Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 1 (of 3): Containing Lives of the Most Celebrated Pugilists; Full Reports of Their Battles from Contemporary Newspapers, With Authentic Portraits, Personal Anecdotes, and Sketches of the Principal Patrons of the Prize Ring, Forming a Complete History of the Ring from Fig and Broughton, 1719-40, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863Miles, Henry Downes
History
Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 1 (of 3): Containing Lives of the Most Celebrated Pugilists; Full Reports of Their Battles from Contemporary Newspapers, With Authentic Portraits, Personal Anecdotes, and Sketches of the Principal Patrons of the Prize Ring, Forming a Complete History of the Ring from Fig and Broughton, 1719-40, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863
Miles, Henry Downes
Boxing
Notwithstanding the numerous lists of battles which have been mentioned,
it does not appear that Paddington Jones ever made pugilism his peculiar
profession, but industriously followed through life his occupation, much
respected by his friends for his civility and good nature. Jones was a
man of mild and civil behaviour, and for a long series of years was well
known as master of the ceremonies at the Fives and Tennis Courts, as a
second and an attendant upon sparring exhibitions.
As a pugilist, Jones is entitled to honourable mention; to a respectable
amount of skill he united game of the first quality. He turned out
several good pupils. His guard was good and his position ready, with his
left arm firm and extended to protect his body from assault, while his
right was on the alert to give the return. Tom was a hard hitter, used
both his hands with equal facility, stood well upon his legs, and met
his man with fortitude.
Notwithstanding the evident disadvantages that Jones had to contend
against in his battle with Jem Belcher—the disparagement of having been
severely punished in numerous battles, and other hurts from skirmishes,
contrasted with Belcher who had scarcely been pinked, and was blooming
from the country—Tom’s conduct was far above mediocrity.
No man appeared oftener in the character of a second than Tom Jones, and
few understood that duty better than himself. In most of Randall’s
battles Tom performed that office.
It is impossible that we can take our leave of Paddington Jones without
characterising him as a brave pugilist, and well deserving to occupy a
niche in the temple of fame as a straightforward, courageous, and
deserving man. Jones died at his birthplace, Paddington, August 22,
1833, at the age of 67.
APPENDIX TO PERIOD II.
BILL WARR, OF BRISTOL—1787‒1792.
William Warr (incorrectly spelt Ward in many chronologies, etc.) was one
of the many boxers of the Bristol nursery. He was expressly brought to
London to lower the pretensions of Tom Johnson, with what success we
have already seen. He was five feet nine inches in height, strongly
made, with symmetrical breast and arms, robust in appearance, extremely
active, and altogether well framed for a pugilist. As a second, Will
Warr figures in numerous fights of his period, and was of acknowledged
judgment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account