In consequence of the storm having separ_Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 1 (of 3) Containing Lives of the Most Celebrated Pugilists; Full Reports of Their Battles from Contemporary Newspapers, With Authentic Portraits, Personal Anecdotes, and Sketches of the Principal Patrons of the Prize Ring, Forming a Complete History of the Ring from Fig and Broughton, 1719-40, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863

hurry at North Walsham, on Monday, July 17, at the close of Martin and

the Birmingham Youth’s battle, the fancy found themselves weather-bound

at Norwich, and in lack of amusement, when a novice of the name of

Redgreaves offered himself to the notice of a London swell for a turn-up

with Dick. It was thought Redgreaves was a yokel; but, upon further

scrutiny, it turned out that he was a Clerkenweller, and, like some

others of the milling tribe, fancied he could fight a bit, and was

determined to chance it. Dick, the game little Dick, always ready to

improve his circumstances, did not value giving a few pounds in weight

to his opponent; and, after the London manner, this battle took place in

an elegant room, by candle-light, only a few being admitted to the

exhibition. At eleven o’clock on Tuesday night, July 18, Dick stripped,

Randall and Shelton taking him under their especial care. Redgreaves was

well attended by Purcell and O’Donnell. Five to four on Dick.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Dick, without hesitation, went to

work to ascertain what sort of pluck this new

customer possessed; but Redgreaves was not

intimidated, and returned the compliment as

quickly. The result was that Dick went down.

2.—Redgreaves seemed full of fight, and a hard

hitter; exchanged blows with his adversary in a

manly manner. Dick put in a tremendous nobbing

right-handed blow, but in a struggle was thrown.

3.—Dick’s nob received some sharp pepper in this

round; he, nevertheless, got Redgreaves down.

4.—A complete milling round on both sides.

Redgreaves had none the worst of it. Both went

down.

5.—Redgreaves got Dick under his arm and fibbed

him heavily, but the latter extricated himself,

turned round, and went down.

6.—Dick missed a heavy blow, and fell.

7.—This was a good round. Redgreaves showed he

was a heavy hitter, and nearly stove in Dick’s

ribs. The latter gnashed his teeth and went

down.

8.—Dick was thrown heavily.

9.—Dick put in a tremendous bodier that gave his

opponent some losing notions, but went down.

10.—Redgreaves came to the scratch cruelly

distressed. Randall offered a guinea to a crown

that he would not fight above another round.

11 and last.—Dick unscrewed the pepper-box,

and dealt out the punishment so hard and so

fast that Redgreaves went down, and could not

come to the scratch. It was over in fifteen

minutes. Dick got £9, and Redgreaves £ 2 10_s._

The ribs of the former were terribly swelled.

Redgreaves was not a very easy customer, and

the well-breeched yokels pronounced it a manly

fight.

Dick, for a small subscription purse, fought Mason (well known at the

Fives Court, for his repeated sets-to with Lennox) at Chesterfield

Races, on Thursday, July 27, 1820. Mason had not the slightest chance

whatever, and Dick was pronounced conqueror in sixteen minutes.

Dick entered the lists with a man of the name of Hellick, a shipwright,

for a purse of £ 15, at Kit’s Cot House, three miles and a half from

Maidstone, on Monday, August 21, 1820. The milling fame of Dick, who had

fought nineteen prize battles, five of which occurred within the short

space of four months, attracted a numerous assemblage of persons.

Hellick was a well-known good man, upwards of a stone heavier than Dick.

Bob Purcell and Jackson handled the former; Shelton and Cooper attended

upon the latter. Dick was quite out of condition, but he was never out

of pluck; and a good battle was the result of their exertions. It

occupied twenty-six minutes, and nineteen rounds were spiritedly

contested. Dick emptied the pepper-box upon his opponent’s mug in the

first fourteen rounds, and made many severe attacks upon his victualling

office; but the game of Hellick was not to be reduced, and in the

fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth rounds, Dick had it in

such severe style that the shipwright, it was thought, would come into

harbour victorious; but in the nineteenth and last round, Dick, by a

sort of _coup de grace_ effort, gave Hellick a forgetter, added to a

sharp cross-buttock; he fell upon his neck, and it was all U P, to the

great mortification of the yokels, who had sported their money on the

dockyard man.

We have met with no record of the death of this pugilist.

ABY BELASCO—1817‒1824.

During the thirty years preceding 1820, it is but candid to admit that

the Jews made a very prominent feature in the pugilistic circles; but

from the period that “Old Time” compelled Mendoza to retire from the

field of fame, and defeat and death removed Dutch Sam from the prize

ring, the glories of the children of Judah became overcast. Indeed, such

men as the two first-named were rather a disadvantage even to good ones

who might come after them. A century might elapse before two such boxers

as Mendoza and Dutch Sam appeared in the prize ring, although for some

time the “peoplesh” endeavoured to set up the subject of the present

sketch in their place.

Aby Belasco was born on the 9th of April, 1797, and when he first

exhibited with the gloves, he gave such promising milling specimens that

high hopes were entertained by the Israelites, and their expectations

were increased from his conquests, in succession, over Cribb’s

coal-heaver, Josh. Hudson, and Payne.

Belasco was in his day a boxer of superior talent, a master of the

science, not wanting for game, not deficient in strength, of an athletic

make, a penetrating eye, and in the ring full of life and activity. His

fighting weight was ten stone and a half, and in height Abraham was five

feet six inches and a half.

Belasco’s first battle of note was with a man denominated “Cribb’s

coal-eaver,” in consequence of his being under the patronage of the

champion. This contest was for a subscription purse of five guineas,

collected for a second fight. The activity and science displayed by

Belasco on this occasion attracted the attention of the amateurs, and he

was viewed as a pugilist of rising abilities. In the course of thirty

minutes the superiority of Belasco was so decisive that the coal-heaver

was glad to acknowledge he had had enough. Belasco now obtained the

general patronage of the Jews.

Near the Barge House at Woolwich, Belasco entered the lists with the

afterwards renowned Josh Hudson. It was a well-fought battle on both

sides, and was contested with great spirit and science for one hour and

thirty minutes, when the smiles of victory again crowned the efforts of

the promising Israelite.

Our hero, it seems, was down at Moulsey Hurst on Thursday, April 3,

1817, to witness the fight between Randall and West Country Dick, and,

not to lose sight of the “main chance,” he filled up his time on the

ground in disposing of oranges, thus uniting pleasure with profit, when

he was unexpectedly called upon to enter the ring with “Jack the

butcher” (Payne), for a subscription purse. Belasco, without hesitation,

put down his basket of fruit, peeled himself instead of his oranges, and

instantly prepared for action.

He was seconded by two of his own people; Jack was attended by

Paddington Jones and Dolly Smith.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Jack, full of bustle, went to work,

planted three hits, and had the best of the

round till they closed, when Belasco got him

against the ropes, fibbed Jack severely, and

both went down.

2.—The latter did not appear to like the Jew,

and held down his head. Belasco went in with

great gaiety, again fibbed the Butcher, and

dropped him.

3.—This was a spirited round, and Jack showed

fight. Some good blows were exchanged, till the

fibbing system was introduced by the Jew, when

both went down, Belasco undermost.

4.—The Butcher’s nob now showed the handywork of

the Jew, the claret was flowing copiously. In

this round Belasco appeared to do as he liked

with his opponent: he punished him in all

directions, and, by way of concluding, like a

good workman, floored the Butcher, and jumped

over him as he lay on the ground. (Great

shouting.)

5.—Jack appeared at the scratch, but he soon ran

himself down.

6.—The Jew behaved like a true Christian in this

round. He had it all his own way; but when he

got the Butcher on the ropes, in a perilous

situation, he was too manly to take advantage of

it, lifting up his hands and walking away amidst

thunders of applause.

7.—Belasco nobbed Jack with the utmost ease, and

ultimately sent him down. It was rather a sharp

round.

8.—In closing, the Jew fibbed his opponent

terribly, till both fell over the ropes. (Seven

to four on Belasco.)

9.—It was evident the Butcher wished to avoid

the fist of his adversary: he held down his

head. In struggling, both again out of the

ropes.

10.—Jack turned away from his man, but got

peppered for so doing, and was ultimately sent

down.

11.—The Butcher could not keep his head out of

chancery, and was floored. (Great applause.)

12.—Jack seemed quite sick, and curred it down

without a blow. (Disapprobation.)

13.—Both down, but Belasco took the lead.

14.—After the exchange of a few blows, Jack was

fibbed down, his face covered with claret.

15.—If the Butcher possessed anything like

resolution or bottom he might have stood some

chance; but his fighting was all momentarily,

either desperate or currish. Cool judgment did

not work any of his attempts. He, nevertheless,

made some good hits; but, in closing, was again

fibbed till both went down. (Any odds upon the

Jew.)

16 and last.—The Butcher ran at the Jew

furiously, but it was too late to turn the

scale, and he received such a floorer that he

would not again appear at the scratch. The

battle continued seventeen minutes and a half.

Belasco retired from the contest without a

scratch, and proved the conqueror in first-rate

style.

In consequence of the friends of Davis, the milkman, paying forfeit to

Belasco, he was hastily matched with Reynolds. In this battle he

sustained defeat.[168]

Notwithstanding this reverse of fortune, Aby’s partisans did not desert

him, and he was considered an able competitor for the accomplished

Randall. He was accordingly matched with the Nonpareil, eight weeks only

having elapsed since his heavy fight with Reynolds. It is true Belasco

was defeated, but it is equally true that he gained much approbation as

a skilful boxer; and the battle between the Jew and Randall, in a

scientific point of view, stands equal to anything on the records of

pugilism. See RANDALL, _ante_, p. 333.

While Belasco was on a sparring tour with Mendoza in Gloucestershire, in

the summer of 1818, he fought the Winchcomb champion, on the race-course

at Cheltenham, a thirteen stone man, for 20 guineas a-side. Abraham won

in the short space of twelve minutes.

In the same year, on the 9th of December, Belasco entered the lists at

Coventry with Joe Townsend, who was considered the leading boxer in that

place. Townsend fancied that he could beat Belasco off hand, and put

down his watch and five guineas to back himself. He was a twelve stone

man. Aby at that period only weighed ten stone ten pounds. Belasco

proved conqueror in twenty-four minutes.

On Aby’s returning to London he was matched with Phil. Sampson for 50

guineas a-side. The battle took place at Potter’s Street, in Essex,

twenty-one miles from London, on Tuesday, February 22, 1819. This fight

was brought to a wrangle, but the money was ultimately given up to

Belasco. See Life of PHIL. SAMPSON, Period VI.

The Jew and the Birmingham Youth were continually quarrelling upon the

subject, and a second fight took place between them. See _ibid_. A third

fight, with the gloves, at the Tennis Court (_ibid_); and a fourth also

occurred before doubts about each other’s merits could be decided

(_ibid_).

Belasco left London for Bristol to fight Cabbage for 100 guineas a-side,

in October, 1820; but, on his arrival in the above city, the friends of

Cabbage would not advance the money. Belasco, however, was well received

by the Bristolians, who, to make up for his disappointment, gave him a

most excellent benefit.

In the autumn of 1820 Aby was down at Norwich, with most of the London

pugilists, to witness the second mill between Ned Painter and Tom Oliver

(detailed in this history, in the Life of PAINTER, vol. ii., pp. 85‒88),

when, on the following day, some little misunderstanding occurred

between an amateur of Norwich and Belasco, the latter challenging the

swell with offering his brother, Izzy Belasco, a sum of money to fight a

cross with the Bergh Apton groom; the amateur hereon offered Josh.

Hudson £5 if he would give the Jew a thump on the head for his

insolence. This, however, passed over; but when the sherry was

circulating quickly, at Gurney’s Bowling Green, some chaffing occurred

between these old opponents, and Hudson struck Belasco. This was enough,

and which was better man was decided instantly upon an elegant Turkey

carpet. Spring supported the claims of Josh. Hudson; the Master of the

Rolls gave his assistance to the scientific Israelite; and thirty-five

rounds were contested in the most spirited manner, occupying upwards of

forty minutes. Hudson was terribly punished about the head; but such was

his determined courage that, although his shoulder went out two or three

times, and was reduced to its proper situation by Spring, yet he

insisted upon renewing the battle, and continued to fight till Belasco

observed, they were both weak, and that, as he should get nothing, he

(Belasco) would not contend any longer, but that he would fight Hudson

for £100 in London at any time the latter would appoint. Belasco

unquestionably won the fight, as he twice waited upwards of one minute

while the shoulder of Hudson was reduced. The Birmingham Youth gave his

bets, two guineas, as did Spring, one guinea, to Hudson. Belasco

received a dreadful hit on his right eye; but this blow, the Jew

asserted, was given previous to fighting. Hudson was rather inebriated;

and next morning, in company with Scroggins, went to an eminent surgeon,

who not only pronounced that his shoulder had been “out of its place,”

but advised Hudson to take great care of himself, as he would not be

enabled to enter the ring again for at least a twelvemonth. This affair

took place on Wednesday, July 19, 1820.

Aby’s next turn was with Phil. Sampson (third battle, December 21,

1820), a glove fight, already noticed in a paragraph above.

Pat Halton was about this time brought out as a wonder. According to

report he had beaten all Irish opponents in an unapproachable style. He

was in height five feet eleven inches, and in weight eleven stone. His

fame, which had gone before him, was challenged by Aby Belasco for £50

a-side, and the event came off at Harpenden Common, near St. Alban’s, on

the 8th of April, 1823.

Aby arrived on the ground in a barouche and four, supported by some

swells of his tribe; and at one o’clock his seconds, Richmond and Ben

Burn, threw up his topper. In a few minutes, Pat Halton, arm-in-arm with

his backer, a sporting Irish captain, followed by Randall and Josh.

Hudson, repeated the token of defiance. The odds were guineas to pounds

on Belasco. Tho colours, yellow for the Jew, and green (_à la_ Randall)

for Halton, were tied to the stakes.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—On stripping, the lathy appearance of

Paddy astonished his backers beyond description:

his ribs were bare, his legs and arms were thin,

his countenance pale, his lips white, and, in

fact, he was as light as a cork. Belasco, on the

contrary, was never in more prime trim. Some

little squaring at each other occurred, when the

Jew gave his opponent a tap on the cheek; Paddy

returned without effect. Halton again missed.

A long pause. Belasco planted another facer

without any return. Halton’s right hand missed

the Jew. At length some exchanges took place,

and Belasco hit Halton as he was going down.

2.—The Irishman showed first blood; he had

napped a clumsy thump on his left ear. After a

few exchanges, in a close, the Jew fibbed his

opponent; but Halton got the throw, and Belasco

was undermost.

3.—The Jews were in raptures, and the judges of

milling had made up their minds as to the

result. Belasco hit his opponent on the body

without any return; a facer ditto. This conduct

made Halton angry, and he missed the Jew.

Belasco gave another bodier without return; also

a nobber Halton missed; in fact, he did not come

near enough to hit his opponent. Belasco again

fibbed his opponent at the ropes, but Halton got

the throw. (Six to four on the Jew.)

4 and 5.—Belasco bodied his opponent several

times, and got away with the greatest ease. In

the latter round Belasco caught hold of his

adversary by the hip. Randall said, “Foul! and

if Belasco did so again he would take Halton out

of the ring.”

6.—It was evident the Irishman had no chance; he

went down from a hit.

7.—Belasco received a severe lunging hit on

the side of his head. The leariness of the Jew

was peculiarly striking in this round. Belasco

gave Halton a body blow, and got away cleverly;

repeated this liberty, tried it on a third time

with equal success, when Aby burst out into a

loud laugh. Halton endeavoured to return, but

his hits were all out of distance.

8.—Halton missed numerous hits. A short rally

took place, and the Irishman’s head was sent out

of the ropes; but he got it in the ring again,

when his left eye was nearly hit up. A pause.

Halton missed his adversary, when the Jew gave

him a clean knock-down blow.

9.—This was a sharp round, and Belasco received

two or three hits on his body and arms. Some

exchanges took place, and as the Jew was

endeavouring to get away he received a hit on

the chest that floored him, but he jumped on his

knees instantly. (A rare shout for Halton.)

10.—The Irishman’s face was clareted, and he

had napped pepper: he never had a chance of

winning. Some exchanges took place, but to

the disadvantage of Halton, although the Jew

went down. (Murmurs from Halton’s party; and

exclamations, “The Jew went down without a

hit!”)

11 and last.—On appearing at the scratch,

Halton’s nob was materially altered, from the

punishment in the last round; and Belasco made

an attempt at finishing his work. Some sharp

blows passed, and the Irishman went down.

Belasco, in falling, touched the face of his

opponent with one of his knees. Randall called

out “Foul!” and said he would take his man out

of the ring. Halton said to the umpires, “It is

foul!” The latter replied they saw nothing

unfair, and desired the fight to proceed.

Randall, however, took his man out of the ring,

regardless of their decision; and when time was

called, Belasco appeared at the scratch. Hudson,

who had not left his post, and in the bustle had

lost sight of Randall and Halton, was looking

after them; but the Jew, having no opponent to

meet him, was declared by the umpires to be the

winner. Considerable confusion ensued, and a

comical scene tied up the matter, producing

roars of laughter from the spectators in the

wagons. Tho roped ring was instantly filled with

persons of every description, all eager to learn

the event. A Babel row commenced, followed by a

general fight, and many blows were given and

received. It was the general opinion that Halton

could not have fought two more rounds. However

all the bets, or nearly so, were paid, and the

stakes given up to Belasco upon the stakeholder

receiving the undersigned document.

“_To the Stakeholder, the President of the D. C._

“SIR,

“We are of opinion, as umpires of the battle

between Belasco and Halton, that Belasco won the

fight fairly, and is entitled to the stakes.

“J. H.

“J. B. C.

“_April 9, 1823._”

Belasco left the ring almost without a mark. The

battle had lasted twenty-seven minutes when the

interruption took place.

Belasco a fourth time met Sampson, at Crawley Hurst, August 19, 1823,

and was once again beaten. See SAMPSON, Period VI.

Resolved not to close his fistic career in defeat, Belasco, though he

had formally retired and become an L. V. in Whitechapel, presented

himself, after Dick Curtis and Ayres had finished their battle at

Shepperton Grange, May 25, 1824, with the enquiry whether George Weston,

who had promised Aby a thrashing, intended to carry out his threat? The

insult to Belasco, it appears, had occurred during the fight between Ned

Neale and Tom Gaynor. Weston declared his readiness, and £16 were

immediately put into a purse by the amateurs. The battle was a

burlesque: Aby so punished Weston all over the ring, that he surrendered

after three rounds.

From this period Aby figured merely as a second and a sparrer. His later

career was disreputable, as a keeper of low gambling houses, night

houses, supper rooms, and such like resorts of midnight and morning

debauchery, which brought him into repeated conflicts with the law. His

life no further concerns the history of the ring.

CY. DAVIS, “THE GAY BRISTOL BOY”—1818‒1823.

Cyrus Davis was one of those boxers who shine with a reflected light,

borrowed from the renown of the man they have conquered; his defeat of

the game and scientific Ned Turner establishing his claim to notice, and

also his extensive acquaintance as a tradesman, in after life, first in

the vicinity of old Smithfield Market, where for many years he was

landlord of the Bear and Ragged Staff, of the Plough, in Giltspur

Street, and subsequently an L. V. at the New Cattle Market, Islington.

Cyrus was born in the Broadway, Bristol, November 27, 1795, and was, at

fourteen years of age, apprenticed to a butcher. His height was five

feet nine inches, his weight a trifle under eleven stone, far exceeded

in his later days. His appearance was prepossessing, and his first

lessons in the art were received from his townsman, George Nicholls,

celebrated as the only conqueror of Cribb. Pierce Egan gives the usual

early undated victories to Davis, which we pass to come to his first

recorded London display.

Davis was introduced to the cognoscenti of the metropolis by Tom

Belcher, and attracted much notice by his activity in sparring and

decisive precision of hitting. Cy. was taken down to Rickmansworth by

his patron, on Friday, June 10, 1818, to witness the battle between Neat

and Oliver (see NEAT, Vol. II., Period V., Chapter IV.) That event

decided, there was a purse of twenty guineas to be disposed of, five

guineas for the loser. Abraham Belasco offered himself, when young

Cyrus, stepping into the ring, offered to accommodate the circumcised

champion. The members of the P. C. were delighted. Tom Belcher and Tom

Cribb volunteered themselves as seconds to the young Bristolian, and the

Israelite was picked up by Tom Jones and Cropley. Two to one on Davis.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The style of fighting exhibited by Cy.

was something after the manner of Tom Belcher

when that pugilist first entered the London

ring. Davis went to work rapidly, with one,

two. It was a sharp round altogether; but Davis

took the lead and sent Belasco down. (Great

applause.)

2.—One of Davis’s eyes was a little touched,

but he again went sharply to work. The Jew, in

closing, endeavoured to fib his opponent, and

also threw him.

3.—This was a short round. Davis went down from

a slight hit, or rather a slip; he instantly

jumped up laughing, ready to renew the attack,

but Belasco sat down on his second’s knee.

4.—The liveliness of Davis was the admiration of

the ring. He had it all his own way this round,

and, with a tremendous right-handed hit, he

floored Belasco. (Tumultuous applause.) 5 to 2

on Davis.

5.—Cy. endeavoured to repeat the dose, but

without the desired effect. The Jew received

some sharp facers, but in return got Davis down.

6.—In this round the fine science displayed by

Belasco was much praised. He stopped six blows

in succession of his opponent: nevertheless

Belasco was sent down.

7.—Some sharp work, till Belasco, in closing,

fibbed Davis severely till he went down.

8.—The milling talents of Davis in this round

were conspicuous: he dealt out much severe

punishment to Belasco with his right hand, and

with great quickness gave the Jew a back-hander,

when he went down like a shot. (Tumultuous

applause, and “It’s all your own, Davis.”)

9.—Belasco looked rather queerish on arriving at

the scratch, when Davis finished him with a

right-handed flooring hit. It was all over in

ten minutes. Belasco would not fight any more.

REMARKS.—Davis throughout the above battle was

as gay as a dancing-master. His appearance and

mode of hitting prepossessed the amateurs in

his favour. The quickness of Davis was truly

astonishing, undressing himself, getting into

the ring, and winning the battle only occupied

our hero fifteen minutes. Belasco, it was urged

by his own “peoplesh,” was not in condition; and

therefore the £5 had some charms for him as a

losing man. However, he could not have won that

day.

Davis, soon after this battle, returned to follow his business at

Bristol, but he had made so strong an impression on the amateurs that

Cy. was soon brought to town and matched against Ned Turner for 100

guineas a-side. They fought at Wallingham Common, Surrey, on Friday,

June 18, 1819. How he was defeated may be seen at p. 385, _ante_.

Moulsey Hurst, the delight of the fancy for its velvet turf, was, on

Tuesday, August 24, 1819, again selected for a British and Irish

pugilistic display of manhood. Boshell, recently imported from Paddy’s

Land, was known on the Curragh from a spirited turn-up there, but an

entire stranger to the London prize ring, except from the good character

given of him by Randall. In a trial set-to with the latter it was

thought by some of his countrymen that he might establish himself among

the light weights; therefore he was backed for 50 guineas a-side.

Davis’s recent defeat with Turner had placed him rather in the

back-ground; but the good judges viewed it as an easy thing for the

“Bristol Boy,” and two to one on Davis was offered on the preceding

evening at the sporting houses. The old ring goers and a sprinkling of

the Corinthians were present. On the Commander-in-chief[169] and his

party crossing the water, the combatants were ordered to prepare for

action; and Boshell, with much confidence, threw his hat into the ring,

attended by Tom Jones and Larkins. Davis, waited upon by Harmer and

Shelton as his seconds, answered the challenge. The hands were crossed

in friendship, and the men set-to.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Boshell looked compact and well, but

the remains of a small blister appeared on his

lower ribs. Davis was as fine as could be

wished, and smiled as if confident of success.

The attitude and manner of Boshell soon

convinced the amateurs that science was not his

_forte_. Davis tapped him on the arm and got

away; ditto and ditto; some little sparring;

when Davis let fly, and a sharp facer was the

result. Two or three awkward exchanges occurred,

and Boshell planted a heavy body hit. They

fought into a close, and, after some little

struggling, Davis was thrown, and undermost.

(Seven to four, and two to one was loudly

offered on Davis.)

2.—The Bristol Boy soon put in a facer, that not

only drew the pink, but seemed like an electric

shock on the upper works of poor Paddy. Some

awkward blows again passed. The Irishman got the

throw. (Three to one upon Davis.)

3.—Davis, with his left hand, put one of Paddy’s

eyes into mourning. Boshell, however, made some

good stops, but he had not a single point

towards finishing a round well. Davis was again

undermost. (All betters; and “It will soon be

over,” was the cry.)

4.—Boshell showed himself as game a bit of stuff

as ever peeled in this round. The hitting was

sharp on both sides, but Davis got away, and

Boshell, in following him, received one of the

Bristol Boy’s lunging hits on the nose, when he

instantly fell on his face, the claret flowing

rapidly. (“It’s all up now; he can’t fight two

more rounds.” Oliver offered five to one on

the last event, and twenty to one he lost the

battle.)

5.—Boshell came up distressed, but game as a

Purcell, and endeavoured to lash out. He was,

however, milled all over the ring, and fell at

the ropes, rolling over on his face exhausted.

6.—The mug of Paddy was a picture of punishment;

both his eyes damaged and his face altogether

changed. Fresh milling was added, but he

nevertheless threw Davis.

7.—This was a sharp round. Boshell went down

exhausted. (“It’s poundable—take him away.”)

8.—The claret was now trickling down the nose

of Davis. After some heavy exchanges they broke

from a close, and Boshell fought till he fell

on his knees, and caught hold of the ropes

distressed.

9.—Davis winked to his friends that it was all

right, and planted three facers in succession.

Boshell, however, showed the fight was not taken

out of him, and again threw his opponent a heavy

fall. (“Bravo, Boshell, you are a game fellow!”)

10.—The face of the Irishman was piteous.

Boshell went down.

11.—In struggling for the throw, Davis slipped

on his knees. This was thought unhandsome; but

Boshell held up his hands, not to hit him foul.

(“Bravo!” from all parts of the ring.)

12.—Boshell endeavoured to make some hits, but

went down exhausted.

13.—Boshell was floored like a shot, from a

tremendous lunging blow on his nob. (Any odds.)

14.—Boshell, groggy, was hit down, but in

falling he caught the ropes.

15.—Boshell came up staggering, and soon went

down. Time was called, and it was thought he had

given up. Davis’s hat was thrown into the air,

and the outer ring broken.

16.—Boshell said he was not done, and another

round took place, but he was hit down. Paddy

was, however, so game, he declared he would not

say “No.” He had no chance, and was taken away.

Davis, elated with his success, jumped over the

ropes out of the ring, without a scratch. It was

over in fifteen minutes and ten seconds.

REMARKS.—If any remarks can be made, a few words

will suffice. Boshell is a game, a very game

man, and his courage was the admiration of the

ring; but as a fighter has no pretensions.

Indeed he was little more than a plaything in

the scientific hands of Davis.

At Spring’s benefit at the Fives Court, on Tuesday, November 2, 1819,

our hero made a considerable impression upon the minds of the amateurs,

by the display of science in a set-to with the Nonpareil. Upon the

appearance of Randall, followed by Cy. Davis, the audience seemed

extremely anxious for the set-to. The confidence of the “Bristol Boy”

astonished all; he exhibited considerable improvement. In fact, with the

gloves, the Nonpareil never met such a successful opponent before. Davis

did not get off without a good receipt of Randall’s talents;

nevertheless, the former put in two or three dexterous facers and made

some fine stops. The fanciers were all alive; the Court rang with

applause. It was generally admitted that the advantage was on the side

of Davis. Upon pulling off the gloves another round was called for and

complied with. Both the combatants were now upon the alert, and it was a

fine specimen of skill and courage. A well-contested long rally

occurred, and Davis again acquitted himself in such good style as to

raise his character in the sporting world.

Davis felt so much mortified at his defeat by Turner that he was often

heard to say that he should never feel satisfied until he had the chance

at least of a second trial with his brave opponent. This feeling

accounts in some measure for his not showing in the prize ring, or

figuring in the “gag” correspondence and boxing challenges then so much

in vogue in the “sporting” press. However, somebody made some letters

for him about fights with Gipsy Cooper, Phil. Sampson, and Turner, which

Pierce Egan prints with the curious foot-note, “This letter was a

_hoax_!” (“Boxiana,” vol iv., p. 166.)

On the second match being made, at the Castle Tavern, Holborn, between

Turner and Cy. Davis for £100 a-side, the following remarks appeared in

the _Weekly Dispatch_:—

“Davis is decidedly the favourite five to four, and in a few instances,

for small sums, six to four is betted. It is nearly four years since,

June 18, 1819, at Wallingham Common, that Davis was defeated by Turner

in thirty-two rounds, forty-five minutes. Turner also defeated Martin in

forty rounds, one hour and seven minutes, October 26, 1819; but since

that period Ned has in turn surrendered to Martin. Davis won with

Boshell, August 24, 1819, in sixteen rounds, fifteen minutes and ten

seconds. This might be termed no match. The most important point taken

into consideration by the sporting men in this battle is the modes of

life pursued by the combatants for the last three years. Davis has lived

regularly, and added to the good effects of training; he is as fresh as

a ‘four year old,’ ‘fine as a star,’ and as confident of victory as if

the battle was over. Would we could say so much for ‘poor Ould Ned;’

indeed, a few months since an opinion was entertained by the supporters

of pugilism that Turner was more likely to make his exit than to show

again in the prize ring. However, Ned laughs at these remarks, and

asserts he is quite well.”

The fight took place at Harpenden Common, twenty-five miles from London,

and four from St. Alban’s, on Tuesday, February 18, 1823.

On the Monday night previous to the battle, the Castle Tavern, although

overflowing with company, was a blank as to betting. This sort of

silence on a night previous to a mill occasioned one of the most

respectable ring goers, and a sound sporting man for the previous

twenty-five years, to observe sarcastically—“It was a square fight

between Turner and Davis, which accounted for chaffing instead of

betting. Ready made luck,” said he, “is wanting, and therefore a certain

Bet of people will not chance a crown without the office ‘to a

certainty’ is to be had in private. Nevertheless, I am glad of it,”

concluded the wag, “it will bring the prize ring back to the good old

times (although ‘honesty is a ragged virtue’), when such men as the late

Colonel Mellish and Fletcher Reid brought their men into the ring,

exclaiming, without fear of anything being attempted on the part of the

boxers to do wrong, ‘I’ll bet 600 to 400.’”

The weather on Tuesday morning was rather inauspicious to a long

journey, yet it did not prevent the thorough-bred ones from starting for

the scene of action. At one o’clock Cy. Davis threw up his castor,

followed by Richmond and Harmer as his seconds. Turner, close at his

heels, arm-in-arm with the President of the Daffy Club, followed his

example, attended by Tom Cribb and Josh. Hudson. Five to four on Davis.

Cy., smiling, went up and shook hands with Ned. The colours, blue for

Turner and yellow for Davis were tied to the stakes by Cribb and

Richmond.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The condition of Cy. was beautiful in

the extreme; he was a perfect picture of a man

in fine health. Turner, although not up to the

above mark, was, nevertheless, well patched

up as to the look of the thing. The skin of

Davis was transparent, ruddy, and healthful,

while Turner’s exhibited a yellowish hue. Both

extremely cautious; and the great difficulty

of getting at the Old One prevented Cy. from

making play. Turner, at length, let fly, and

put in a slight hit on the body with his left

hand. More dodging. Turner stopped the right of

his opponent well; both extremely active on

their legs. Turner put in another bodier; some

exchanges, but of no consequence. Cy. tried to

put in his favourite blow with his right hand,

but was again stopped. Cy., somewhat tired, put

down his hands for an instant, but Ned took no

notice of it. Exchange of blows at the ropes:

a struggle for the throw; both down, but Cy.

undermost. This round occupied six minutes; and

the friends of Turner shouted, and said, “it was

all right, the Old One behaves well.”

2.—Turner missed a well-meant left-handed blow

at the body. Neither of them eager to go to

work, both anticipating danger. The right hand

of Cy. told, after a few exchanges, and Turner

went down. (A shout for Davis from the

Bristolians.)

3.—Although in such fine condition, Davis was

piping a little, and Turner kept hitting at the

body. Some exchanges took place, but the blows

were light on both sides. Owing to the slippery

state of the ground, Turner went down from a

slight hit.

4.—It had been expected that three rounds would

not have passed over without some mischief,

nevertheless this was a good round. Cy. smiled

with confidence, and made himself up to do

severe execution with his right, but Turner,

with considerable skill, stopped him. Nothing

done yet, and in a struggle both went down.

5.—Whether it was from partiality to the Old One

or not, the friends of Turner urged he had none

the worst of it; in fact, no severity of

punishment had passed on either side. In

closing, Turner had the best of the fibbing, and

Cy. showed first blood. Davis got the throw

cleverly, and Turner was undermost.

6.—The left hand of Davis seemed of no use to

him, except, after the manner of the late

Gas-light-Man, to hold his opponent. Some good

fighting occurred in this round, and the finish

of it was to the advantage of Cy., who fell

heavily on Turner. (Seven to four.)

7.—Turner placed many of his blows well; but

the strength of his hitting, which on former

occasions appeared prominent, seemed to have

left him. The great _forte_ of Davis was to put

in his right hand; and had not Turner stopped it

often, the fight would soon have been at an end.

Turner again had the best of the fibbing, and

Cy. was undermost. (Several of the partizans of

Turner began now to flatter themselves that

victory was within his reach. Loud shouting,

“Turner for ever!”)

8.—If Davis had commenced play, and fought with

both hands, another tale must have been told.

However, in this round, some severe execution

was done. Turner’s left hand drew the claret

from Cy.’s nose and mouth, and he appeared for

the instant a little abroad; he also received a

heavy body blow, but recovered and sent down

Turner with a right-handed hit on the head.

(“It’s all over,” from the cutting tribe of

Newgate-market. “You have won it, Davis.” Two to

one.)

9.—The friends of Turner began to quake a

little, recollecting the almost finishing blow

Ned received in his last round. This hit took a

little of the fight out of Turner, and he came

up bleeding and weak to the scratch, but his

game did wonders for him. Davis now went to work

a little. Turner, game as a pebble, returned hit

for hit, till he fell exhausted. While on his

second’s knee, Randall, Holt, Curtis, &c., gave

the Old One advice gratis, how he should act, so

anxious did they feel for his success.

10.—Ned came to the scratch like a high-couraged

man, determined to strain every nerve for

victory, although the chance was against him.

He, however, had no idea of losing at this stage

of the battle. Yet the patch-work began to peep,

and the effects of premature age could not be

hid. Turner received a bodier that sent him

down. (The backers of Davis now booked it as

safe, and inspired their hero with shouts of

approbation.)

11.—Davis commenced fighting, and planted a

severe hit with his right hand on the body of

his opponent. Turner, however, stood up and

exchanged hit for hit, till a pause was

necessary on both sides. Cy. was weak in turn,

and kept sparring for wind, yet smiling at his

opponent. Turner’s left ear was bleeding from a

severe hit, and in following Cyrus he slipped,

or went down from a slight hit. The truth could

no longer be hid; Turner was going every round;

he fought like a man; but the stamina was

wanting.

12.—On the part of Turner this was an excellent

fighting round. In spite of his distress, his

stops were so excellent as to claim applause

from all parts of the ring. Cy. also exhibited

fine science. Hit for hit, but the hardest blows

were in favour of Davis, and Ned kept up the

game till he fell, overcome with fatigue.

13.—Turner was equal to his adversary in

milling; but there was no comparison between the

effect of their blows. They followed each other

over the ring, exchanging hits in the most manly

style, till an accession of wind was necessary

on both sides. At the ropes a struggle took

place, and in going down, Turner uppermost.

(“Well done both,” from all parties.)

14.—Cy. made a blow with his right hand at the

body, but it fell rather low. “Come,” says

Josh., “fight fair; recollect you are to hit

above the waistband.” A good round, but Turner

down exhausted. (Ten to two. Several of the

fighting men came to the ropes, and in their

anxiety for his winning, gave Ned hints what to

do.)

15.—Cy. had decidedly the best of the hitting

in this round; he also threw Turner and fell

on him heavily. This fall shook poor Ned, and

he was placed on the knee of his second with

difficulty. In fact, it won the battle. (Any

odds.)

16.—Tom Belcher observed to Davis—“Why not use

both of your hands?” Here Hudson said that

Belcher had no business to interfere, it was

unfair. “It was not my intention to have said a

single word,” replied Tom, “if I had not seen so

many fighting men breaking in the ring, and,

like Trueman’s cocks, all on one side. I have

not one farthing on the battle; all I want is

fair play.” Cy. took Belcher’s hint, but Turner

opposed him gamely till down.

17.—The Old One, good to the last, exchanged

blow for blow till he was hit down.

18.—On coming to the scratch, Cy. immediately

went to work with his right hand, met Turner in

the body, and sent him down in a twinkling. The

President of the Daffies (under whose direction

Turner was brought into the ring) humanely

stepped forward, and said, “he should not fight

any more.” He (the President) would not stand by

and see one of the bravest men of the ring

wantonly cut up, when he had no chance. It was

over in thirty-five minutes. Davis shook hands

with Turner, gave a jump, huzzaed for joy, and

left the ring.

REMARKS.—However ill-natured it may appear,

the truth is that Turner has no one to blame

but himself,—he was in no condition to fight.

A boxer, like a general, if he wishes to prove

successful, ought always to be prepared for

his enemy. Turner admits, with great candour,

that he could not have fought another round.

He was not defeated by the blows he received,

but he attributes his defeat to fatigue and

exhaustion, Nature having refused to second

his mind. It was but the shadow of that Ned

Turner who defeated the terror of the ring,

Scroggins, twice; who fought with Randall for

two hours and twenty-two minutes; and obtained

a victory over the Master of the Rolls. It

was, nevertheless, a brave, good fight on both

sides; and it is but doing common justice to

Davis, to state that his conduct was manly and

interesting to the spectator. Cy. also fought

under great disadvantage and pain. After the

seventh round, his right hand went, and was

much swelled. Davis possesses in his person

the finest requisites for a fighting man. Mr.

Jackson not being present, we are sorry to say

not a shilling was subscribed for Turner.

Davis was not hurt.

The above victory proved rather a dear triumph to Davis: he was disabled

from appearing again in the prize ring. The fore-finger of his right

hand met with so serious an injury, from the knuckle coming in contact

with Turner’s teeth, that, after baffling the most skilful surgeons for

a considerable time, Davis was ultimately compelled to submit to an

operation which deprived him of his index finger. With this battle his

fistic career closed. Not so his public life. Cy. was for many years a

publican, but no more of a sinner than his neighbours. He died on the

8th of March, 1846, aged 51, at the house of his son, the White Bear,

Kennington Common (now Kennington Park), of disease of the heart, and

lies buried in the churchyard of St. Mark in that parish.

PEACE INGLIS, “THE PHENOMENON”—1822‒1824.

Peace Inglis, known among his companions as “the Mattress Maker,” was a

smart young fellow of five feet eight inches, weighing ten stone four

pounds. His first appearance in the ring was with Hamilton, the

waterman, for 20 guineas, at Moulsey, on the 22nd of October, 1822. On

this occasion, Josh. Hudson, who had taken Hamilton, a “below-bridge

man,” under his wing, seconded his _protegé_, Paddington Jones looking

after Inglis. It was a brave battle on both sides for forty-two minutes,

when Inglis was hailed as conqueror.

The young aspirant’s first essay had so much surpassed the expectations

of his backers that he was matched against Bill Davis (Deaf Davis), a

well-known good man, and the battle came off at Harpenden Common, near

St. Alban’s, February 18, 1823, in the same ring in which Cy. Davis (see

_ante_) had defeated Ned Turner. On this occasion, Josh., dissatisfied

with the defeat of Hamilton, seconded Davis, having with him Jack

Scroggins and the east end division. Inglis was attended on by Jem Ward

(then rising into fame, having beaten Ned Baldwin a fortnight previous)

and a friend named Rogers. The watch was held by an amateur.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The Deaf ’un had scarcely put himself

into attitude, when in he went like a hammer-man

at an anvil, gave his opponent a smash in the

middle of the head, and floored him like a shot.

(Six to four on Davis. “Where’s your clever

fighter?”)

2.—The “feather-bed” hero proved himself to have

no soft place about him. He stood up manfully,

but received three facers in succession, was

nobbed over the ring, and fell covered with

claret. (Two to one on Davis.)

3.—Inglis came gamely up, when Davis once more

punished him, and he turned his back on his

opponent, set off running, and was only stopped

by the ropes. Here Davis caught his adversary,

and once more levelled him. (A guinea to a

shilling was offered, but no takers; and “Take

him away,” from all parts of the ring; “he will

be killed.”)

4.—Contrary to all expectation, the feather-bed

maker was not so “soft” as he appeared to be; he

met Davis like a trump, hit out straight with

both hands, and, after a desperate rally, Davis

was hit down almost senseless.

5.—Inglis had now got the turn. He put a new

face on Davis, milled him from one side of the

ring to the other, and levelled the deaf one

with his native dust.

6.—Davis, relying on strength, was determined

not to be “told out.” He again took the lead,

and nobbed the feather-bed hero, when Inglis, by

a flush hit, sent him down. It was not quite a

finisher, but it found out the condition of

Davis. (Inglis was now the favourite.)

7.—This round was “portrait-painting” with a

vengeance. A rally took place, in which Davis

received a severe cut over the left eye, and

was floored again. (Any odds. “Feathers for a

trifle.”)

8 and last.—Such fighting as was seen in the

above seven rounds, and hitting in the right

places, must always produce short fights. Davis

exerted himself in returning hit for hit, till

another floorer put an end to the battle. On

time being called, Davis observed to his second,

“that he could not stand.” It was all over in

twelve minutes.

REMARKS.—Such a cutting-up had not been

witnessed for a long time. In the exultation of

the moment the friends of Inglis challenged Dick

Curtis. Inglis was about ten stone. Dick replied

he would not refuse the challenge. Davis was

carried out of the ring. He was too stale for a

young opponent.

Inglis, from his brave conduct in the fight with Davis, was next matched

against George Curtis, the brother of the Pet, for £50 a-side.

Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, August 12, 1823, was again the scene of

attraction. The umpires and referee were chosen, and, at one o’clock,

George Curtis threw his hat into the ring, attended by Josh. Hudson and

Harry Holt. Inglis, followed by Paddington Jones and Neale, also threw

up his beaver. He was the favourite at five to four.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Curtis exhibited much activity on his

pins, and, on peeling, displayed a more muscular

frame than had been anticipated. His face was

pale, his nob looked like a milling one, and

altogether had a great resemblance to that of

the Pet. Inglis was as well as he could be—a

wiry strong young man, the taller of the two,

and appeared to stand over his opponent. The

attitudes of the men on setting-to were

interesting. Inglis was in no hurry to proceed

to blows; and Curtis, as a novice, deliberated

before he went to work. George made an attempt

with his left hand, but it told slightly. This

movement led to an exchange of hits, yet nothing

was the matter. A long pause. Curtis retreated

from some heavy blows; Inglis, however, planted

a severe nobber. “I’ll bet £100 to a tizzy,”

said Paddington Jones, “it’s as right as the

day; we shall win the fight.” “Walker! hookey!”

replied Josh. The left hand of George told

smartly on Inglis’s body; and, after some

cut-and-come-again work at the ropes, in

struggling for the throw, both went down, Curtis

undermost. (Six and seven to four on Inglis.)

2.—The left eve of Curtis was winking. Inglis,

on the alert, planted a hit; an exchange of

blows. Curtis again felt for his adversary’s

body. Inglis missed a well-meant blow for his

opponent’s nob; he, however, tried it again, but

George stopped him with great skill. (“Bravo,

Georgy!” from his pals.) A pause. After some

little time, both combatants made themselves up

to do mischief, and, on getting within each

other’s reach, they let fly, which produced the

claret. (“First blood,” exclaimed Josh. and

Jones at the same instant. “Upon my honour, it

appeared first on your side,” said Josh., “and I

hope you will not dispute the honour of the

John Bull fighter, my Tommy!” It was rather a

doubtful point at the moment.) Curtis went down

weak.

3.—Inglis, to the astonishment of the

spectators, did not fight first, and a long

pause ensued. Curtis commenced milling on the

retreat, and the feather-bed hero napped three

nasty ones on his index. Another stand-still for

a minute, looking at each other. Inglis stopped

well, when the combatants got into a sharp rally

at the ropes. In struggling for the throw,

Inglis got his opponent upon the ropes; and, in

this situation, Curtis received pepper until he

went down exhausted. (“It’s all over. I’ll bet

ten to one that Curtis can’t fight two more

rounds,” was repeated by the betting men round

the ring.)

4.—The left eye of George was nearly closed;

but when time was called he showed himself at

the scratch. Although the advantage was now

decidedly in Inglis’s favour he did not commence

fighting; and Curtis, recovering his wind, made

play with his left hand, and had none the worst

of it. This was altogether a milling round.

Curtis threw his opponent. (Thunders of applause

from the Bermondsey boys.)

5.—It was no secret to the spectators that

Curtis at this period of the battle was the

weaker man; but his coolness was the admiration

of all present. Some good hitting and stopping

were displayed on both sides. Curtis planted a

rum one on the feather-bed’s throat that made

him gasp for breath. Inglis also received three

or four nobbers that stopped his exertions; but

at the ropes he had the best of it, and punished

Curtis down.

6.—This round was a fine display of manhood;

punishment on both sides all over the ring.

Inglis got Curtis on the ropes, and was pelting

him with divers blows in sundry places, when, by

an extraordinary effort, Curtis broke away,

put in a facer, and drove his opponent to the

opposite side of the ring, where he held Inglis

for a short time at the ropes, and then sent him

down. (The applause for Curtis was loud.)

7.—Short, but full of mischief. Curtis received

a heavy fall on his back, which shook him sadly

and added to his exhausted state.

8.—Another short round, but rather dangerous

to Inglis. In struggling for the throw, Curtis

went down. “Foul! foul!” The ring was broken:

it was asserted Inglis had caught hold of his

opponent’s thigh in a way not allowed by the

laws of boxing.

9.—The right hand of Curtis was open; he,

nevertheless, had decidedly the best of the

hitting in this round till Inglis bored him down

out of the ropes.

10.—The game which had been so conspicuously

displayed by George induced many of his backers

to stick to him. Inglis, with all his strength,

did not take the lead of Curtis as was expected.

In fact, George, in most instances, had the best

of the milling; but, in finishing the round,

Inglis generally had the advantage. (Two to

one.)

11.—This round was truly an out-and-out one on

both sides. Curtis vindicated the pedigree of

his race for “bottom, bone, blood.” It would

be detracting from Inglis to withhold from him

that he showed himself as high-couraged and

game as his brave adversary. It was hit for

hit all over the ring—backwards and forwards,

in and out of the corners, and round about,

till the combatants were at a stand-still. To

it again like true Britons, till nature could

no longer assist their minds. At the ropes

they were both so exhausted as to take hold of

each other and push each other down, Inglis

uppermost. (Applause. “Here’s a round for

you!” “Why, they are both East-nders,” said

Josh., “and that accounts for it. We can get

nothing among the coves of the West, so we are

obliged to fight amongst our own breed.”)

12.—Curtis threw his opponent.

13.—Inglis received several blows on his nob,

and at times was much distressed. If he had

not been a very game man he would have cut it.

Curtis endeavoured to keep the lead, and fought

till he fell exhausted. “Take him away, Josh.;

he can’t win it,” said a patron of the P. R.;

“it is a pity to witness so game a man cut to

pieces.” Curtis, while sitting on the knee of

his second, overheard the above remark, and he

answered, “I will not be taken away; I am sure I

shall not lose it; I _will_ not lose it.”

14.—Curtis was so determined that to say “No”

never entered his mind. After an exchange of

blows Curtis received a severe fall. “Take him

away,” from all parts of the ring. (Any odds

upon Inglis.) George said he would not give it

in.

15 and last.—Curtis planted a blow on his

opponent’s throat; but it was too feeble to do

much mischief. In a short rally Curtis was hit

down, when “the Pet”[170] threw up his hat, and

declared George should not fight any more. It

was over in fifty-five minutes. Inglis went up

to Curtis, and shook hands with him.

REMARKS.—If Curtis had been as fresh as his

opponent a different tale might have been told.

He fought like a brave man; and, although he

could not achieve victory, he obtained a high

character in the pugilistic circles. George

was overmatched; indeed, any boxer who wishes

to have a turn with Inglis, will find plenty

of work cut out for him before the battle is

at an end. Curtis was taken out of the ring

by his brother, and exhibited severe marks of

punishment. The nob of Inglis did not show much

beating; but he received many hard blows during

the fight. Four pounds were collected on the

ground for Curtis.

Peace Inglis now stood so high in the estimation of his friends, that he

challenged Harry Holt for £100 a-side; but a match being made on the

spur of the moment with the brave Ned Turner, for £100 a-side, the fight

with Holt went off. After a considerable time allowed for the training

of Turner, the above match was decided at Colnbrook, seventeen miles and

a half from London, on Tuesday, April 26, 1824.

The road was lively, but not thronged with company as heretofore; in

fact, it was more select than usual. When “Time” was called, Turner

walked coolly into the ring, followed by Josh. Hudson and Paddington

Jones. He was well received by the crowd, like an old performer

returning to play a favourite part. Some little delay occurred, when the

John Bull boxer roared out, “Come, you Inglis! Where are you? Don’t you

like it? We are ready.” Inglis appeared immediately, waited upon by

Maurice Delay and Dan M’Kenzie, and threw his hat into the ring. The

colours, light blue for Inglis and dark blue for Turner, were tied to

the stakes. Everything being adjusted according to custom, the men stood

up for

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Turner looked better than was expected;

his face was tanned with the sun, and his legs

appeared firm and round. His eye was bright,

his countenance serene and placid, and the

invigorating breezes of the Welsh mountains,

where he had been training, had imparted vigour

to his limbs. The heart, too, that just and

indispensable attribute of a boxer, was sound,

and Ned declared himself confident of victory.

His opponent must not be passed slightly over.

He is one of the bravest of the brave men

belonging to the prize ring. The contrast

between the combatants was striking. The

youthful Inglis was a model; fine as a star,

strong as a lion, game as a pebble, and

confident as a Randall. The odds were decidedly

in favour of Inglis, £20 to £30. Turner and

Inglis are in attitude, and on the look out

for the first blow. The superiority as to

knowledge of fighting was conspicuous on the

part of Ned, who let fly his left teazer, which

told heavily on Inglis’s bread-basket. One or

two stops occurred, when the left hand of Ned

operated so sharply on the throat of the young

one that he went down like a shot. (An artillery

report of applause for Turner.)

2.—The mark of Turner’s fist on the throat of

his opponent was visible to every spectator.

Inglis tried to do something, but the Old One

was too clever to be caught napping. Turner

made both his right and left hand tell on

Inglis’s nob. An exchange of blows to the

advantage of Ned. The young one had two more

“nasty hits” on the mouth, as Josh. termed them,

at the same time exclaiming, “First blood! My

eye, what a hobble you have got into, my covey.”

Turner again planted two left-handed blows, and

immediately afterwards put in a severe one,

two. Inglis was now bleeding from his mouth.

Turner made another hit. “Talk of Old Ones,”

said Josh.; “is there anything like the good

Old Ones?” An exchange of blows, but Inglis

did no execution. The latter received another

terrible hit on his mouth. Inglis did not know

what to do with his adversary. A pause. “I’ll

bet fifty to twenty,” said Randall. Turner’s

left hand repeated the dose. In closing, Turner

had decidedly the best of it. Inglis’s face

bleeding in all parts of it. Both down, but the

Old One undermost.

3.—Short. Turner’s left hand told, but he

slipped down in endeavouring to make a hit.

4.—Inglis was piping a little, but not at all

dismayed. He was a complete receiver-general; he

would have returned many favours, but Turner did

not accept them. This was a good round, yet

Turner went down weak.

5 to 10.—The fighting was all on the side of

Turner; the taking on the part of Inglis. In all

these rounds the superiority of the Old One was

evident.

11.—“Come, Scroggins’s ruin,” said Josh., “we

are at home; we have won it.” Turner nobbed his

opponent with the utmost ease; in fact, he had

everything his own way again in this round, but

went down rather weak.

12.—Turner again made play right and left with

great success; he also stopped Inglis in the

most beautiful style of the art. The game of

Inglis was, however, so good that he presented

himself in the most resolute way, and in a sharp

exchange of blows Turner went down. Inglis was

nearly falling, but caught by his second.

(“Bravo! well done both sides!”)

13.—Turner did as he pleased in regard to

hitting; nevertheless, Inglis was not to be

got rid of; his youth and stamina were his

safeguards. Turner down. (The Bermondsey boys

did not know how to express their approbation

of Turner’s conduct in terms strong enough.)

14.—Inglis could not plant any effective

hits; if his blows could have reached their

destination, a change might have soon been

witnessed in the fight. Turner’s one, two,

was well directed, and he also put in a

heavy body blow. The Old One showed weakness

and went down.

15.—“If Ned does not tire,” said an old

ring-goer, “he must win the battle; but he has

too much work to perform.” Inglis could not keep

the Old One’s hands out of his face, and

appeared rather distressed. Turner down, getting

weak.

16.—The superior science displayed by Ned was

the admiration of all the spectators. It is true

Inglis now and then planted a blow, but it was

not of sufficient consequence to reduce the

activity of Turner. In closing, Turner got the

throw. (A great shout from the Bermondsey lads.)

17.—“A fine old cock this Ned is,” said Josh.;

“this is the weather for the old cocks to tip

it them.” Inglis was advised to bore in upon

Turner, as he was getting weak; but the young

one lost ground by this attempt. He was hit away

three successive times on the nob; in fact, he

stood still for an instant quite confused, but,

with game never excelled, he returned to fight

till Turner went down.

18.—Inglis rushed in, and bored Ned down.

19.—Inglis repeated this conduct, but Turner

stopped the feather-bed hero, by hitting up as

he was rushing in. Turner down.

20.—This was a sharp round, but highly important

to Turner. Inglis was floored by a tremendous

left handed hit on the side of his head. (It

is impossible to describe the applause which

followed.)

21.—Inglis came to the scratch piping. Turner

nobbed his opponent with success, but the

strength of the Old One was going. Turner down.

22.—Turner met Inglis in the middle of the head,

punished him in all directions, and had he not

missed a well-aimed blow, in all probability the

fight would have been at an end. Turner went

down from exertion.

23.—Nothing. A struggle, and both down without a

blow.

24.—Inglis was bleeding copiously; nevertheless,

he bored in and received several jobbers, till

both down.

25.—Turner planted four successive blows on

Inglis’s face; in fact, the Old One had too much

work to do. Turner down.

26.—This was a tremendous round on both sides.

Inglis, although hit to death nearly, would not

be shook off, but kept fighting like a hero till

he was thrown. (“What a round! Here’s a fight!

Why it is worth going to see, if it had been

five hundred miles from London!”)

27.—It appeared to the feather-bed hero that

he had no chance to win without boring his

opponent, and he rushed in till both went down,

Inglis undermost.

28.—This was a tremendous fighting round, and

Inglis was hit away three or four times from

his opponent. In going down, Inglis fell over

Turner.

29.—At the ropes Turner was as good as Inglis,

till both down.

30.—Inglis appeared extremely bad, and several

of the judges thought Turner must now win. The

feather-bed maker was jobbed about his already

damaged head, and he slipped down quite weak.

31.—Both down. In the act of giving, the blow

alighted on Inglis’s body after he was down.

“Foul! foul!” “Fair! fair!” It most certainly

was not an intentional foul hit on the part of

Turner, and the referee pronounced it so.

32.—The face of Turner appeared little, if any,

the worse for fighting. Inglis again napped it

as he was boring in to mill. Both down, Inglis

undermost.

33.—“The Elephant and Castle is yours,” said

Josh., “if you win, Ned.” Inglis was getting

a little better, and Turner received more

punishment in this round than in any of the

preceding ones. Both down.

34.—Nothing. A struggle, and both on the ground.

35 to 38.—In all these rounds the nobbing system

was pursued with the greatest success by Turner;

and had not Inglis been one of the gamest men

that ever pulled a shirt off, he must have been

licked long before this period of the battle.

But the feather-bed hero would not be denied;

and his courage, seconded by his fine stamina,

enabled him to continue the battle, under the

idea that the Old One could not last. Inglis

fell heavily in the ropes on Turner.

39.—It was the astonishment of every person

round the ropes to witness Turner take the lead

in the superior manner he did over a fine young

man, and a boxer who had had some experience in

the prize ring, having defeated Deaf Davis and

George Curtis. Turner, in order to spoil the

boring in of Inglis, hit up; and whenever the

Old One caught his nob the claret followed in

profusion. Turner went down owing to his great

exertions.

40.—This was a terrific round. Inglis would not

be denied, although frequently nobbed away.

Both down. (Randall, elated with the success of

Turner, offered, in the warmth of his heart, £10

to £2. “I will take it,” said Inglis’s brother.

Time was called, and the bet was not made.)

41.—The sun at this period was very powerful.

Turner appeared languid while sitting on the

knee of his second, but when fighting he seemed

all energy. Inglis missed a terrific blow that

might have brought the battle to a speedy

termination. Turner down.

42.—Notwithstanding the state of fatigue which

Turner laboured under, and which could not be

kept from the spectators, he nobbed Inglis with

the utmost ease. The young one was hit to a

stand-still, and Turner was too tired to follow

him. At the ropes Turner had also the best of

it, till both down.

43.—“Go in, Inglis,” from his friends; “you

can’t lose if you do.” Inglis took the advice of

his friends, and went in, fighting pell-mell,

till Turner went down. (Four to one upon the

young one.)

44.—This round had nearly decided the battle

in favour of Turner. Hit for hit for a short

time, when Turner knocked his opponent to a

stand-still between the ropes. Turner, resolved

not to give half a chance away, came again and

planted another heavy nobber in the middle of

the feather-bed hero’s nob; but Inglis’s

out-and-out game brought him through his

trouble, and he fought like a lion till Turner

went down. (The approbation bestowed upon Turner

was immense. It was also “Bravo, Inglis! your

fellow is not to be met with every day in the

week.”)

45.—Inglis was determined to reduce the strength

of his opponent, and again bored in; but this

rush always cost him something, and Turner

liberally discharged the account. Both down.

46.—Inglis again napped it in going in, but

returned a heavy body hit. Turner fought at

every point to win, but his strength could not

keep pace with his skill, and he went down

exhausted. “Take the good Old One away; if he

wins he cannot raise himself higher in the

estimation of the fancy,” exclaimed several

friends; “the chance is against him.”

47 and last.—This was a well fought round,

although both men were distressed. Inglis was,

however, a fresh man compared with his opponent.

Turner had the best of the milling as usual, but

went down worn out. While sitting on the knee of

his second several persons requested that he

might not fight any more. Harry Holt jumped into

the ring, and throwing up his hat, observed,

“Permit me, gentlemen, to give in for Turner.”

One hour and eighteen minutes had elapsed.

Inglis left the ropes, but he instantly returned

into the ring to shake hands with those hands

which had so liberally distributed punishment

only a few seconds previous. We wish sincerely

that the inhabitants of all the countries in the

world would imitate such a noble example in the

moment of victory.

REMARKS.—“Othello’s occupation’s gone!” Indeed,

Turner may apply to himself the words—

“I’ve seen the day

That, with this little arm and this good fist,

I’ve made my way through more impediments

Than twenty times your stop.”

Yes; and we have “seen the day”—that day when

Turner overcame the undaunted Scroggins; that

day, also, when he stood before the accomplished

Randall two hours and twenty minutes; and

likewise that day when he conquered Jack Martin.

We cannot offer an insult to a brave man, and

it is far from our intention even to wound his

feelings; but on any of the above days what

chance would Inglis have stood with Turner?

The fact is, Ned was not licked; he was tired,

worn out, and Nature refused to second his

efforts. Inglis won the battle fairly, and

according to the rules of pugilism. Indeed,

the fight was one of the best specimens of

milling skill ever witnessed, and the courage

displayed by Turner was of the highest order.

It is but common justice also to state, that

Inglis’s manliness, game, coolness, and

honourable conduct throughout the battle placed

him high in the list of boxers.

By an unpardonable oversight “Boxiana” (see p. 115, vol. v.) omits at

this place all mention of Turner and Inglis’s second battle, on the 9th

of November following, and gives an epistolary challenge from Inglis to

Turner as being penned “a few weeks after the above battle,” i.e., the

first fight, so that Inglis is made to challenge the man he had

conquered. The second fight will be found in the memoir of Turner,

_ante_, p. 391. After his defeat Inglis published the following in the

_Weekly Dispatch_:—

“TO EDWARD TURNER.

“SIR,—

“My friends have agreed to give me another trial; I therefore

challenge you to fight me for £100 a-side, within two months from

the date hereof, and am ready to make a deposit within a fortnight.

If this challenge be not accepted, I propose to retire from the ring

altogether.

“I remain yours, etc.

“PEACE INGLIS.

“_December 10, 1824._”

Turner immediately answered the above challenge.

“TO PEACE INGLIS.

“SIR,—

“I have seen your challenge in the papers, and in reply beg to state

the only terms that will induce me to meet you, or any one else, in

the ring, and which, considering the battles I have fought, will

not, I trust, be thought out of the way. £200 a-side is the least I

mean to fight for. And when you talk of two months, you must have

forgotten the state of my left hand; but if the last Tuesday in

April will answer your purpose, and your friends are willing to

agree as to the sum I propose, I shall be most happy to accommodate

you. I should be sorry to think my refusal the cause of your leaving

the ring, in which I wish you success; but I must take care to leave

off fighting before fighting leaves me.

“I am yours, etc.,

“EDWARD TURNER.

“_Newtown, Montgomeryshire, North Wales_,

“_December 15, 1824._”

The health of Turner was, however, rapidly declining, and he retired

from the ring without making any further match. Inglis also now retired

into private life, but we have not met with any record of his death.

* * * * *

At the close of the Fifth and Sixth Periods, opening the Second Volume,

we propose to give an Appendix of the Remarkable Light Weights who

especially illustrated this epoch of pugilistic history, thus collecting

the lesser stars into a galaxy, instead of scattering them here and

there among the larger lights—the planets of the pugilistic system.

INDEX TO VOLUME I.

ÆNEAS (Introd.), xii

AMPHOTIDES described (Introd.), xiii

AMYCUS (Introd.), vii

ANTÆUS (Introd.), _ib._

ANCIENTS, History of Boxing among the (Introd.), v‒xvi

ASTON, Col. Henry, a patron of Pugilism, 92

His melancholy death (note), _ib._

BALDWIN, CALEB, “The Pride of Westminster,” 1796‒1816:—

His real name, 211

His early battles, _ib._

With Tom Jones, Kelly, Jackling, and Lee the Butcher, 212, 213

Beat Jack O’Donnell, _ib._

Draw with Bill Ryan, 214

Defeats “Young Massa”, 216

As second and ring-keeper, 217

Farewell benefit and death, 218

BARCLAY, Captain, Allardyce of Ury:—

Trains Tom Cribb, 259

His birth and love of athletic exercises, 435

His pedestrian capabilities and performances, 436, 437

His match of 1000 miles in 1000 successive hours for 1000 guineas,

438

His death, 439

BARRYMORE, Lord:—

His career, nicknames of family (note), 103

Thrashed by Mr. Donadieu (note), 104

Mr. Grantley Berkeley’s slips relating to, _ib._

Particulars of his death, _ib._

BARTHOLOMEW, JACK, 1795‒1800:—

His merits, 221

Victory over Firby, 222

Beaten by Bill Wood, _ib._

Beat Tom Owen, _ib._

Beaten by Jem Belcher, 134, _ib._

His death, _ib._

BELASCO, ABY, 1817‒1824:—

Jewish prize-fighters, 481

Belasco’s birth, _ib._

His battle with Cribb’s Coalheaver, 482

Beat Josh. Hudson, _ib._

〃 Jack Payne, _ib._

Beaten by Tom Reynolds, 483

〃 by Jack Randall, _ib._

Beat the Winchcomb Champion, _ib._

Wrangle with Phil. Sampson and three fights, 484

Room fight with Josh. Hudson, _ib._

Beat Pat. Holton, 485

Becomes an L. V. in Whitechapel, 486

Beat George Weston, _ib._

His degraded career, _ib._

BELCHER, JEM (Champion), 1798‒1809:—

His pedigree, person, and symmetry, 132

His natural skill as a boxer, 133

Beat Britton, _ib._

Introduced to Bill Warr, 133

Beat Tom (Paddington) Jones, 134

〃 Jack Bartholomew, 134, 135

〃 Andrew Gamble (Irish Champion) twice, 135, 136

〃 Joe Berks, first encounter, 137

Ditto, second encounter, 138

Ditto, third encounter, 140

Proceedings against Belcher and Berks for breach of the peace,

141‒143, 146

Battle with Firby, 146, 147

Indicted in consequence, 148

Loses his eye at rackets, _ib._

His announced retirement, _ib._

Pearce claims the championship, 149

Belcher challenges Pearce, _ib._

His defeat (see Pearce), _ib._

John Gully’s disparaging remark, _ib._

His two defeats by Cribb, 150, 247, 251

His boxing and personal qualities, 151

Death and burial, 152

BELCHER, TOM, 1804‒1822:—

His birth and first fight in the London P.R., 153

Defeated Jack Warr, 154, 155

Beaten by Bill Ryan, 155

Beat O’Donnell, _ib._

〃 Bill Ryan, 156

Beaten by Dutch Sam thrice, 157

Beat Dogherty, 157, 158

〃 Cropley, 158

〃 Silverthorne, 159

〃 Dogherty, second time, in Ireland, 160

A turn up at Hampstead and in Holborn, 163

The Castle Tavern and sporting publicans, _ib._

Belcher’s sparring, 164

Retirement and death, 166

BERKELEY, Hon. GRANTLEY, M.P.:—

Vindication of boxing (note), 5

His estimate of Pierce Egan (note), 239

BERKS, JOE, of Shropshire:—

Beat Christian, beaten by Jem Belcher twice, by Hen. Pearce twice,

and Dick Deplige (note), 137

BITTOON, ISAAC, 1801‒1804:—

His draw with Maddox and battle with Will Wood, 230

A teacher of singlestick and boxing, 232

His death, _ib._

_BLACKWOOD’S MAGAZINE._

Sonnets to Randall, 361

BLAKE, “Tom Tough,” 1804‒1810:—

His fight with Holmes, 235

Beaten by Tom Cribb and by Tom Molineaux, 236

His death, 237

BOB’S CHOP-HOUSE (the Castle, Holborn), 162, 237‒240

BOXING, vindication of, 1, 2

Schools, their good results, 6

Among the ancients (Introd.), v‒xvi

Origin of the term (Introd.), vi

BOND, Mr., the Bow Street Magistrate, 146

BRAIN, BENJAMIN, “Big Ben” (Champion), 1786‒1791:—

His fights with “the Grenadier”, 65

〃〃 Corbally, 66

〃〃 Jacombs, _ib._

〃〃 Hooper, 67

〃〃 Tom Johnson, 68

〃〃 Will Wood, 69

His death, _ib._

Epitaph on, 70

BROUGHTON, JOHN (Champion), 1734‒1750:—

Secedes from George Taylor’s Booth, 19

Description of, 21

His amphitheatre in Oxford Street, 22

His battle with Stevenson, _ib._

〃〃 Jack James, 23

His rivalry with George Taylor, 24

His “New Rules” reform the art of boxing, 25

Invents padded boxing-gloves for practice, 26

A Yeoman of the Guard, _ib._

His fight with Slack, 27

Captain Godfrey’s eulogy on, 28

His retirement, anecdote of, 29

Pension, property, death, and funeral, 30

BUCKHORSE (John Smith), 1732‒1746, 40

Curious particulars of, 41

BURKE, of Woolwich, beaten by Jack Randall (glove fight), 333

Ditto, second time, 388

BURN, “Uncle Ben,” 1810‒1834:—

As a pugilist, backer, and second, 461

Beat Christie, _ib._

Beaten by Dogherty, Silverthorne, Palmer Jones, Tom Spring, and Tom

Oliver, _ib._

BURSCHEN, German, their murderous fights, 3

CÆSTUS, descriptions and drawings of (Introd.), xv, xvi

CASTLE TAVERN, Holborn, sporting head-quarters, 162, 163, 237, etc.

CASTOR and POLLUX (Introd.), vi

CAMELFORD, Lord, Richmond’s master, 291

CLARENCE, Duke of (afterwards William IV.), a ring patron, 100

CLOANTHUS (Introd.), xii

COHANT (or COANT), the Butcher (note), 45

COOPER, GEORGE, 1812‒1825:—

His height, weight, etc., 302

Beat Harry Lancaster, _ib._

Beaten by Tom Oliver, 303

Beat Jay, _ib._

Goes to Scotland, _ib._

Beat Tom Molineaux, the Black, 304

Beaten by Dan Donnelly, _ib._

Returns to London, _ib._

Beat Robinson, the Black, 305

Goes on a continental tour, (lines from “Tom Cribb’s Memorial to

Congress”), 306

Boxing at Aix-la-Chapelle, 307

Returns to Edinburgh, _ib._

Turn up with Kendrick, the Black, at Tom Oliver’s, 309

Set-to with Hickman (Gas), 310

Set-to with Jack Randall, 311

Matched with Shelton, _ib._

Beaten by Hickman, 312

Moulsey Hurst, lines on, 313

Beat Tom Shelton, _ib._

Returns to Edinburgh, 316

Matched again with Hickman, _ib._

Beaten by Hickman, 317

〃 by Ned Baldwin, “White-headed Bob”, 318

His retirement and death, _ib._

CORBALLY and BIG BEN, 66

CORCORAN, PETER, his defeat by Turner, 47

Fights with Dalton, Davis, and Smiler, _ib._

〃〃 Bill Darts, 48

〃〃 Sam Peters, _ib._

Blunders of “Boxiana”, _ib._

CRABBE, ELISHA, 52

CRIBB, TOM (Champion), 1805‒1820:—

English Champions, remarks on, 242

His birth and arrival in London; becomes wharf porter, 243

A slow fighter, 244

Beat George Maddox, _ib._

〃 “Tom Tough”, 245

〃 “Ikey Pig”, 216

Beaten by George Nicholls (see Nicholls), _ib._

Beat Bill Richmond, _ib._

〃 Jem Belcher, first time, 247

〃 Bob Gregson for championship, 249

〃 Jem Belcher, second time, 251

〃 Tom Molineaux, first time, 252

Challenged anew by Molineaux, 255

Beat Tom Molineaux, second time, 256

Cribb’s return to town, 258

His training by Captain Barclay, and anecdotes, 260

Presented with a silver cup, 261

Fails as a coal-merchant, and becomes a publican, 262

Spars in the presence of monarchs, princes, and marshals, _ib._

High patronage of boxers, 263

Anecdotes—Cribb and the pig, _ib._

Cribb and the navvy, 264

The champion and his dwarf, 265

Cribb and Massa Kendrick, _ib._

Curtis’s challenge to Cribb, 266

Cribb’s punishment of Carter, 267

Challenged by Neat, 268

Cribb’s retirement, 269

He attends as a page at the Coronation of George IV., 270

Lines on the challenge of Neat (note), _ib._

His formal retirement from the ring, and speech, 271

“Cribb and his customer”, 272

“The three tailors”, _ib._

“Cribb and the cobbler”, 273

His death, _ib._

Character by Vincent Dowling, Esq., 274

His monument in Woolwich Churchyard, 275‒277

“CRIBB’S, TOM, Memorial to Congress” quoted, 306

CRIBB, GEORGE, 1807:—

Beaten by Horton, Dogherty (twice), Cropley, Isle of Wight Hall, Ned

Maltby, 449

CROPLEY, BILL, 1807‒1810:—

Battles with Dutch Sam and Tom Belcher, 232, 233

Defeats “Jemmy from Town,” Tom Hazel, and George Cribb, 233

A second and sparrer for many years, 234

CUMBERLAND, WILLIAM, Duke of, patron of Broughton, 19

DARES (Introd.), xii

DARTS, BILL (Champion), 1764‒1791:—

His fights with Juchan, Dogget, Swansey, and Lyons, 45

Cross with Peter Corcoran, 46

DAVIS, CY., “The Gay Bristol Boy,” 1818‒1823:—

His birth, and introduction to the ring by Tom Belcher, 487

Beat Aby Belasco, _ib._

Beaten by Ned Turner, 488

Beat Boshell, 488

Spars with Randall, 489

Hoaxing challenges, 490

Second match with Ned Turner, _ib._

Beat Ned Turner, 491

His accident, 492

Retirement and death, 493

DEATH (Stephen Oliver), 46, 51

His numerous battles, 51

Epigram on his defeat of Small, _ib._

His fights with Tom Johnson, _ib._

〃〃 Elisha Crabbe, 52

“DEATH’S DOINGS,” lines from, 393

DOGHERTY, DAN (Irish Champion), 1806‒1811:—

His early fights, 447

Beaten by Tom Belcher, _ib._

Beat Jack Power, 448

〃 Ben Burn, _ib._

Beaten by Tom Belcher, second time, 160

Dogherty’s Duel, 448

DONNELLY, DAN., beats George Cooper (see Donnelly, vol. ii.), 304

DOWLING, VINCENT G., Esq., 96

DOYLE, beaten by a sawyer, 52

DUTCH SAM (see Elias Samuel).

EGAN, PIERCE, author of “Boxiana,” notice of, by Grantley Berkeley

(note), 239

ELIAS, SAMUEL, “Dutch Sam,” 1801‒1814:—

His fighting qualities, 192

Introduction to the ring, 193

Early fights, and Caleb Baldwin, 193, 194

Beat Britton, 195

Beaten by Jas. Brown, _ib._

Beat Tom Belcher, 196

Drawn battle with Tom Belcher, 198

Third fight with Belcher, 199

Arrested for match with Dogherty, 200

Beat Cropley, _ib._

〃 Ben Medley, 201

Retires from ring; his intemperance, 202

Returns, and is beaten by Nosworthy, _ib._

Anecdotes of Dutch Sam, 203

His death, 204

EMERY, the celebrated Yorkshire actor, a ring goer, 240

Presents a silver cup to Tom Cribb, 261

ENTELLUS (Introd.), ix

ERYX (Introd.), vii

FAULKNER, TOM, “the Cricketer,” 1758‒1791:—

His battle with George Taylor, 19, 40

His character, 40

His battle with Joe James, 41

His challenge to Watson, 42

His fight with Thornhill and retirement, _ib._

FEWTEREL, his battle with John Jackson, 93

His battle with a Highlander (note), _ib._

FIG, JAMES (Champion), 1719‒1734, 8

Opens his amphitheatre, 1719, 9

References to, by the _Tatler_, _Guardian_, _Craftsman_, etc., _ib._

Captain Godfrey’s eulogium on, _ib._

His handbills, 10

Verses on, by Dr. Byrom, 11

His death, 1734, 12

FIRBY, “The Young Ruffian,” beat Symonds, “The Old Ruffian,”, 130

Beat Tom Tyne, 129

Beaten by Tom Belcher (turn up), 163

〃 by Jack Bartholomew, 222

FRANCIS, JOHN, “The Jumping Soldier”, 18

GAMBLE, ANDREW, 1792‒1800:—

His origin, and fight with Stanyard, 219

Beat Noah James, the Guardsman, 220

Beaten by Jem Belcher, 136, 221

GEORGE IV. has a retinue of boxers at his Coronation, and presents them

with a gold medal, 100, 270

GODFREY, Captain, his sketches of the boxers, 8, 9, 12, 14

GOWLETT, beaten by Symonds, 130

GREGSON, BOB, 1807‒1809:—

His birth and early career, 237, 238

His fictitious fight with Joe Berks, 238

His weight and strength, 239

Meets with Gully, _ib._

Gregson’s fights with Gully and Tom Cribb, 183, 185, 239, 240, 249

Landlord of Bob’s Chop-house and ring poet, 241

His death, _ib._

GRETTING, GEORGE, 1724‒1734, 14

GRANBY, Marquis of, and Hayman, the painter, 91

GULLY, JOHN, 1805‒1808:—

His ambition for the championship, 182

First battle with Gregson, 183

Second battle, 185‒189

His retirement, 190

Mr. Gully as a pugilist and as a member of society, _ib._

M.P. for Pontefract, 191

His family and death, _ib._

GWYDYR, Lord, letter of thanks to, for the services of the pugilists at

the Coronation, 270

GYAS (Introd.), xii

HARMER, HARRY, 1812‒1815:—

Allied to the Belchers, 461

Beat Maltby, _ib._

〃 Jack Ford, 462

Glove-fight with Shelton, 463

Beat Tom Shelton, 464

Spars on the continent, 465

Anecdote of a French patron, 466

Forfeits to Shelton, _ib._

His death, _ib._

HAYMAN, the painter, and the Marquis of Granby, 91

HENLEY, PAT., 1742, 18

HOLMES, JACK, fight with “Tom Tough”, 235

HOLT, HARRY, “The Cicero of the Ring,” 1816‒1820:—

Articled to a surveyor, 467

Ring reporter to the “Era”, _ib._

Beaten by Parish, the waterman, 468

His eloquence, _ib._

Beat Jack O’Donnell, 469

Beaten by Jack Randall, 470

〃 by David Hudson, _ib._

〃 by Jack Scroggins (room fight), 471

His newspaper career, 472

His death, 473

Succeeded by his son Alfred, his death, _ib._

HOMER, first reporter of a prize fight (Introd.), viii

HOOD, JOE, 1773‒1760:—

Fights with Parrot, Rossemus, Gregory, Kellyhorn, Macdonald, Sellers

(Champion), Higgins, Bath, and Day, 53, 54

HOOPER, BILL, the Tinman, 1789‒1797:—

His birth, patronised by Lord Barrymore, and reward, 103

His battles with Clarke, Cotterell, Wright, and Bob Watson, 104, 105

His fights with Big Ben (Brain), 67, 106

〃〃 Bunner, of Colchester, 106

〃〃 George Maddox, 107

〃〃 Will Wood, _ib._

〃〃 Tom Owen, 108, 110

Becomes a bully and drunkard, his degradation and melancholy death,

108, 109

HORACE celebrates pugilism (Introd.), vi

HUMPHRIES, RICHARD, 1784‒1790:—

His personal appearance, 84

His battle with Sam Martin, 85

〃〃 Dan Mendoza, 86‒88

A coal-merchant in the Adelphi, 88

His death, _ib._

HUNT, EDWARD, 1746‒1758:—

His style of boxing, 39

His battle with Hawksley, the Guardsman, 40

〃〃 Smallwood, _ib._

〃〃 Mills, _ib._

INGLESTON, GEORGE, the Brewer, 1789‒1793:—

As a boxer, 124

His fight with John Jackson, 94, 125

Defeats Pickard, of Birmingham, twice, 125

Beaten by Will Wood, _ib._

Retires, _ib._

INGLIS, PEACE, “The Phenomenon,” 1822‒1824:—

Beat Hamilton, the Waterman, _ib._

〃 Deaf Davis, _ib._

〃 George Curtis, 494

Challenges Harry Holt, 495

Beat Ned Turner, 390, 496

JACKSON, MR. JOHN (Champion), 1788‒1795:—

Slanderers of pugilism and its defenders, 89, 90

His birth and education, 92

His _debût_ in the ring, 93

Fights with Fewterel, _ib._

〃〃 Daniel Mendoza, 94

〃〃 George Ingleston, _ib._

His muscular strength, 96

Mr. Vincent Dowling’s eulogium on, _ib._

His rooms:—Lord Byron, Sir John Lade, Colonel Hanger, etc., Jackson’s

personal appearance, 98

As a teacher of boxing, 99

His generosity, 100

Presentation of plate to, _ib._

Death and personal honours, 101

JOHNSON, TOM (Champion), 1783‒1791:—

His real name, his kindness, his character by a contemporary, 55, 56

His fights with Jarvis, “the Croydon Drover,” Oliver (Death), Bill

Love, Jack Towers, Fry, and Bill Warr, 57, 58

His fight with Michael Ryan, 58, 59

〃〃 Isaac Perrins, 59, 63

〃〃 Brain (Big Ben), 63, 68

His style of fighting, 64

His retirement and death, _ib._

JOHNSON, Dr. SAMUEL, a practical exponent of pugilism, 10, 90

JOHNSON, Mr. ANDREW, the swordsman and boxer, 10

JONES, TOM (Paddington), 1786‒1805:—

His early battles, 114, 115

His battle with Caleb Baldwin, 115

〃〃 Abraham Challice, 116

Frightens “Leather Jacket”, _ib._

Beat Keely Lyons, twice, 117

Beaten by Jem Belcher, _ib._

Draw with George Nicholls, 118

Fights with Isaac Bittoon and Simpson, _ib._

A well-known attendant at the Fives Court, 119

His death, _ib._

JUCHAU, TOM, the Paviour (note), 45

KENDRICK, MASSA, 308‒310

LAWS OF THE RING, BROUGHTON’S, 25

LINES on the fights of Epeus and Euryalus, Homer (Introd.), viii

On the fight of Dares and Entellus, Virgil, (Introd.), x, xi

On the two great masters of defence, Messrs. Fig and Sutton, by Dr.

John Byrom, 11, 12

On Ben Brain (Big Ben) by a pugilist, 70

On John Jackson at Brompton Cemetery, 102

On the heroic conduct of Henry Pearce, 179

On the death of Fletcher Reid, Esq., 197

On Tom Cribb, by “An Old Miller”, 270

On Tom Cribb, by V. G. Dowling, Esq., 277

From “Tom Cribb’s Memorial to Congress,” by Tom Moore, 240

On Moulsey Hurst, 313

To Jack Randall, by Tom Moore, 355

To Jack Randall, by a contributor to _Blackwood’s Magazine_, 360

“Jack Randall’s Ghost,” from _Bell’s Life in London_, 361

From “Death’s Doings”, 393

On Jack Scroggins (Epitaph), 434

On Shaw, the Life-guardsman, by Sir Walter Scott, 443

LOVE, BILL, 1788, 57

LYONS, the Waterman (Champion), 1769,

his fight with Bill Darts, 45

MADDOX, GEORGE, “the Veteran,” 1792‒1805:—

His numerous battles, 205

His character, _ib._

His battles with Symonds, “the Ruffian;” Hooper, “the Tinman;” and

Isaac Bittoon, 206

Beat Seabrook and Bill Richmond in one ring, 208

Beaten by Tom Cribb, 208, 244

Draw with Coady, 209

His good qualities, _ib._

Killed by an accident, 210

MARTIN, JACK, “the Master of the Rolls,” 1813‒1828:—

His birth and early battles, 395

Beat George Oliver, _ib._

〃 Paddington Johnson, 396

Wins a foot-race against Spring, Ben Burn, and a novice, 398

A bout with Scroggins, _ib._

Matched with Scroggins, 399

Beat Scroggins, 400

Beaten by Jack Randall, first time, 401

〃 by Ned Turner, _ib._

Beat Josh. Hudson, 402

〃 Cabbage, of Bristol, 403

Mills half-a-dozen “dandies”, 404

Beat Phil. Sampson, 405

〃 a Gipsy, 406

〃 David Hudson, 407

Wins a foot-race from “the Chicken Butcher”, 408

Beat Ned Turner, _ib._

Beaten by Jack Randall, second time, 410

Marriage announcement, _ib._

Beaten by Young Dutch Sam, 411

His retirement, _ib._

MARTIN, the Bath Butcher, fights with Mendoza, 72

His battle with Humphries, 85

〃〃 Bligh and King (note), _ib._

MEGGS, GEORGE, the Collier (note), 35, 36

MEGGS, PARFITT, 37

Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 1 (of 3) Containing Lives of the Most Celebrated Pugilists; Full Reports of Their Battles from Contemporary Newspapers, With Authentic Portraits, Personal Anecdotes, and Sketches of the Principal Patrons of the Prize Ring, Forming a Complete History of the Ring from Fig and Broughton, 1719-40, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863 · 第 12 / 13 章

In consequence of the storm having separated the amateurs rather in a