Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 2 (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, 1719-1740, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863Miles, Henry Downes
History
Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 2 (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, 1719-1740, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863
Miles, Henry Downes
Boxing
On Tuesday, May 17, 1814, they met at Shepperton Range, for a purse of
£50, given by the Pugilistic Club, to be contended for in a twenty-four
feet ring. Oliver was seconded by the Champion and Clark, and Bob
Gregson officiated for his friend and countryman, Painter. At one
o’clock they set-to.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Upon stripping, the clear appearance of Oliver satisfied
every one that he had been trained to the highest pitch of
condition; and his arms, from their muscular form, were a study for
the anatomist. Painter was equally conspicuous; two finer young men
never entered the ring. The anxious moment had arrived, and the
spectators were watching with eagerness for the first advantage.
Oliver commenced the attack by making play with his left hand, which
was returned by Painter, but too short to do execution. The men
rallied with high spirit and determination, during which sharp
facers were exchanged and the claret was first seen trickling down
Painter’s chin. In endeavouring to put in a right-handed blow,
Painter, not being correct in his distance, missed his man, which
brought them to a close, when Oliver immediately got his opponent’s
nob under his left arm, fibbed him cleverly, and ultimately threw
him. More anxiety displayed than betting.
2.—Most determined resolution appeared on both sides; indeed, the
spectators were aware, from the character of the men, that victory
would not be obtained by either at an easy rate. Oliver, with much
dexterity, put in a severe hit upon Painter’s mug, who returned
sharply with his right. A desperate rally now commenced, when it was
perceived that Painter left his head unprotected. Oliver, awake to
every chance, punished his opponent’s nob terribly with his left;
but Painter, with considerable adroitness and execution, planted a
blow on the cheek of Oliver, that instantly sent him down. Its
effect was not unlike the kick of a horse. Even betting.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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