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
Hudson’s old antagonist, Green, seems to have by no means been convinced
by his first defeat, and, after much cavilling, a second match was made
for 50 guineas, which came off, by desire of the London patrons of Davy,
at Old Marsh Gate, Essex, about eleven miles of turnpike from town, on
Tuesday, the 27th of February, 1821. Hudson having made Chelmsford his
place of residence, and a bit of a favourite in that part of the world
among the sporting men, they were anxious that he should again exhibit.
He was backed by Mr. Thomas Belcher, of the Castle Tavern. It was
reported Hudson was upwards of twelve stone, having increased so much
during his training. This operated against him in the opinion of the
amateurs. At one o’clock Hudson, dressed in a white great coat,
appeared, and threw his hat into the ring, attended by Oliver and his
brother Josh. Green shortly afterwards entered the ropes, with Randall
and Martin. The “President of the Daffies”[33] was appointed the
time-keeper. Five to four on Hudson.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Green appeared in the highest state of
condition, but it was thought that Hudson was much too fat. The
combatants, on placing themselves in attitude, stood looking at each
other’s eyes for upwards of four minutes, without making the least
offer to hit. Green made a trifling offer to put in a blow, when
Hudson got away, and they dodged each other over the ring till they
made another complete stand-still. Green made a hit, but Hudson
parried it. Both the men seemed under orders, that is to say, not to
go to work too quickly. Green got away neatly; and Hudson also
stopped a severe left-handed hit of Green’s. The latter then put in
a body blow, when David returned. The battle had now commenced.
Green put in a facer, when Davy stood to no repairs, and tried to
slaughter his opponent, till they got into a struggle, when they
both went down side by side. (Loud shouting from the “over-the-water
boys,” the Chelmsford fanciers, and the Jews, who all united in
backing Davy for anything.) This round occupied nearly fifteen
minutes.
2.—This round was altogether short. They both complimented each
other upon the nob _sans cérémonie_, and “Pepper Alley” was the
feature, till Green went down undermost. (Six to four on Hudson.)
The mouth of Davy showed claret.
3.—Not quite so fast as before, and some little science necessary.
Hudson undermost.
4.—The claret was now running from the cheek of Green. Both
combatants appeared a little distressed. In struggling, Hudson was
again undermost. These were two tie rounds; but some of the
spectators thought Green had the best of them.
5.—Hudson took the lead gaily. Some severe exchanges took place,
when Green was hit down. (Loud shouting, “Davy, repeat that, and
it’s all safe to you.”)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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