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
Carter, who was sufficiently well acquainted with the stage to know the
advantages of a good bill, issued the following placard, on the 19th of
February, 1819, at Manchester:—“Donnelly, the Champion of Ireland, and
Carter, the Champion of England (?), will exhibit together in various
combats the Art of Self-defence, at the Emporium Rooms.” This had the
desired effect: an overflowing audience was the result; and at Liverpool
they met with great encouragement. Soon afterwards the “brother
champions” took the road to the metropolis, and bets were offered that
Carter fought twice during the summer and won both the events. Several
wagers were also made in London respecting the identity of Donnelly;
some of the best judges asserting that the new-come personage was not
that Donnelly who fought with George Cooper. Donnelly, on his arrival in
London, showed himself at the Castle Tavern.
On Friday, March 18, 1819, about a hundred of the most respectable of
the amateurs assembled at the Peacock, Gray’s Inn Lane, in a large room
selected for the purpose. The following description of Donnelly appeared
in a paper of the day:—“Donnelly at length stripped, amidst thunders of
applause. The Venus de Medicis never underwent a more minute scrutiny by
the critical eye of the connoisseur than did the Champion of Ireland. In
point of frame, he is far from that sort of ‘big one’ which had been
previously anticipated: there is nothing loose or puffy about him; he is
strong and bony to all intents and purposes. It may be said of Donnelly
that he is all muscle. His arms are long and slingy; his shoulders
uncommonly fine, particularly when in action, and prominently indicative
of their punishing quality; his nob is also a fighting one; his neck
athletic and bold; in height nearly six feet; in weight about thirteen
stone; and his _tout ensemble_ that of a boxer with first rate
qualifications. Thus much for his person. Now a word or two for his
quality. His wind appears to be undebauched; his style is resolute,
firm, and not to be denied; and he maintains his ground upon the system
that Mendoza practised with so much success. Getting away he either
disdains, or does not acknowledge, in his system of tactics. His
attitude was not admired, and it was thought that he leant too far
backward, inclining to his right shoulder. He makes tremendous use of
his right hand. Eight rounds were finely and skilfully contested; and
Carter, equal to anything on the list for scientific efforts, must be
viewed as a formidable opponent for any man. The difference of style
between the two performers attracted considerable attention, produced a
great variety of remarks, and drew down peals of applause. Carter
possesses the agility and confidence of an experienced dancing master,
getting away with the utmost coolness, walking round and round his
opponent to plant a blow, with the perfection of a professor. Donnelly
is not so showy, but dangerous: he is no tapper, nor does he throw blows
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