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
The morning was threatening, but the enlivening rays of bright Sol
chased all gloom, and infused animation, interest, and spirits through
the multitude. It might be termed the first turn-out of the fancy for
the spring season, and the vehicles were gay and elegant. The presence
of a sprinkling of Corinthians gave life to the scene. More interest was
excited upon the fight than might have been expected, as both the boxers
on point of trial were viewed as new ones to the ring. Hickman, although
a light subject in himself, was, to the amateurs, completely a dark one.
“What sort of a chap is he?” “What has he done?” “Has he ever fought
anybody?” were repeatedly asked, and as repeatedly answered, “That no
one knew anything about him.” It was, however, generally understood that
he was very strong; but it was urged, as a sort of drawback, that he had
too much chaffing about him. On the other hand, though “Young Rump
Steak” stood high as a glove practitioner, his strength and stamina were
doubted. He was a youth of not more than nineteen years of age, nearly
six feet high, twelve stone in weight, but thought to have more gristle
than bone; however, the keen air of Hampstead, added to good training,
had not only produced an improvement of his frame, but had reduced the
odds against him, and, on the morning of fighting, it was, in a great
measure, even betting, or “Young Peter” for choice. The importance of
the “Man of Gas” was kept up by his trainer, Tom Shelton, who
confidently asserted that if Hickman did not win he would quit the
boxing ring, and take up a quiet abode in the bosom of Father Thames,
Oliver also declaring that he would follow his namesake’s example if
their “Tom” did not win in a canter. Such was the state of affairs when
the moment arrived for the appearance of the heroes on the plains of
Moulsey. Hickman showed first in the ring and threw up his castor,
attended by his seconds, Oliver and Shelton. Crawley soon followed,
waited upon by Painter and Jones. The colours were tied to the stakes,
and at one o’clock the men set-to.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The Gas-light blade seemed well primed as a “four pound
burner,” and eager to eclipse his opponent with his superior
brilliancy. He showed fight instantly, rushed upon his opponent, and
gave Young Rump Steak a mugger, but it did not prove effective.
Crawley endeavoured to retreat from the boring qualities of his
antagonist, and tapped Hickman over his guard. The latter went in,
almost laughing at the science against him, and Crawley could not
resist his efforts with anything like a stopper. He also received a
desperate hit upon his right ear, that not only drew the claret, but
floored him. In going down he unfortunately hit his head against a
stake. (“Well done, my Gassy,” from the Light Company; and seven to
four offered upon him.)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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