, by putting one of
his fingers to his tongue.
48 to 50.—Some fighting on both sides, but
Turner went down in all these rounds.
51.—Turner put in a sharp facer. Martin followed
him and exchanged blows. A trifling pause.
Martin, in following Turner till down, again
complained that he went down without a hit. “I
shall decide fairly, depend upon it,” said Mr.
Jackson; “he not only received a hit, but his
foot caught in a hole,” pointing to the place.
52 to 54.—The two first rounds were well fought.
In the last, Martin again made an appeal to the
umpires. Mr. Jackson repeated, that if anything
unfair occurred, the umpires would notice it.
55.—Exchanges. Martin put in a severe facer.
During a short pause Martin said, “You are a
game man, Ned but you must lose it.” Ultimately
Turner went down. The latter appeared to hit
round, and it seemed as if one of his hands had
gone. Martin’s right hand was also in a bad
state.
56.—Turner was getting quite weak, but he seemed
to have no idea of losing. Martin hit Turner on
the head, and he went down terribly distressed.
57.—Both down, Martin uppermost.
58.—Few, if any, persons round the ring had an
idea that the battle was so near over. This
was a severe round to Ned; in fact, it was the
tie-up of the fight. He received a severe blow
on the body, and also a sharp one upon his head,
when he went down.
59.—Turner endeavoured to make play, but it was
all up. Martin fibbed him severely at the ropes,
got Turner down, and fell on him with his knee
nearly on his throat.
60 and last.—In a struggle Martin fell with all
his weight on Turner. Turner was placed on his
second’s knee. Martin, who was most anxiously
viewing the state of his brave but fallen
opponent with one eye, was with the other
looking anxiously for the umpires to call
“time.” The game Turner did not hear it, and
Martin gave a jump on being proclaimed the
victor, and ran out of the ring towards his
vehicle. After Turner had been taken care of,
and led out of the ring, Randall (apparently in
great rage) threw up his hat and offered to
fight Martin for £300 a-side, in three months.
“I’ll bet five to one,” said an amateur, “no one
dares to make it.”
The amateur, in offering the above bet, had miscalculated, for Martin,
having turned the tables upon one adversary, appeared to think it would
be an easy task to do so with another, and very shortly after the above
fight reminded Randall of his offer, and declared his readiness to
accept it. This was just the proposition that suited Randall, and the
match being made, came off, as we have already stated (_ante_, p. 351),
on the 11th of September, ending in the defeat of Martin, in one round
and eight minutes and a half.
Martin was matched for £100 a side with Aby Belasco, but the Jew’s
friends paid forfeit.
The following matrimonial announcement may serve as a specimen of
sporting paragraphs half a century ago.
“GREAT RING MATCH.—None but the brave deserve the fair! A celebrated
pugilist, who has twice entered the lists with Randall, made a tie with
Turner, disposed of Oliver the second, conquered Paddington Johnson,
floored the hardy Scroggins, got the best of Josh. Hudson, polished off
a big Gipsy, caused Dav. Hudson to blink and Cabbage to wink, and
finally lowered the leek of the gallant Ned Turner—who has lately
moreover become known as a first-rate ‘turf-man,’ and at all times as an
upright and well-behaved man—appeared a few days since at the hymeneal
scratch, at Lambeth, where he duly signed articles (for a match of
£2,500 down) with a young lady, no time specified, but understood to be
for life.
“Of his feats and his battles he surely may sing,
Whose first and last prizes were gained by the ring.”
Martin, from this period, was well known and universally respected. He
became a boniface, and it would have been well had he not been tempted
to return to the ring he had quitted as a conqueror.
After a lapse of seven years, diversified only by a match with Jem Burn,
to fight in October 20, 1824, which ended in a “draw” of the stakes,
Martin was induced by irritated feelings to challenge young Dutch Sam
(Samuel Evans). The circumstances of his defeat, which took place
November 4, 1828, at Knowle Hill, Berks, will be found under the memoir
of the victor in Period VI.
Martin for many years was the landlord of the Crown at Croydon; he
subsequently removed to the Horns Tavern, Kennington. He finally
retired, first to St. Alban’s, and afterwards to a rural retreat in
Devon, where he long resided. He died in the year 1871, aged 75, having
become a convert for many years to the doctrines and practice of total
abstinence from liquor, and a strict vegetarian.
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