Bareknuckle Boxing Resources: NEW EDITION

[cross_trainer]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Articles

A Plea For Style in Boxing
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

A Bout With Gloves
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Punching Bags of Pugilism
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

From Bare Knuckles to Modern Boxing
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Practical Value of Boxing
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

A Discussion of Boxing Stances Through History
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

When Boxing Was A Martial Art
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Sullivan and Kilrain Fight
[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])



Online Pugilism Manuals & Resources

Captain John Godfrey's Treatise Upon the Useful Science of Defence, 1747
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Fewtrell's Science of Manual Defence, 1790
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Extracts From Mendoza's Treatise on Boxing, 1791
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Price's Science of Self Defence, 1867
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Ken Pfrenger's Google Video Lecture on Mendoza
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Contemporary Wrestling Manuals

Sir Thomas Parkyns' Close-Hugg Wrestler, 1713
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Layton's Norfolk Wrestling, 1830's
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Donald Walker's Wrestling, 1840
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Famous Fighters

IBHOF "Pioneer" Section
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Cyber Boxing Zone--Bareknuckle Champions of England
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Cyber Boxing Zone--Bareknuckle Champions of America
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Published Instructional Manuals

English Martial Arts--Terry Brown
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Science of Boxing--Professor Mike Donovan
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Classical Pugilism and Bareknuckle Boxing Companion, V.1
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Classical Pugilism and Bareknuckle Boxing Companion, V.2
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Self-Defense; Or, The Art of Boxing--Ned Donnelly
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Defensive Exercises--George Walker
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Art of Wrestling--Dick & Fitzgerald
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Boxing--E.B. Mitchell
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Manual of Boxing--Benedict
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Bartitsu DVD (contains pugilism instruction)
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Forums

Yahoo! Classic Pugilism Group
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Yahoo! Western Martial Arts Group
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Traditional Boxing Thread @ Martial Arts Planet
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Critique of "Boxing Stances Through History" @ Bullshido.net
[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])



Books

Boxiana by Pearce Egan

Bare Fists by Bob Mee

The Manly Art by Elliott J. Gorn

Tom Spring by John Hurley

The Boxing Register by James Roberts and Alexander Scutt

Bareknuckles by Dennis Brailsford

John L. Sullivan and His America by Michael T. Isenberg

The Great Prize Fight by Alan Lloyd

John L. Sullivan by Adam Pollack

Pugilistica by Henry Downes Miles

Pancratia by William Oxberry

The Sundowners by Kevin R. Smith



Footage of Bareknuckle Fights

Real BKB: The Fights of the Irish Travellers (I haven't seen this one)
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



What Pugilism Evolved From

Passchen's Ring-Buch, 1659
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Nicolaes Petter's Worstel Konst, 1674
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Sources Online

Henry Downes Miles' Pugilistica
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Mendoza's Boxing Seminar

5618795638343715291

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[McGrain]

Beautiful.

[Bad_Intentions]

good find, cross_trainer :good

[Luigi1985]

Great work, cross_trainer! If someone wants to discuss about bareknuckle boxing, I´m also a big fan... :thumbsup

[dav8d777]

I have no idea how I could ever thank you for this, but I am very grateful, especially for the Pugilistica link. I'm sitting here reading it straight through.

Russ

[robert ungurean]

Does anyone have info on Fitzsimmons Technique book that he wrote?

[dmt]

keep up the good work

[Mike South]

Nice. You are the man, CT.

[Famous-Fights]

To Robert Ungurean

Hi Robert, Yesterday's Papers website has some info on a Fitzsimmons book that gives tips on boxing. Quite a few pictures too...
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Nick
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Senya13]

To add to "Sources Online":

Fred Henning - Fights for the Championship - The Men and Their Times (Volume II) ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1902)
Descriptions of champion fights, from Tom Cribb vs Bob Gregson (1808) to Frank Slavin vs Jem Smith (1889).

[Senya13]

There's the 1st volume appeared today:
Fred Henning - Fights for the Championship - The Men and Their Times (Volume I) ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1902)

[longlal]

Brilliant thread and links enough reading there with Pugilista and the above to keep me going for a while, thankyou Gentlemen!

[TommyRyan44]

I have some books on bareknuckle boxing but almost all deal with the lead hand extended. My question in your opinions, which style seems to be superior, mendosa or the lead arm extended

[cross_trainer]

I have some books on bareknuckle boxing but almost all deal with the lead hand extended. My question in your opinions, which style seems to be superior, mendosa or the lead arm extended

For MMA, I've heard that Mendoza works better. For strict London Prize Ring Rules, I'd go lead arm extended--but only if you intend to take the rest of that era's advice as well.

[longlal]

Does anyone have any links for Charlie Mitchell? Have found some info on him ( antique prize ring has an interesting article regarding him ) He sounds like a bit of a boy! Any help appriciated as always!

[Fab2333]

great post, you most definately did your research. :thumbsup[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Articles

A Plea For Style in Boxing
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

A Bout With Gloves
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Punching Bags of Pugilism
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

From Bare Knuckles to Modern Boxing
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Practical Value of Boxing
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

A Discussion of Boxing Stances Through History
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

When Boxing Was A Martial Art
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Sullivan and Kilrain Fight
[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])



Online Pugilism Manuals & Resources

Captain John Godfrey's Treatise Upon the Useful Science of Defence, 1747
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Fewtrell's Science of Manual Defence, 1790
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Extracts From Mendoza's Treatise on Boxing, 1791
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Price's Science of Self Defence, 1867
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Ken Pfrenger's Google Video Lecture on Mendoza
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Contemporary Wrestling Manuals

Sir Thomas Parkyns' Close-Hugg Wrestler, 1713
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Layton's Norfolk Wrestling, 1830's
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Donald Walker's Wrestling, 1840
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Famous Fighters

IBHOF "Pioneer" Section
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Cyber Boxing Zone--Bareknuckle Champions of England
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Cyber Boxing Zone--Bareknuckle Champions of America
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Published Instructional Manuals

English Martial Arts--Terry Brown
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Science of Boxing--Professor Mike Donovan
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Classical Pugilism and Bareknuckle Boxing Companion, V.1
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Classical Pugilism and Bareknuckle Boxing Companion, V.2
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Self-Defense; Or, The Art of Boxing--Ned Donnelly
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Defensive Exercises--George Walker
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Art of Wrestling--Dick & Fitzgerald
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Boxing--E.B. Mitchell
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Manual of Boxing--Benedict
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Bartitsu DVD (contains pugilism instruction)
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Forums

Yahoo! Classic Pugilism Group
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Yahoo! Western Martial Arts Group
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Traditional Boxing Thread @ Martial Arts Planet
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Critique of "Boxing Stances Through History" @ Bullshido.net
[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])



Books

Boxiana by Pearce Egan

Bare Fists by Bob Mee

The Manly Art by Elliott J. Gorn

Tom Spring by John Hurley

The Boxing Register by James Roberts and Alexander Scutt

Bareknuckles by Dennis Brailsford

John L. Sullivan and His America by Michael T. Isenberg

The Great Prize Fight by Alan Lloyd

John L. Sullivan by Adam Pollack

Pugilistica by Henry Downes Miles

Pancratia by William Oxberry

The Sundowners by Kevin R. Smith



Footage of Bareknuckle Fights

Real BKB: The Fights of the Irish Travellers (I haven't seen this one)
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



What Pugilism Evolved From

Passchen's Ring-Buch, 1659
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Nicolaes Petter's Worstel Konst, 1674
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Sources Online

Henry Downes Miles' Pugilistica
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Mendoza's Boxing Seminar

5618795638343715291

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Senya13]

Books

Boxiana by Pearce Egan
Pugilistica by Henry Downes Miles
Pancratia by William Oxberry
There's one other book that picked my interest recently. Jon Bee (John Badcock) in his dictionary of slang (published in 1823) promises the following thing:

SHORTLY WILL APPEAR,
A work wanted many a year, which will rended full accounts and clear, as regards history of the fancy for fighting ; price small, but cannot fix, precisely--not much more than nix (or pretium or prix), of Squire Bee's own writing and inditing--videlicit :
FANCY CHRONOLOGY ; a History of Pugilism in Britain, being a brief Chronological Account of all the Prize Fights, Milling Matches, and Hammering Bouts, which have occured during the last One Hundred Years. Affording a clear and perspicuous view of above Seven Hundred Contests of fisty-cuffs, with the leading incidents and remarkable circumstances attending each.


But then no library who's listing is available online lists a book named "Fancy Chronology". So I'm guessing either he never finished it, or could it possibly be that he renamed it, and it turned into a book Magriel lists as:

The Fancy; or, True sportsman's guide: being authentic memoirs of the lives, actions, prowess, and battles of the leading pugilists, from the days of Figg and Broughton, to the championship of Ward,. By an Operator. London: J. M'Gowan and Son, 1826. 2 v. 8'.
This is one of the major works on the history of boxing and like so many similar color-plated works was first issued in parts (56 in all). The work contains 46 engraved portraits and 3 colored plates. Jon Bee is sometimes cited as editor of this work.
Copies: DLC, CtY, MAG, RT, EBM.

[Senya13]

Books

Tom Spring by John Hurley
There's also a book

Bold as a Lion - The Life of Bendigo - Champion of England by J.P. Bean (2002)
it is also very well researched, with plenty of primary sources, same as Tom Spring book.

There's also a book called
Jem Belcher, Champion Prizefighter and His Historic Belcher Handkerchief - Including Jem Belcher's Treatise on Boxing
but it's a short and poor one, I wouldn't recomment to spend money on it.

There are books about Jack Scroggins (by R.A. Hartley, Richard Humphreys, 1989) and Dan Donnelly (In Regency Rogue — Dan Donnelly his life and legends, by Patrick Myler), but I don't have those.

Two books by Dick Johnson:
Bare Fist Fighters of the 18th and 19th Centuries, 1704-1861 (1987)
Bare Knucklers (1999)
but they are mor for easy reading than citations of primary sources.

Bucks and Bruisers - Pierce Egan and Regency England by John Cowie Reid (1971) - while not exactly about boxing history, but it gives better understanding of pugilistic scene of first half of 19th century.
Another one dedicated not exclusively to boxers and fights, but also to painters and writers and other interesting ideas and opinions about pugilism:
Noble Art - An Artistic & Literary Celebration of the Old English Prize-ring by Tom Sawyer (1989)

A more rare one is
Fisticuffs and personalities of the prize ring by Harry E. Cleveland (1923), it's a little chaotic in structure, here's it's table of contents:

Preface
Introduction
PART I
The Brewer, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker
Brewers
Bakers
Candlestick Makers
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor
Tinkers
Tailors
Soldiers
Sailors
Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief
Rich Men
Poor Men
Beggar Men
Thieves
PART II
Battling Basket-Makers
Bellicose Boatmen
Belligerent Bricklayers
Bruising Butchers
Choleric Coachmen
Combative Costers
Milling Miners
Parsonic Pugilists
Poets of the Prize Ring
Scrapping Shoemakers
Smiting Smiths
Slogging Smugglers
Thumping Typo's
PART III
Amateur Bruisers
Colossean Battlers
Female Pugilism
Fighting Families
Fisticuffs in Strange Places
Monuments to Prize Fighters
Pigmy Millers
Pugilists Who Were Undefeated
Pugilists Who Never Won a Prize Fight
Pugilists' Association with Law-Breakers
Titanic Punchers
Tragic Deaths of Boxers
Index


Giants of the Ring - Story of the Heavyweights for Two Hundred Years by Robert A. Haldane (1948) consists of two parts, fisrt of which is about bareknuclers, entitled 'The bruisers', almost 50 pages long.

Extremely rare one
Fights For the Championship and Celebrated Prize Battles - or Accounts of All the Prize Battles for the Championship from the Days of Figg and broughton to the Present Day; and Also of Many Other Game and Extraordinary Battles Between First-Rate Pugilists of Ancient and Modern Times by Frank Lewis Dowling (1855) has a lot of round by round descriptions of bouts, here's a table of contents:

Introduction

Chapter I. The Early Champions. - Figg - Pipes and Gretting - George Taylor - Jack Broughton - Jack Slack - Bill Stevens - Meggs - Darts - Lyons, the Waterman - Peter Corcoran - Sellers - Tom Johnson - Bryan (Big Ben) - Dan Mendoza

Chapter II. Mr. Jackson

Chapter III. Jem Belcher. - Fights with Bourke, Fearby, &c.

Chapter IV. Harry Pearce (The Game Chicken). - Fights with Bourke, Gulley, and Jem Belcher

Chapter V. Mr. Gulley. - His two battles with Gregson

Chapter VI. Tom Cribb. - His fights with Jem Belcher, Bob Gregson, Jem Belcher (second time), and Molyneaux (twice)

Chapter VII. Tom Cribb (Continued). - Fights between Tom Spring and Ned Painter - Tom Oliver and Bill Neat - Spring and Painter (second time) - Tom Spring and Jack Carter - Oliver and Painter - Spring and Oliver - Neat and Hickman (the Gas Man)

Chapter VIII. Tom Spring. - His fight with Bill Neat. - His two battles with Jack Langan

Chapter IX. Jem Ward. - His fights with Josh Hudson and Phil Sampson (first time). - Fight between Tom Cannon and Josh Hudson - Ward and Phil Sampson (second time)

Chapter X. Jem Ward (Continued). - His fights with Tom Cannon, for J1,000, Peter Crawley, Jack Carter, and Simon Byrne

Chapter XI. The Later Champions. - Fights between Deaf Burke and Simon Byrne - Caunt and Bendigo - Bendigo and Deaf Burke - Nick Ward and Deaf Burke

Chapter XII. The Later Champions (Continued). - Fights between Ben Caunt and Brassey - Caunt and Nick Ward (twice)

Chapter XIII. The last fight between Caunt and Bendigo

Chapter XIV. The Later Champions (Concluded). - Second fight between the Tipton Slasher and Tass Parker. - Fights between Bendigo and Paddock - The Tipton Slasher and Paddock - Harry Broome and the Tipton Slasher - Harry Broome and Harry Orme

Chapter XV. Celebrated Prize Battles. - Fights between Ned Turner and Jack Scroggins (twice) - Jack Randall and Ned Turner - Jack Martin and Jack Scroggins - Jack Randall and Jack Martin - Ned Turner and Jack Martin - Jack Martin and Ned Turner

Chapter XVI. Celebrated Prize Battles (Continued). - First fight between Ned Neale and Whiteheaded Bob. - First fight between Jem Burn and Ned Neale - Dick Curtis and Barney Aaron - Whiteheaded Bob and Jem Burn (two fights) - Alec Reid and Bishop Sharpe - Young Dutch Sam and Ned Neale (two fights) - Young Dutch Sam and Tom Gaynor

Chapter XVII. Celebrated Prize Battles (Continued). - Fights between Owen Swift and Hammer Lane - Owen Swift and Lazarus - Jack Hannan and Dan Dismore - Young Molyneaux and Hammer Lane - Johnny Broome and Jack Hannan, for J1,000 - The extraordinary battle between Hammer Lane and Yankee Sullivan

Chapter XVIII. Celebrated Prize Battles (Continued). - Fights between Dick Cain and Ned Adams - Jemmy Massey and Jemmy Welsh - Bill Hayes and Mike Madden - Alec Keene and Jack Grant - Harry Orme and Nat Langham

Conclusion

[Senya13]

Some of pre-Figg's masters of pugilism:

A Concerto was held at the Theatre in Dorsetgardens April 24, 1700, with a most curious accompaniment, in order to amuse the auditors optically as well as auricularly. Joseph Thomas, master of the noble science of defense, had challenged or been challenged by a Mr. Jones, who came from Noth Wales, in order to decide whose skill was superior; after a trial before many of the nobility and gentry the palm was assigned to Mr. Jones.

" At his Majesty's Bear-garden in Hockley in the Hole: a trial of skill to be performed to-morrow, being the 10th instant (July 1700), at three in the afternoon, between John Bowler of the City of Norwich, and Champion of Norfolk, Master of the noble science of defence, and Will of the West, from the City of Salisbury, Master of the said science of defence."

[Senya13]

A version of first appearance of pugilism in England (I haven't tried to research it yet, it's coming from secondary source written long time after that).
It first appeared in second half of 17th century (approximately 1670 or thereabouts). The combat was generally waged with sticks, and the winner was that who drew first blood from the head of the opponent (or at least it was so in Lancashire and Yorkshire and other nothern counties of that period). The part that included "boxing" in such combats consisted only of beating an opponent thrown to the ground into unconsciousness (sometimes resulting in death). At some point this kind of pugilism was to most degree abolished by a reformation, introduced by Roger Faller, who excluded the usage of sticks or kicking of opponent with a foot, with only usage of fists allowed for hitting. This kind of combat was sometimes "altered" by fighters holding stones in their hands to cause more damage, this modification of fighting was called "dripping", while the combat using other kinds of weapons (I understand the author means sticks) was called "noscent".

[Senya13]

Curious example of two reports about a bare-knuckle fight between Belcher and Bourke in 1802, where you would get two completely different impressions about the event, depending which of the two you read, the local source - York Herald, or the London newspaper, non-local Morning Post.

The York Herald.
----
belcher and bourke.
The Boxing Match made some time since at Newmarket, to be fought by the above persons, it was agreed by the parties, should be decided on Thursday (June 17,) betwixt the hours of twelve and two, at the village of Grewelthorpe, about six miles from Ripon. The above village is in the West Riding; the division of that part of the county and the North Riding taking place there. Accordingly, in the morning of Thursday, a stage was erected at the bottom of a close adjoining the house of Mr. Pickersgill; the money, amounting to one thousand four hundred and fifty pounds a side, deposited by the parties, and every necessary preparation made. In consequence of information having been previously sent to the Magistrates, of the business that was to take place, the very Rev. the Deans of Ripon and Middleham, with several of the Justices for the North and West Ridings, attended at Grewelthorpe, and signified their determination to put a stop to all such outrageous proceedings; but finding that the business was likely to be proceeded with, and that a number of people were assembling, they ordered the Riot-act to be read, which was accordingly done about twelve o'clock, by Mr. Taylor, the town clerk of Ripon. Betwixt one and two o'clock, however, Belcher, with his seconds, &c. went on the stage, and was followed by Bourke ; upon which Mr. Trapps went down to inform them, that if they did not instantly quit the stage, and the neighbourhood, they and their parties would be apprehended. They immediately obeyed, and left Grewelthorpe soon after. Thus, in consequence of the very prompt and praise-worthy conduct of the Magistrates, has this disgraceful business been prevented from taking place in Yorkshire. Had it been fought, we believe Belcher would certainly have beaten his antagonist: he appeared cool and collected ; showed much strength of nerve and bone. Bourke, on the contrary, though the heaviest by far of the two, appeared sickly, much agitated, and seemed unwilling for the engagement.--We are informed that Belcher is an extremely well-behaved young man, and that he was forced into the match from the over-bearing behaviour of Bourke. We hope it will be the last time we shall have to notice such transactions in our columns ; and recommend it to both, to apply to their lawful avocations, and endeavour to gain their livelyhood by proper industry, and a peaceable and orderly conduct.


The Morning Post.
----
the boxing-match.
It appears, that on Tuesday, June 17, a stage, on which it was intended that Belcher and Bourke should exhibit a fresh trial of their skill and strength, was erected in a bye place about twenty miles distance from Middleham, in Yorkshire, and so conveniently situated for the purpose, that no persons present could have been deprived of a full view of the fight. On the Thursday following, at one o'clock, Fletcher Reid, Esq. on the part of Belcher, and Captain Fletcher, on behalf of Bourke, met on this spot, to make good the stage of one thousand four hundred and fifty guineas a side, being the sum which Belcher and Bourke were matched to fight for. The conditions having been fulfilled, Belcher appeared on the stage at a quarter before two o'clock, attended by Joe Ward, as his second, and Bill Gibbons, as his bottle-holder; and shortly after Bourke joined them, with Crabb, as his bottle-holder, but no second. The two bruisers shook hands, and Bourke observed, " that it would now be determined which was the best man ;" to which Belcher replied, " we was surprised he did not know that already." There were several hundred persons present on the tiptoe of expectation to see the conflict commence; but the combatants could not set to, as Harry Lee had not ascended the stage, who was Bourke's promised second. On his name being called out among the crowd, he answered to it; but when asked why he did not appear in his place, he gave no other explanation than that he would have nothing to do with the fight.
This circumstance produced general dissatisfaction, as it was declared that this determination on the part of Lee, could have only been occasioned by a previous understanding between him and Bourke's friends, who now began to think of the large sums they had at stake, and the little chance they had of success. No bets could be procured on the ground without staking considerable odds. As Bourke refused to accept any other second in the room of Lee, all hopes of a contest now vanished, and the champions retired from the stage. Belcher, however, unwilling to disappoint the company, offered to have a few rounds with Bourke for pure love, but he declined, and immediately sat off in a post-chaise.
Mr. Fletcher Reid, who backed Belcher, made him a present of fifty pounds for his trouble, and five pounds to bear his expences to London. He also made a present to Ward, the second, and to the bottle-holder, with money to bear their expences to town.
The Yorkshire people, it appears, did not encourage the idea of prize-fighters coming among them, any more than the Magistrates of Berkshire ; for about one o'clock they were visited by two Magistrates and the Dean of York, who desired that no fight might take place; but having no posse comitatus to enforce their orders, the battle would have proceeded, had it not been for the circumstance we have stated.

[Senya13]

But when you think you have figured out the true version of event...


Ripon, June 30, 1802.
mr. editor,
Having read an incorrect account, in one of the country papers, of the proceedings at the village of Grewelthorp (six miles from this place), relative to the boxing match between Belcher and Berks, which was to have been fought there on Thursday last, as I take in your Magazine, to prevent misrepresentation, I take the liberty to send you the following account of the transaction--
" The Reverend the Dean of Ripon, and the Reverend Mr. Read, of Sand Hutton, (who are acting Justices of the Peace for the three Ridings of this County) having had information the evening before of the intended battle, desired the town-clerk to attend them. They arrived in the field where the stage was erected about ten o'clock on Thursday morning, and found a very large concourse of people assembled, whose numbers increased until twelve o'clock, when, after communicating with some of the parties concerned, they found that the combatants had resolved to fight, and had given out they would not be prevented. Upon this the two justices, with the town-clerk, and about a dozen constables, went to the stage, which the constables (as ordered) began to pull down, and in part accomplished, but were prevented by the interference of the mob, who forcibly took possess on of their tools, with loud and repeated huzzas. The town-clerk then, by desire of the justices, read the riot-act thrice, the mob continuing, at times, loud huzzas, to prevent its being heard. This was a little after twelve o'clock. Immediately afterwards the town-clerk addressed the crowd, and requested them to go peaceably home, informing them, that if they continued together a certain time longer, they would all be guilty of felony. Notwithstanding this, the mob, very soon afterwards, repaired the stage ; upon which the justices again interfered, and, with the few constables, began to pull down the stage a second time, but were again prevented by the mob. They then walked off the ground into the village, the mob still continuing assembled, both in the field and in the village, in very large crowds. About half past one o'clock the combatants both came from the village, and ascended the stage, Belcher taking the precedence of Berks. They were then called to, and told, that if they remained there they would be very soon taken into custody. Upon this they both quitted the stage, without fighting, and, accompanied by the mob, immediately quitted the village, so that, at two o'clock, there were not a dozen strangers in the village, nor were any bye-battles fought.
" A great number of gentlemen, who call themselves amateurs of the art, were attending on the occasion. The match was said to be for fifteen hundred pounds a side.
" Your's, &c."


and then a letter from one of the combatants himself


To the Editor of the Daily Advertiser and Oracle,
sir,
The wager for which I was to have fought with Belcher, at Grewelthorp, in Yorkshire, was for one thousand four hundred and fifty guineas a side ; Captain Fletcher betting upon me, and Mr. Fletcher Reid upon Belcher : the match was to be fought between twelve and two.
Captain Fletcher was on the stage half an hour before Mr. Fletcher Reid could make up the sum betted. Belcher did not come upon the stage till half past one, and then appeared in boots; consequently not very likely with an intention to fight. Immediately on his coming on the stage, Captain Fletcher came to me at the house, and desired me to put on my fighting-dress, and be ready immediately, which I directly did. I was then asked by Fletcher Reid, " Where is your Second ?"--" I answered, " Let us fight without Seconds, for Harry Lee has refused to be one, on account of the magistrates."
I had wished to fight before the hour named, to prevent the interference of the magistrates ; for, though no man can more respect their authority, which I would not attempt to resist, I thought it would be fair enough to get the start of them.
Mr. Bolton, of York, held the bets, to the amount of two thousand nine hundred guineas.
I had been in training seven weeks, at Middleham, and was never in better condition. I ran and leaped with many people, and always beat them. I was exceedingly well treated by the people there, and must say, that Captain Fletcher behaved amazingly well, and like a gentleman to me. I told him, it was not for the sake of money, but of my honour, that I wanted to fight.
Belcher had not been ten minutes on the stage, when two or three gentlemen came and told him to get off, for that the magistrates had issued their warrants.
Belcher, on this, was directly going off, when I said, " Belcher, stop, and fight at all risks, and we shall see who is the best man." I must say it is not true, as stated in some of the papers, that Belcher made a reply, that " he thought I knew that already," for he made no answer, but acted the part of Orator Mum.
It appears odd to me, that Joe Ward was at Grewelthorp the day before, but did not appear the day appointed for the fight at all. I do not wish to impute any thing wrong to him, but think it very strange.
The above is a true statement, which nobody will deny, and which Belcher, if he has a regard for truth, dares not contradict.
I am, Sir, your's, &c.
Jos. Berks.
London, July 1.



Now go figure, what really happened there. :huh

[Senya13]

Master of the Ring: The Extraordinary Life of Jem Mace Father of Boxing and the First Worldwide Sports Star ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) by Graham Gordon was published less than a month ago.

[Senya13]

Table of contents ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) of the first 26 issues of Famous Fights Past and Present newspaper, which was published in 1901. Ignore the text on the rest of that page, it's in Russian.

[Senya13]

Famous Fights Past & Present, table of contents for issues:
27-52 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
53-78 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[Luigi1985]

Some great stuff, Senya, keep writing! :good

Btw, you know I´m also a big bareknuckle boxing- fan, I you want to discuss something than let me know it...

[Eazy]

Thats great, I have to agree with Luigi. Bareknuckle boxing is really an interesting topic. I hope that you write more soon.

Eazy

[Senya13]

Posted this to classic pugilism yahoo group before.

Contemporary (1792-93) views of some renowned pugilists (published in Sporting Magazine).

We cannot avoid giving the character of Broughton, as a pugilist : who, notwithstanding the gross partiality of Captain Godfrey, stands the first of the old school. His height did not exceed five feet eleven inches, and his weight was sometimes above, sometimes under fourteen stone. He was remarkably well formed, but more calculated for strength than action : He had a good eye, and his arm was not, as has been ridiculously reported, longer than the symmetry of the body demanded. The history of almost every pugilist sufficiently proves, that the mind, whatever opinion may be hazarded to the contrary, is very much interested in all contests of this nature. It is the origin of motion, and the body is its slave. Broughton was superior to all others in mental powers ; his sagacity in discovering the weakness of an adversary, and ability in covering himself from the most dangerous blows, enabled him to overcome many, to whom he was inferior in bodily force. His favourite blows were straight, and one directly planted in the mark or pit of the stomach generally proved decisive. Few battles are now decided in this manner, as from the guard, and the forward bent of the body, this dangerous place is nearly secure. He used round blows, particularly when he wished to strike his antagonist under the left ear. His attitude was somewhat like that of Ryan, in his first battle with Johnson ; thought his arms were not so much extended, they were, however, more so than those of his contemporaries. When a blow was directed at his body, he beat it down ; when his head was aimed at, he caught his opponent's fist in his open hand. The cross buttock was known long before his days; but he considerably improved it, and brought it into notice. Whatever state the science was in at that period, Broughton, it must be admitted, exceeded all other fighters in a knowledge of the principles ; for his great talents soon led him to discover much of the theory that was before unknown. Many were his superiors in strength and activity, but none in science and courage. He is deservedly placed at the head of the boxers of his own time, and his amiableness of manners went hand in hand with his public estimation.
Slack.
Next to Broughton, Slack demands our notice : he measured five feet eight inches and a half, and his weight was between thirteen and fourteen stone. He was remarkably compact in his make, superior to most men in strength, and of wonderful bottom. Suited to the prevailing mode of fighting in his time, few were able to contend with him, when he was resolved on victory. He had not much method in his striking, and seldom fought a battle on a previously concerted plan. He exceeded all others in the force of his blows, whence a Slack was a term commonly used to signify a blow given with grat force.
His attitude was upright, the legs very little separated, his right hand on or near the pit of the stomach, and his left placed at a small distance from his body before his mouth. In this position we cannot discern much art ; and, had he possessed bottom only in common with other pugilists, he never could have been victorious ; but his clay seemed to be formed of a different mould, and resisted the strongest impressions.
He resolutely disputed every inch of ground, and so much did he despise shifting, that he has aptionally received a knock-down blow, rather than relinquish his original situation. Though Mendoza claims the honour of inventing the chopper, (a blow struck on the face with the back of the hand), Slack frequently used it in his time, and frequently with success in giving the return : brining his fist to his breast, and projecting his elbow, he threw off a blow, and instantly describing part of a circle, the centre of which was the elbow, he unexpectedly struck his antagonist in the face with the back of his hand. This mode was completely his own, but has since been adopted by many. Mendoza, it must be confessed, revived and improved it. Slack's victory over Broughton was the greatest honour he acquired, and we should be as blind as Fortune proved herself in the decision of that combat, were we on that account to yield him the palm. Broughton's science and repeated trials, in which he overcame the bravest and most powerful champions of his time, even those who had vanquished Slack, must give him the first situation, and it cannot be thought an act of injustice to the celebrated boxer, whose memoirs we are now giving, to place him after so grat a man.

Hunt.
Though a small man, Hunt possessed more reputation than any pugilist of the three different periods. Not exceeding nine stone, and only five feet four inches and a half in height, he has frequently fought with men of twice his weight. When he boxed, it was generally a trial of skill with strength. He made more difficulties to surmount than any other, for he was constantly overmatched. Of the few instances of shifting,[1] ([Only registered and activated users can see links]_ftn1) that occured in his time, he is the most singular, for he conquered the strongest men by his admirable art, and even stood up to some in a manly way.
Though he might have been allowed to drop, when strength so much beyond his own opposed him, he seldom fell without a blow. He never confined himself to one attitude, for he found he could more effectually confuse his adversary by changing his guard, which he continually did.
Some peculiarities which he used with success deserve our notice ; he appeared patiently to wait the approach of a blow, which, if aimed at his body, he avoided by stepping aside, and then took an opportunity of winding his man, who was driven forward by his own force; if directed at his head, the stooped, and letting his opponent's arms pass over him, rushed within his guard, and generally planted a successful blow in the body. He was so famous for these practices, that his antagonists usually fought on the defensive : this was a great advantage to Hunt, because by this means he became the assailant, and was not pressed by superior power.

[1] ([Only registered and activated users can see links]_ftnref1) Shifting is running from your adversary, whenever he attempts to strike you, or to come near you, or when you have struck him, and is done with a view of tiring him out. It is rarely practised by good boxers, unless they are fighting with a man so much superior to them in strength, that they find it necessary to fatigue him and exhaust his patience, in order that they may reduce his chance of success to a level with their own.

[Senya13]

Pugilists of the second period.

The last three pugilists, whose memoirs we have concisely given, were remarkable in very different lines : the first was famous for science, the second for bottom, and the third for activity. The history of Taylor, Stevenson, and many others, equally eminent in the same class, might have been given ; but as accounts of this nature cannot admit of much variety, such only have been noticed as most materially differed from each other. We now come to the second or middle state of boxing, in which we propose to adopt a similar plan.


Corcoran.

This pugilist stands first as a fair fighter. His blows were all straight, and planted with astonishing force. He never shifted nor fell, unless accidentally, without being struck. His guard was somewhat injudicious, his arms not being sufficiently extended, and his body too upright.
He exceeded most men in the power of using both hands, and though he has been blamed as a slow fighter, he had the merit of striking with certainty, for he always reserved himself to take advantage of his adversary's opens.
Unfortunate in the event of his contests, he had not much reason to triumph, even when victorious ; for engaging with powerful pugilists, and meeting them in a manly way, he seldom escaped a very severe drubbing.


Sellers.

Though Sellers was stronger and had more art than Corcoran, he did not strike with equal vigour. He was celebrated for rallying, or recovering himself, when closely pressed. This he effected by a strategem practised long before, but not frequently used till he revived it. When he found it impossible any longer to stand an assault, he fell on one of his knees, and thus evaded the disgrace of a knock-down blow. He was the more censurable for this practice, as he rarely encountered his superior in strength. He was very successful in striking his adversary as he himself dropped, and this has more than once terminated a battle in his favour.
The following anecdote is related of Sellers, by some of the fighting men of his time: The neglect of his friends in not backing him against Johnson, when this celebrated pugilist first came into notice, so affected him with grief, that it absolutely occasioned his death. We will not, however, be answerable for the truth of this report.


Oliver,


Commonly called death.

Though the real name of this boxer is Oliver, he is more generally known by that of Death. He was once a favourite with Broughton, and formerly won many battles. He was well made, but light (we speak of him when in the full possession of his powers, for he is still living.) His utmost weight was between eleven and twelve stone ; but his activity amply compensated for any deficiency in strength. He has fought more battles than any man in England, and won a great number of them.
Death had at one time as much reputation in London as any pugilist could desire, and not one of his own weight would dare to meet him. But he imprudently engaged with his superiors in force, and the utmost activity and skill united, could hardly bring him through.
He is the first instance, at the period we now allude to, of a small boxer boldly facing an enemy much larger than himself ; and though he has been frequently over - matched, he has often conquered. One of Johnson's first battles was with him ; but Death unable to sustain so unequal a contest, was soon compelled to give in, for Johnson even at that time, went far beyond him in displaying the requisites of a pugilist.
The sparring of this pugilist, which was thought excellent some years ago, is now equalled by that of almost any pupil of either Humphreys or Mendoza ; which tends to prove that the old was not equal to the modern school.

[Senya13]

Pugilists of the third period.
Johnson.
Among the moderns, Johnson is the most celebrated as a pugilist. His strength, science and bottom, give him a rank superior to all others ; but his uncommon judgement is his greatest excellence. He has never yet engaged, without previously studying not only the powers and manner of fighting, but also the constitution and disposition of his adversary. This knowledge he always converts to his advantage; not by any unfair manœuvres or abusive conduct, but by an almost unerring sagacity. If his opponent be cool, he himself is cooler : if warm, he makes him still more so by taking every justifiable measure to irritate him. It is worth the care of a sagacious amateur, to trace one by one the various battles that Johnson has won. From the first to his memorable victory over Perrins, each furnishes us with new improvements, not acquired by scholastic attention or a servile imitation of others, but by his own originality of invention.
A panegyric on the mental faculties of a boxer may appear ridiculous to the inconsiderate, but the natural powers of Johnson's mind, uncultivated by education, are very great, and were they polished and enlarged by study, might be directed with success to the attainment of any difficulties. Unlike most other boxers, who seldom attend to rules for their guidance in a combat, till they find themselves on the stage, he regularly forms, long before, a system of conduct most adapted to himself, and contrary to the interest of his enemy ; and to effect this, he calmly balances the respective abilities and tempers of each—a strong proof of judgement, and which his own reflection first suggested to him.
His height is about five feet eight inches and a half, and his weight about thirteen stone six pounds; he has little shew in his cloaths, but strips very large. He is round about the shoulders and breast, and his chief force is centered in the loins, which are remarkably strong. His position seems more calculated for defence than assault : but when the body is strong enough for its support, it is equally capable of both. The face appears to be peculiarly his mark, and his great object is the blinding his adversary, in which he frequently suceeds. He desists a long time in a battle from acting offensively, with this design, that he may be more intimately acquainted with his enemy's manner, and fatigue him.
He avoids the fiercest attacks by the safety of his guard, which protects the body in an uncommon degree, while the arms thrown before cover the head.
His guard consists of his legs placed square, and his arms held in almost a semi-circular direction before his head. His motion is very judicious, he never retreats, but dances round his man with a rapidity, which generally confuses him. He gives the return quicker than any other pugilist, Mendoza excepted, and has confounded many by advancing his open hand immediately before the face of his antagonist : this practice dazzles the fight, and gives an opportunity of planting a blow in the body.
Johnson's grand principle in fighting, is never idly to expose himself to danger, nor hazard any thing which can be obtained with certainty. Acting always upon this principle, he has, at the conclusion of several battles, been in nearly as good condition as at the beginning ; for though assured of conquest when first setting-to, his prudence leads him to protract an engagement, which he perhaps could not speedily terminate, unless he engangered himself : he therefore usually acts on the defensive, and never strikes, but when confident of success. Till his contest with Ryan, he never met a man who had even a chance of beating him. One pugilist may be superior in strength, another in science, and a third may possess more bottom than Johnson, but in him are more fully combined the various requisites that form a complete boxer.
The following anecdote is well known : During the whole time of the battle of Odiham, when Johnson seconded Humphreys, he was abusing Mendoza, and looking him in the face, in order to take away his attention from his adversary ; and even at one critical period of the combat, when Humphreys's loins were exposed, and Mendoza was about striking into his kidneys, a stroke which must have terminated the battle, he stepped in between them and stopped the blow : an action, for which Broughton said, he would, in his time, have been kicked off the stage.—Johnson's character, in private life, is respectable.

Perrins.
Perrins, only victorious in the part of the country where he lived, for he was never matched in London, the residence of most fighting men, little can be said of him, prior to his contest with Johnson. He won many battles with ease, and thought himself superior to every man in England. This was evident from his advertisment in the public papers, which challenged any boxer to meet him for five hundred guineas.
Perrins is nearly gigantic in height and weight, with force adapted to his form, and admirable activity. An account of the battle between him and Johnson will convey a perfect idea of him. In this engagement strength was opposed to skill, and all the admirers of manhood and science were warmly interested in the decision. When stripped, the difference in nerve between them was wonderful; and Johnson's friends, who, but a short time before, assured themselves of success, trembled for the event.
We may safely declare, there was never so great a disparity in size between the two pugilists matched against each other, and yet the smaller was a large man.
In setting-to, great caution was shewn on both sides, and four minutes elapsed before a blow was even attempted.—Johnson, after baffling his adversary's attack, gave the first blow, and Perrins fell. The three next rounds terminated also in Johnson's favour, who confused his antagonist by dancing round him, and occasionally planting an unexpected blow. Perrins, irritated by this conduct, threw off the caution he shewed in the beginning; followed him with vast resolution, appeared to hold his manœuvres in contempt, and at last put in a successful blow, that turned the contest in his favour. One of Johnson's eyes was quite closed, and his ribs very much beaten. Johnson therefore fought with more cunning, and, after skilfully parrying a violent attack of Perrins, suddenly darted forward, and struck him a severe blow in the face, which laid his nose entirely open. This was immediately followed by a second, under the left eye, and Perrins was at length so perplexed by rapid movements and unexpected assaults, that he had evidently the worst of the battle in every future round, and the odds, which were once with him, turned at least ten to one on Johnson.
About the tenth round Johnson's strength seemed to decline, for he fell without a blow. Perrins therefore claimed the victory, but on appealing to the umpires, they decided it allowable to fall without a blow, as the articles were not specifically against that conduct.
Perrins, in his turn, lost much of his strength, and attempted to imitate his antagonist's mode of fighting, with which he was completely unacquainted. He fought low, and chopped at Johnson's face, but this effort weakened him still more, while it hurt his opponent but little, who appeared to gain new vigour. Perrins, in aiming several blows, at last fell from weakness, when his adversary dropping at the same time struck him in the face, and afterwards hit him whenever he tried, till a dreadful blow in the centre of his face, which was before very much cut, compelled Perrins to give in.
The battle lasted an hour and fourteen minutes : and fifty thousand pounds, it is thought, were won on the event of it.

[Senya13]

Ryan.
This pugilist is manly in his person, and remarkable for his courage, and is thought to be the hardest hitter in England. He fights scientifically, and is well acquainted with the principles of pugilism, to which he has lately indefatigably applied himself. Thought left handed, he is very graceful in his attitudes. Ryan is famous for giving the first knock-down blow, and could he preserve a coolness of temper, might be matched against any boxer in the kingdom.
He spars somewhat in the Mendoza-style, hitting the chopper very frequently. In his disposition and manners, he has a considerable portion of that pleasantry and humour which so often characterise the lower order of the Irish.
In his last battle with Johnson a round took place, which, for game, skill, and vigour in rallying, excells all others in the memory of modern pugilists; it lasted near three minutes, and Johnson fell.

Big Ben.
Though this pugilist is distinguished by the name of of Big, he has no particular claim to it, for he is not remarkably large, hardly exceeding the size of Johnson. He strikes very straight with both hands, but has not much art in his guard. He is wonderful game, and never permits his adversary to recover himself, but follows him with great valour, till the decision of the round. His blows are uncommonly powerful, and without any particular direction.
He has been unwarrantably represented as an impudent, abusive fellow ; but every person who knows him will acknowledge, that, though not qualified to shine in a drawing-room, he is a well-behaved, obliging man.

Tring.
This pugilist is said to be the best made man in England, and the talents of several artists have been employed in delineating his person. He has not been frequently matched, but his battle with Big Ben will long be remembered, for they both exhibited a bottom which has been rarely seen in any contest. They displayed little art, and fought with such spirit, that Tring was quite blinded, and his antagonist could see but very imperfectly. This however was a great advantage, and Tring was obliged to give in.

Ward.
This combatant has perhaps more claim than any other to public notice ; though he weighs but twelve stone, he has engaged the most powerful fighters with success, and could get backed for sums to a great amount against any pugilist, if permitted to drop. His contest with Johnson, to whom he is inferior in strength and weight, will not be soon forgot: they fought upwards of two hours and an half. The skill shewn by Ward in this battle has never been equalled ; his activity in shifting was astonishing, and he gave strong proofs of judgement in his manœuvres. Ward is the quickest of all the boxers in hitting and changing ground; his blows are very strong, and cut exceedingly. He does not adhere to rules laid down by others, but invents for himself; and this he has done with such success that he has never been vanquished. Ward is able to beat any one of his own size, and if allowed to fall, would encounter the largest man in the world.

George the Brewer.
This boxer, who is upwards of six feet high, fights slowly, but strikes very hard. He knows little of the theory of boxing, but meets his opponent in a manly way, never shifting, but resolutely bearing the severest blows. He generally stands in a low attitude, somewhat like Johnson, who first gave him instructions and brought him into notice. He has made great improvements since his first battle, and the fighting-men hold him in high estimation. His victory over Pickard, the Birmingham-man, gave a signal proof of his undaunted spirit; they stood up to each other, and disdained to practice the manœuvres of boxing. Here was no falling back to avoid a blow, or running round the stage to wind one another; all was manly, and displayed uncommon courage. Two minutes often elapsed before either of them fell ; though, during that time, many hard blows were given on each side. When either of them did fall, it was by a real knock-down blow. After the most courageous contest ever seen, and which lasted thirty-four minutes, George conquered.

[Senya13]

Jackson is a remarkably active man, nearly six feet high, and proportionably formed. He surpasses most men in strength of arm. He imitates Johnson in parrying the blow directed at the head, and avoids those aimed at the body by jumping backward. In his engagement with George the Brewer, the odds were six to four in his favour, till he unfortunately broke his leg, which put an end to the contest.
DUNN.
This pugilist is finely formed, and his strength corresponds with his appearance. He is a very bold fighter, and never shifts. Dunn has on several occasions distinguished himself for bottom. He fought with Ryan half an hour after three of his ribs were broken by a blow from his adversary. He is more remarkable for strength than science.
WOOD.
This boxer is somewhat larger than Ward ; he deserves much encomium for his manly conduct, and is considered a very fair fighter. He is greatly improved in his knowledge of the principles of boxing, and ranks high as a sparrer.
MENDOZA.
This Israelite is universally known as a teacher of the science and a boxer; but he is particularly celebrated for giving instructions. He is initiated more in the elements of sparring than any other professor, and has now a great number of pupils. There is more neatness than strength in his manner——more shew than service. His plan consists in teaching his scholars to strick quick, and their intention is mostly directed to the face. As a boxer, he deservedly ranks high, he strikes oftener, and stops better than any man in England. He is deficient in the strength of his blows, and this preceeds from his attitude, which is too much in the defensive.
With regards to dexterity in boxing, Mendoza is much superior to Humphreys. The difference in their respective styles is, that Mendoza only uses his arm from his fist to his shoulder in striking and recovers his guard instantly, so that he hits four blows to one of his adversary ; while Humphreys collects all the force of his body together, and, when he strikes, flings himself forward ; thus making the weight of his body second the blow ; by which means one stroke from him tells almost as much as four from the other. Humphreys, in general, gives none but favourite blows, while Mendoza has no favourite blow, except the chopper, and strikes wherever he sees an opening. He has a remarkably quick eye.
Mendoza is weak in the loins, but very finely formed in the breast and arms. His courage is grat. He has good wind, and he takes vast pains to prepare himself for action by proper training.
HUMPHREYS.
This is a manly fighter. He is true game, and displays more grace in his various attitudes than any pugilist of the modern school; he is well versed in the elements, and judiciously puts them into practice. He cannot use both hands with equal power--he mostly steps with the left, and strikes with the right hand ; his blows are strong, and carefully aimed at the most dangerous parts, as the loins, the pit of the stomach, and under the left ear. He is strong and sturdy, and therefore better calculated by nature for closing successfully. His conduct in private life has gained him many friends.
The difference between him and Mendoza may be stated thus: Mendoza puts in more blows and stops better ; Humphreys hits more violently, and is supposed to have better bottom.

[RoccoMarciano]

Thanks for this, Senya!

[Senya13]

Does this author like boxing or despises it? From London's Times, October 24, 1789.


BOXING.

Johnson and Perrins.

The practice of this barbarous custom, we ever have and shall decry, as an offence against society--brutal in its nature--murderous in its consequences--an encouragement to proffigacy--a scandalous waste of time--and the most unprofitable method of circulating mney--because it takes a number of industrious men from their labour--teaches them a profligate course of life, by the sums of money their receive on these occasions, which they generally squander away from their families, who in case of accident are thrown on the parish, and a burthen to the public--and at least, the bruises they receive, disables them for a time pursuing any avocations useful to society.

The plan for conducting the battle was excellent in itself, and calculated to give every spectator a perfect sight of the contest. At eleven o'clock, the door of an inclosure was opened, near the Church-yard, surrounded by a palling, and capable of holding some thousand persons. In the midst was a raised stage of about the same size as the space allotted for Humphreys and Mendoza at Stilton. It was covered with turf, and elevated from the ground about four feet.

The number of persons who were admitted amounted to about 500, so that every man was most conveniently accommodated. In a little time, however, the " rastic bumpkins" broke down the pallisadoes of the inclosure, and took possession.

The cause of this victory was obvious to every spectator used to such conflicts. Perrins, infinitely superior in size and strength, but less used to the tricks of boxing than Johnson, found it impossible to stand out against so cunning an adversary. Even his size, perhaps, might have been against him, as too cumbrous to form a clean and dexterous pugilist ; and his knowledge of the art was very inconsiderable indeed, for he constantly laid his body open by the aukwardness of his guard, and neither stopped nor struck with the method and style of an expert boxer.

In the first set-to, therefore, there was nothing, at least on his side, that was very picturesque in the eye of an amateur. He crossed his arms close to his body, which appeared to lay him open to an immediate blow. His adversary, however, gave ground immediately as he advanced, and he for some little time followed Johnson, who shifted from him all round the stage, to no purpose. Johnson, however, gave the first blow, and the Birmingham hero fell.

The two or three first rounds were apparently in Johnson's favour, who puzzled his antagonist by dancing about, and occasionally throwing in an unexpected blow. Perrins, however, followed him with much resolution, appeared to hold his manoeuvres in contempt, and at last put in a blow or two that turned the contest much in his favour. Johnson was considerably beaten about the ribs, and one of his eyes so cut, that in a short time it was quite closed ; he continued, nevertheless, to fight with great care and cunning, and struck his adversary a severe blow on the face that laid his nose entirely open ; this was soon followed by a second under his left eye, and Perrins was at last so worried by Johnson's rapid retreats and unexpected encounters, that he had evidently the worst of the battle every future round ; and the odds, which were at one time in his favour, turned at last to ten to one on Johnson.

Perrins, in the end, was entirely exhausted, and fought several of the last rounds with very little power to strike. He chopped at Johnson's face sideways once or twice with some success and effect ; and shortly afterwards attempted the same at his stomach. But this effort hurt Johnson but little, while it considerably weakened himself. He aimed several blows, and immediately fell from weakness ; when Johnson dropping at the same time, struck him in the face as he was on his knee, and at last hit him whenever he tried, till a severe and successful blow at the centre of his face, which was already cut to pieces, obliged Perrins to yield the battle.

This success was wholly owing to the artifice of Johnson's style of fighting, and the ignorance of the science in his adversary ; the one constantly careful of his attitude, ever on the shift, and repeatedly falling without a blow, and the other advancing with a guard hazardous to himself, incessantly laying himself open, and obliged to exhaust his strength and power by unnecessary advances, and blows spent in the air. Perrins at first thought that Johnson's retreats arose from fear, and treated them with derision and contempt ; but the event proved that they were the effect only of superior judgement. To have acted otherwise against a man so much more powerful had lost him the battle ; for there was one blow which Perrins appeared often to meditate, that must have decided the contest, if it had not been dexterously evaded. He drew his arm back to a great length, and appeared about to strike it at his antagonist's stomach with his utmost force ; but Johnson immediately receded from its reach, and as often as it was aimed, avoided its effects.

All this was judicious ; for there is not a doubt but Perrins possessed capabilities of gaining the combat. Though his guard was bad, and his size aukward (being a stout, corpulent man,) the force of his blows must have overpowered Johnson, if they had been followed up. If he had struck at the same time, as his arms were longer than Johnson's, he must have reached his adversary without any feat of being hit himself. If he had stood still, when Johnson was running round the stage, he would not have exhausted his strength and wind, as he would have obliged his adversary to approach him, in order to fight, instead of retreating. If he had not attempted his long blow, unless in following up, it would have taken effect, since the intent of a boxer is seen, when he draws his arm back, unless his adversary should be confused by some previous stroke, and consequently guarded against. Such are the causes to which the victory was owing ; and while we give the palm to Johnson, for his skill and knowledge of what was necessary to succeed in the contest, we must not deny Perrins the praise of having acted with spirit ; and while he shewed his want of skill, of having, at least, evinced much bottom.

Johnson's Umpire was Col. Tarleton, and Perrins had a friend from Birmingham.

[Senya13]

Boxers of the old and new school compared.
----
To the Editor of the Sporting Magazine.
sir,
In some of the late Numbers of your much admired publication, I observe a comparison made between our present breed of race horses and those as far back as Eclipse, Childers, &c. I beg, Mr. Editor, I may be allowed the same privilege with regard to the human species. As the present is the age for milling, and I am an admirer of that manly science, I frequently drop into argument relative to the improvement that has been made within the last thirty years in that noble exercise; I, myself, contend that the present race of pugilists (and treading back for the last ten years), are by no means degenerated, but improved in the scientific requisites of boxing. On the other hand, my competitors, with knock-down arguments, as strenuously contend in favour of the pugilistic capabilities of the old school, particularising some of the renowned heroes of that day, whom they wish to infer, if compared with the present race, would carry the palm. Now, Mr. Editor, with due deference, I wish that some amateur of the fancy, who has witnessed the merits of both the modern and old school, and feels himself competent to form a sound judgement, would demonstrate to me, through the medium of your Magazine, on which side the balance preponderates ; I have selected a few out of each school, and arranged them as near as I am able, in order that a fair inference may be drawn between a number of prime lads (out of the many) of the present and latter days, against the same number of tough bits of oak of the old school ; and as somefew of the latter are now living, and several of the former are exit, or for ever floored, it is my wish, by making the comparison, not to give the least offence to either side, or their respective friends. My motive, Mr. Editor, is to receive a well-digested opinion, merely to put the question at rest, and have pitted them as under.
An Old Subscriber.
Staffordshire, Jan. 23, 1817.
----
New Old.
Gribb ......v. Big Ben.
Pearse......v. Johnson.
Jem Belcher v. Jackson.
Gully ......v. Tring.
Carter......v. Ryan.
Gregson ....v. George, the brewer.
Oliver......v. Bill Ward.
Tom Belcher v. Mendoza.
Power ......v. Humphries.
Scroggins...v. Hooper.
Painter.....v. Wood.
Dutch Sam ..v. Watson.

[Senya13]

Boxers of the old and new school compared.
----
To the Editor of the Sporting Magazine.
sir,
In the last Number of your Magazine, there appeared a comparison of the boxers of the old and new schools ; and it being a science to which I am somewhat attached, I shall feel some pleasure in reconciling the comparisons. I have seen most of these men in their day, and after weighing their several qualifications, and their peculiar methods of fighting, I trust I shall not be accused of partiality, if I give a decided preference to the old school ; but, perhaps, a few substantial reasons will induce many of your readers to concur in my opinion.
In the first place, I must give preference to Big Ben against Cribb, as Ben was a most tremendous hitter, and dealt out his blows with death-like punishment, whereas Cribb, to say the best of him, is rather slow, and never won any of his battles but with the greatest difficulty. In style of fighting, and bearing in mind the antagonists each had to contend with, the superiority certainly rested with Ben.
The merits of Johnson and Pearce are well balanced, but I must still give the palm to the old school:--If the Chicken was cunning and a fatal hitter, so was Johnson ;--if he never gave a chance away, no more did Johnson ;--and if he was a correct judge of his antagonist's powers, so was Johnson, even to a proverb. With respect to the heroes they defeated, here also I must finally prefer Johnson.
In coming to Belcher and Jackson, I really would rather decline comparison, but candour compels me to offer my opinion, and although it will not appear popular, I must award the palm to Belcher, for in point of quickness, hitting, stopping, and returning, he was a complete master of the science ; and at one period of his life was pronounced by the ablest judges, to be invincible. Mr. J.'s character, as a pugilist, cannot be deteriorated by this preference ; on the contrary, it will rather be exalted by being compared with this phenomenon.
Tring and Gully are so evenly matched, that I really am at a loss how to award the preference ; and probably what I am going to hazard may not meet with approbation, but whatever capability each possessed, I will (but not till after mature consideration), decide for Tring.
Ryan was undoubtedly superior to Carter ; he was the hardest hitter of his time, and if he could have preserved his temper, he would have coped with the best of them. Carter is certainly an active scientific fighter, but when compared with Ryan his excellence will not bear him out.
Gregson and George the brewer, is the best comparison in the whole list, for we may err with safety on either side ; indeed it would be injustice to offer any opinion on their merits, when their capabilities are so exactly similar.
Bill Ward and Oliver require little consideration, for I shall, without hesitation, give the palm to Ward. Oliver is a bold manly fighter, but Ward was a pugilist of the first stamp, and the various battles he was engaged in, demonstrate the correctness of this preference.
Again I tread on delicate ground, but I will give my opinion unbiassed, and boldly maintain, that Mendoza was superior to Tom Belcher. Their abilities are unquestionably of the first rate, and their attitudes gracefully correct ; in fact, these elegant pugilists have completely mastered the whole science of boxing, and their modes of fighting are the admiration of the followers of this manly exercise.
It is hardly candid to offer an opinion of Powers, as he died before he had attained his prime ; but we must take things as they are, and use no force, as the phlegmatic Dutchman says, and on that score I must decide for Humphreys. But let this be said in defence of Powers, that he died at the premature age of twenty-three, and before his judgement could have arrived at its proper maturity.
Scroggins and Hooper scarcely need a question ; the latter was the best bit of stuff nature ever formed. Scroggins is a severe hitter, but when compared with Hooper, all his cunning will not avail him, and he must shrink before the comparison. I by no means wish to detract from Scroggins's merits as a boxer, but Hooper was such a man, that I greatly suspect " we shall never look upon his like again."
I must likewise give the preference to Wood against Painter.
In conclusion, we have come to two as good little men as ever stripped in a ring, Dutch Sam and Watson. Sam's attack was ferocious in the extreme, and his blows were dreadfully severe. Watson was likewise an excellent fighter, and deficient in no one requisite to form a good boxer; but whatever were their various merits, I must (but not without a little hesitation) decide for Sam.
These comparisons, I trust, will be found just ; and if the reader should suspect me of some partiality for the old school, let him not too hastily condemn me, for they are the result of study and long practice ; and, perhaps, when he comes to consider them minutely, and try them at the bar of experience, he will be induced to agree with my determination.--I remain, Sir, your's, &c.
J. L.
Feb. 18, 1817.

[Totomabs]

Wow! These are great finds.:good

[Senya13]

Two books on bare-knuckle champions are to be published soon (according to Amazon site).

Another biography of Jem Mace (there's one by Graham Gordon available for some time already):

Gypsy Jem Mace: Being the True History of the Last Bare-knuckle Heavyweight Champion of the World
by Jeremy Poolman
Publisher: Andre Deutsch Ltd (4 Aug 2008)


and a bio of Tom Cribb:

Tom Cribb: The Life of the Black Diamond
by Jon Hurley
Publisher: Tempus Publishing Ltd (Oct 2008)

[amhlilhaus]

Two books on bare-knuckle champions are to be published soon (according to Amazon site).

Another biography of Jem Mace (there's one by Graham Gordon available for some time already):

Gypsy Jem Mace: Being the True History of the Last Bare-knuckle Heavyweight Champion of the World
by Jeremy Poolman
Publisher: Andre Deutsch Ltd (4 Aug 2008)


and a bio of Tom Cribb:

Tom Cribb: The Life of the Black Diamond
by Jon Hurley
Publisher: Tempus Publishing Ltd (Oct 2008)

awesome, can't wait

[Ted Spoon]

Gypsy Jem Mace in now banging about the UK's Waterstones chains.

You're always guaranteed a good read with such subjects because they have not really been touched on, much less trampled on like the more popular subjects.

[sivaru]

what an unbelievable thread damn

[Senya13]

Pugilistica, volume III - pages 516-518
fight between Tom King and John Heenan.

THE FIGHT.

ROUND 1.—As the men advanced towards the centre of the ring the first glance seemed to show how great were the physical advantages of Heenan, who looked quite the stone heavier man he really was—King being comparatively a fair-skinned stripling; but a closer inspection revealed a faded appearance. He looked clumsier altogether than when he fought Sayers. King, on the contrary, was as well as ever he could be, and there was a bloom and healthfulness about him, which spoke not only of steady training, but of an un-vitiated constitution. He had not altogether the cut of a professional pugilist, but would rather be described as a fine, fresh, good-looking young countryman. The men threw themselves into attitude, and opened the round with a little sparring, but there was a hurried, not to say nervous, manner about each of them, which indicated that the scientific display would not be very prolonged. Heenan led off once or twice, but was not close enough. King was equally out of distance in trying to return. At last they got nearer, and exchanged good counter-hits. A couple more heavy hits were given, and King was drawing back to take up fresh ground, when Heenan plunged desperately at him, and got his left arm round his neck ; the impetus of his rush carrying them both to the ropes. Here Heenan sought to fix his man in the dangerous manner he had practised with Sayers, but King's strength enabled him to wrench himself up, and, locked together, they wrestled back to the centre of the ring. Here Heenan hung upon his man, squeezing him tightly, and trying to force him down. King, whose arms were at liberty, hit him heavily about the body left and right, until he fell, dragging Heenan with him, but the Yankee was uppermost. (The referee here entered the ring and cautioned Heenan as to his " hugging " system, which was certainly an unsightly mode of attack.)

2.—Both men were somewhat flushed about the head from the previous round, and King appeared a little distressed from the severe struggle. He was urged to be first with his man, and led off directly he came to the scratch. He got well home on Heenan's head; the latter countered, but without much precision, and some wild but heavy exchanges took place with both hands, King dealing the Yankee a severe blow on the mouth. Tom was pressing his man, when Heenan made a dash at him, and showing great superiority in strength, after a few seconds of squeezing, threw him heavily, a very dangerous fall, coming with all his weight upon him. (First blood was here given to King ; Heenan's lips being cut and bleeding.)

3.—King seemed anxious to keep away from his man and spar ; there was no doubt that he was already considerably shaken by the severe falls he had received. Heenan appeared more anxious to seize a favourable chance to grasp his man than to hit him. After a moment's pause they got together, and lashed out heavily with the left, each getting home. This led to some more exchanges, desperately heavy, it is true, but made in a wild style, and not like two finished boxers. Heenan again plunged in, King meeting him heavily as he came, but he grappled Tom, and again brought Mm down with shattering force across the lower rope, which was pressed to the ground. Luckily the ground was not hard. (Unpleasant as was Heenan's style of fighting, he was considered to be getting the best of the battle, as King evidently could not resist his rush and clinching throw.)

4.—King's left eye was marked with a mouse, but otherwise he did not show much signs of punishment. The rounds were all short ones, Heenan forcing his way in upon King, a few slashing exchanges ; then King was once more caught in the hug, and thrown a desperate fall. (Great disapprobation of Heenan's style of fighting—if fighting it could be called. His hugging and squeezing was far worse than even in Sayers s fight.)

5.—King was as ready at the call of "time" as his antagonist, yet evidently felt the falls he was receiving, and sparred a bit for wind. Heenan was distressed also, and glad of a pause. They worked round a bit until they got near, when King, with the swiftness of lightning, dealt the Yankee a terrific hit in the middle of the head with his right, almost knocking him off his legs, and drawing streams of claret from a cut on his mouth. It was nearly a floorer, and on Heenan trying a return, King cross-countered very heavily on the side of the head. Heenan was for a moment at a standstill, and King led off again, but was out of distance, and the Yankee again " clinching"—we must borrow an Americanism which expresses more than our word "closing"—succeeded in once more putting on the "hug" and throwing King heavily; though he pitched over him so far as to strike the ground with his own head.

6.—The fighting had been wild enough before, but in this round there was no attempt at precision or steadiness. The men punched—or punched at—one another wildly, King getting the best of what hitting did tell, till Heenan closed, and, getting his regular grip, flung King a burster.

7.—The men went to work directly they faced each other, and in a slogging rally some really terrific hitting was given and taken. They broke away, but only for a few seconds, when they got together with more tremendous exchanges, yet still to the advantage of King, who showed what little science was exhibited, and hit straightest. By a desperate snorter with his right, during this rally, he drew a fresh burst of crimson. Heenan closed in the hitting, hugged his man viciously, and then threw him one of the heaviest cross-buttocks seen for many a day. It was a crusher, and King lay for a few seconds until his seconds picked him up and bore him to his corner.

8.—King, to the delight of his friends, came up promptly ; although he was piping a little, he seemed marvellously little hurt by these continuous throws. Heenan was ready to fight to improve his supposed advantage, and the men exchanged stinging counters directly they faced each other, and heavy exchanges followed. Heenan dashed in as usual to seize his man, but on this occasion he was foiled, for King caught him in his arms ; and, after a moment's struggle, threw the Yankee heavily and fell on him. (This was a fair, unmistakable back fall, and the cheering for King was tremendous.)

9.—Heenan looked vexed as he came up; he had plainly made up his mind to recover his wrestling superiority, and tried for an opening. King was with him, and met him left and right; then, getting away again, planted on him with tremendous effect as he came in, catching his man well in the middle of the head; and now and then, in each of the rounds, giving a home hit on the body. Heenan at last got in, squeezed his man savagely, and again threw him a shattering fall.

10.—The wildest and fastest of fighting still continued, in fact, the rally more resembled a " turn-up" of two angry navvies than the tactics of skilled boxers. The exchanges were of the severest description, although most of the blows seemed given at random. Heenan was wholly bent on throwing, and once more hugged King and threw him.

11.—Heenan showed that the pace was telling on him, and it was doubtful whether he was not taking almost as much out of himself by his desperate struggles to throw King, as he was out of King by the falls. He persevered in his wrestling game, however, for hardly an attempt was made at a blow in this round before he grappled with King, and brought him over.

12.—Tom was a little more on his guard this time, and led off; Heenan returned, and a few seconds of very hard fighting took place, both men being hit severely about the head till they closed, when King again succeeded in turning the tables, and threw Heenan heavily.

13.—Although this round began with some countering which looked very heavy, yet Heenan's blows did not, as a rule, tell very much ; and when his seconds sent him up King looked clean, and comparatively free from punishment. Heenan again gave his man the hug, and threw him. After this round Heenan's left hand became gradually of less service to him.

14.—Heenan feinted with his left, and threw in a smasher on the head with his right. King stuck to him, but after some stinging exchanges, in which he had the best, he was thrown—one of the most tremendous cross-buttocks ever seen—and so stunned and shaken was King, that but for the tact and presence of mind of Jerry Noon, it is doubtful if he could have come to time.

[Senya13]

15.—In spite of the very heavy falls being nearly always in his favour, Heenan was now almost as much distressed as King, and the punishment given was certainly much against him. After a little sparring, heavy counters were exchanged, and then three or four smashing hits left and right, without a semblance of stopping or avoiding. Heenan drew back a little, and then lunging tremendously with his right, nailed King with such terrific force that he staggered and went down. (This was first knock-down blow in favour of Heenan, and was one of the few clean hits he delivered or even attempted to deliver during the fight.)

16.—Although slower than before in answering the call of " time," King came resolutely up, and did not seem greatly shaken by the knock-down blow. Indeed, Heenan appeared worse from the effects of the last round than did his opponent, as King had planted so heavily on his left eye that it was badly cut and nearly closed. In some more heavy punching—pure slogging give-and-take, without any show of science—Heenan's eye was quite shut up, and he showed some decided signs of weakness. King dashed in, and, after an exhausting struggle, forced him down.

17.—In this round Heenan again got the fall; but it was for the last time. He was evidently falling off; and when once his superiority in strength or wrestling power was gone he seemed useless and almost helpless as a boxer. King hit him tremendously about the side of the head and on the eyes, and it appeared as if Heenan would soon be blind. However, as just said, he clutched King desperately, and threw him one of the hardest falls in the fight. But it was his last effort, and while he became visibly weaker every minute, King, strange to say, seemed little the worse.

18.—There was at first some fear that the ring would be broken in; for the intense excitement among the outer crowd had induced a rush, which broke through the lukewarm resistance of the constables, and brought the mass up to the ropes. Luckily, however, nothing came of it. Heenan, thinking he had shaken King more than was really the case, and probably feeling that he was growing exhausted himself, rushed furiously at his man to improve his advantage. King, however, who had quickly recovered himself, met him with a couple of smashing hits left and right, stopping the Yankee's rush, and while he was yet on the stagger King closed, and, giving him the crook, pitched him over, and fell on him with stunning force.

19.—Heenan came up rather hurriedly when time was called, but it was at once seen that he was almost beaten, and was quite groggy. He tried his rush, but it was no longer dangerous, and King stepped back twice, measured his distance, planted on him without a return, and, by a second straight hit, sent him down. In the 20th round King managed to back-heel Heenan. The same description applies to the next two rounds, excepting that in each of them Heenan grew shakier and wilder, and King's superiority more marked. At the commencement of the 23rd round it was proposed to throw up the sponge, but Heenan would not hear of it, and staggered at his man with the semblance of his former rush. He staggered after receiving a blow, and was thrown by King without a chance of resisting. His backers, seeing that it was hopeless, and that it was only exposing the sinking boxer to punishment, insisted on his surrender, and the sponge was thrown up in token of defeat, after a desperate, but slashing, hugging, and unscientific battle of thirty-five minutes, and twenty-four rounds.

REMARKS.—We may well spare any lengthened comment upon a contest the leading characteristics of which were "clinching," rushing:, squeezing, and attempts at strangulating hugs on the one side, and wild, desperate sledge-hammer defensive hitting on the other. Heenan proved beyond doubt or cavil that he did not deserve to rank in the first or even second rank of artistic boxers, and that sheer brute strength, seconded by weight, stature, and a certain amount of mere animal courage were his only qualifications. He seemed to have little idea of sparring for an opening, or as a means of defence; while the use of the skilful feints, well-timed delivery, or accurate measurement of distance, of getting close and then getting away, as practised by professional boxers, he ignored or despised. It was not the fault of Tom King that the fight was so bad. His form and style were far the better of the two, for he did not trust to mere wrestling and hauling his man about, and would have made a better show of tactics with a better man. Those flatterers who told Heenan that he could stand a comparison with King's former opponent, Jem Mace, must have been grossly ignorant or wilfully deceived themselves. Few who saw this contest but felt, that it was solely the accident which so early in the battle disabled the gallant Tom Sayers's right arm, had prevented the signal defeat of Heenan on the memorable day at Farnborough. King showed but few marks of severe hitting after the fight, nor was he so seriously exhausted by the falls as might have been expected, considering the weight and stature of both men. On the other band, Heenan was seriously disfigured, indeed, utterly prostrate, and nearly blinded at the close of the encounter. Altogether, while an honest and game fight, it was an unsatisfactory one ; the sole point settled being the entire absence, on the part of Heenan, of those scientific attainments and steady attributes indispensable to the successful practitioner in the Prize Ring. The immense stake, £2,000, so glaringly disproportionate to the merits of the battle, was duly paid over to King. For the circumstance of the appearance of the once formidable Tom Sayers at the ring-side, as second to his former antagonist, John Heenan, the reader is referred to pages 435 and 436 of the present volume.


Again, and for the last time, Tom King announced his retirement from professional pugilism ; we shall not, therefore, follow him into private life farther than to say, that he has carried with him the respect he earned by his public career, and that the last we heard of him was that he had earned the peaceful distinction of a prizeman, as a successful cultivator of flowers at horticultural shows, held in the neighbourhood of his suburban dwelling. And here we legitimately close the task we voluntarily imposed on ourself, of committing to the press the history of ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF BRITISH BOXING.

[Senya13]

Famous Fights Past & Present:

Sam Hurst vs Tom Paddock
page1 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page2 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page3 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Tom King vs John C. Heenan
page1 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page2 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page3 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page4 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page5 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page6 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page7 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
page8 ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[janitor]

An acount of King Heenan

Publication: Brooklyn Eagle; Date: Dec 26, 1863; Section: None; Page: 2
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[janitor]

Publication: Brooklyn Eagle; Date: Dec 23, 1863; Section: None; Page: 3
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
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[Loewe]

Has anybody heard of "The Linacre School of defence" - Studying the historical British martial arts of smallsword, backsword and pugilism? Here´s a link: [Only registered and activated users can see links]

Would be quite interested to hear the oppinion of the more knowledgable guys about it because there´s a seminar of this school in early October in Munich and I´m thinking about taking part - if I can afford it, since I´m a poor student :/

[Senya13]

Second volume of Boxiana (by Pierce Egan, 1824) has been scanned by Google Books.

link ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[Arka]

I might as well post the link for Hazlitt's account of the fight between Neate and the Gasman.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[lklawson]

Has anybody heard of "The Linacre School of defence" - Studying the historical British martial arts of smallsword, backsword and pugilism? Here´s a link: [Only registered and activated users can see links]
I'm late to the party, as usual. The guys over at Linacre are top notch schollars and are working in antique styles. IMS, they donated a scan of Defensive Exersizes to google books.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk (Rabid Weasel) Lawson

[lklawson]

I republish antique Western Martial Arts (WMA) manuals as a hobby. Many, obviously, are Pugilism manuals. PDF downloads are free.

Boxing and How to Train by Fox's Publishing:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Scientific Boxing Together with Hints on Training and the Official Rules by "Gentleman" James Corbett:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Art of Boxing and Manual of Training by Billy Edwards:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Physical Culture and Self Defense by Robert Fitzsimmons:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The Hand-book to Boxing by Owen Swift:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Boxing and Wrestling by Ed James:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

There are a number of other manuals focusing on Wrestling, weapons, etc. Follow the "author" link.

(Mods: if this is the wrong thread of if it should have a new thread, please adjust as required.)

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk (Rabid Weasel) Lawson

[The_Hitman92]

Read up on Bartley Gorman. He brought out a book a few years back before his death 'Bartley Gorman: King of the Gypsies'. He in my and also in many many others is the greatest barenuckle fighter there ever has been who went undefeated, as well as being a true gentleman.

[HomicideHenry]

On The Cobbles is a good read, as well as 'The Guvnor' by Lenny McLean. I think Roy Shaw wrote a book as well. Paddy Monaghan (sorry for any mispellings) also wrote a book, which I think was entitled 'Street Fighter'. All three of those men were bare knuckle boxers in the 1970's to the late 1980's and early 1990's. Shaw happened to defeat Ron Stander in an unlicensed boxing match in the 1970's, which was remarkable considering Stander was a contender for the heavyweight championship, and Shaw and men of his ilk were deemed inferior to modern boxers.

[barrykil1980]

Paddy Ward is a good man today
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[Arka]

:bump
Bump for sticky.

[amhlilhaus]

was there an american version of 'fistiana' or was it strictly english coverage?