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
Contrary to most other boxers, he did not depend upon any particular
blow, although he was distinguished for giving some remarkable hits,
which were not easily forgotten. Broughton, when necessary in the
conflict, by putting in “_his_ stomach blow,” often decided the battle;
and his lunge under the ear generally produced terrible consequences to
his opponent. The eye of Broughton was lively, piercing, and acute, soon
perceiving the weakness of any adversary; his arm, keeping pace with
that valuable assistant, protected him from the most destructive blows;
and his quick penetration made him always aware of any direct intent
pursued by his adversary, so as immediately to render it unavailing. His
guard was so complete, that his frame appeared secured as if in a fence,
uncommon strength and bottom often fell before him, and his expertness
in the cross-buttock was great. His various attitudes in the fight were
fine and impressive, and his countenance always animated and cheerful.
Pipes and Gretting, already named, both distinguished pugilists—the
former of whom hardily maintained the title of a “Champion” for a number
of years—appeared nothing in the hands of Broughton, who gave them
several chances to recover their lost laurels; these each proved
beatings to them, and tended to increase his growing fame.
George Taylor, of whom honourable mention has been made, fell as a
conquest to Broughton.
[Illustration:
JACK BROUGHTON (CHAMPION), 1734‒1750.
_From the Painting by_ FRANK HAYMAN, R.A., _formerly in the possession
of the Duke of Cumberland_.
]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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