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
4.—Belcher showed some marks of severe blows
in the last rally, and bled profusely at the
nose; Sam was not without a few evidences of
his opponent’s skill, his eye was dreadfully
swelled. Belcher put in a very clean blow over
his opponent’s guard, in the face, when Sam
closed, and threw Tom with great violence.
5.—It would be difficult to describe the courage
and skill displayed in this round. Sam rallied,
some good hits exchanged, and they closed; again
disengaged, and Belcher rallied, but Sam had a
most decided advantage throughout the round,
driving his opponent to all parts of the ring,
and at length brought Belcher down by a very
feeble blow. (Odds five to four on Sam, but
betting shy.)
6.—This was also an excellently contested round.
After some blows had been exchanged, Sam put in
two forcible blows at Belcher’s head, which were
well stopped, but he fell, apparently very weak.
(Odds six to four on Sam.)
7.—Sam appeared to judge his distances very
badly, frequently striking short blows; they
closed very irregularly, but Sam threw Belcher,
and pitched him on his head.
9.—In this round Belcher gained considerable
advantage, hit his antagonist severely in the
face right and left, and after another very
irregular close, threw Sam as heavy a fall as he
had before experienced. Sam, however, still
remained the favourite.
10.—Sam made a long body hit, and threw his
opponent.
11.—Sam made two attempts at Belcher’s head,
both of which were dexterously parried. After
Sam had thrown away several blows they closed,
and Belcher threw him.
12.—Belcher appeared fresher, but was very
cautious; he retreated round the ring; Sam
followed him closely, and ran him down on the
spot.
13.—Sam made two unsuccessful hits, which were
again stopped, and Belcher returned one with
great violence; by a slight hit Sam fell, and
evinced great distress.
14.—On setting to, it was observed Sam had two
black eyes, and Belcher showed severe punishment
on his left side. Sam repeated a hit on this
spot, and Belcher immediately closed and threw
him.
15.—Belcher retreated; Sam followed; no
fighting; a hugging close, and Belcher fell,
seemingly from weakness. (Odds seven to four on
Sam.)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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