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
Round 1.—On stripping, we were told that Burn was a stone less in
weight than when he fought Shelton; his condition was nevertheless
as fine as art and nature could exhibit. In fact, his proper pitch
had been ascertained, and Burn flattered himself that he was man
enough for anything on the fighting list. Spring did not appear on
the ground till the last minute; and it was thought by many that he
would forfeit a second time, owing to his not being well. On
stripping, though he appeared better than was expected from the
rumours which had gone forth, it was evident that he was not in
fighting trim. After some little sparring Burn endeavoured to put in
two hits, right and left, somewhat confidently, which Spring
scientifically stopped. A pause. Spring very neatly put in a facer,
and got away. Burn gave two blows without effect. More sparring.
Spring again gave a nobber, and got away. Some little fighting now
occurred, and several good hits were exchanged, from one of which, a
right-handed blow, Burn went off his balance, and fell on his hands.
(A roar of approbation. “Burn can’t win it!” Seven to four; several
were bold enough to offer two to one.)
2.—This round was short, but decisive, and the takers of the odds
looked blue. Burn thrust out his left hand, pawing, as it were, when
he was returned upon by Spring right and left. The latter, however,
got a small taste over his left ogle, and a bump soon rose. In an
exchange of blows, Burn again went down from a hit on the side of
his head. (Tumultuous applause, and “The big one can’t fight,” was
the cry. Two to one nearly current.)
3.—This round quite satisfied the judges that if Spring had been
well he must have won the battle in a canter. He hit Burn staggering
all over the ring, followed him up, and gave the big one pepper at
the ropes, till he went down. (Another Babel shout, and four to one
was offered.)
4.—The claret was plain enough now on the mug of Burn. Spring put in
a heavy claim on his opponent’s victualling office, and got away
cleverly. Some sharp exchanges occurred, in which Spring received a
nobber or two, and not light ones; but Burn was sent staggering and
staggering, till he ultimately went down. (More betters than
takers.)
5.—Spring showed great weakness; but he also showed that he knew the
advantages of science, and from science alone he could win, and
reduce the strength of his opponent. Burn planted a most desperate
hit on the side of Spring’s head; and so keenly did it operate, as a
sort of scalping touch, that the hair instantly flew off, and the
place was bare. Spring, however, conked his opponent, when they
closed, and, in a severe struggle for the throw, Spring broke away
and hit Burn down. (“Bravo! well done, Spring; it’s all your own.”)
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