Bare knuckle pugilists fought in a world of their own. Fighting in often harsh conditions, under rules different from today - or no rules at all, these men were true pioneers of the sweet science.
The superior pugilists were put on a pedestal by the people, common men to noble men, alike. The champions walked apart like men of heroic mold. The nobility and gentry, Ministers of State, scholars, literary men, and the professions bowed down to them. Following is a list of the Champions of England and how they were adored, petted, and privileged.
John “Jack” Broughton, (1705-1789), “the father of British pugilism,” who is said to have invented the boxing glove. He was patronized by the elite of society. The Duke of Cumberland was a great and powerful friend until he lost £10,000 on Broughton. Broughton died rich for that time.
John “Gentleman” Jackson, (1769-1845), the first “scientific” boxer, consorted with the highest if not the best in the land. Lord Byron was a staunch friend. It’s reported that Jackson made more
than £1,000 a year as a boxing instructor. At the coronation of George IV, he was a guard for the entrance of Westminster Abbey. It’s also reported that in his fight with Daniel Mendoza, he held Mendoza helpless by his long hair and beat him into submission. His grave monument was paid for by admirers.
William “Bendigo” Thompson, (1811-1880), became a dissenting minister after many celebrated battles. He preached masterfully in Holborn Circus, although he never faced as many people as the 15,000 spectators who saw him fight Deaf Burke. Bendigo, Australia, is said to have been named for him.
Tom Cribb, (1781-1848), was described as a person who “bore a character of unimpeachable integrity and unquestionable humanity.” He sparred before the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia. After he beat Tom Molineaux a second time, the area of Holborn was impassable when Cribb came to London. His patron, Captain Barclay, collected £10,000 from bystanders for him.
John Gully, (1783-1863), is described as a “prizefighter, horse racer, legislator, and colliery proprietor.” He had three Derby winners and was married twice, having twelve children with each wife.
The foremost hero was Tom Sayers, (1826-1865). His two hour and six minute fight against John C. Heenan on April 17, 1800 was a great spectacle. It is said to have emptied Parliament and closed the courts. This prolonged contest gave the spectators more for their money than the brief but bloody fight at Toledo where Dempsey made an end of Willard in three rounds. It was the most famous of all British fights for the championship. Sayers’ admirers raised several thousand pounds for him after the draw with Heenan.
In America champion pugilists from Tom Hyer down have been famous men, some of them notorious. Prizefighting was not looked upon well until John L. Sullivan came upon the scene, becoming America’s idolized hero. However, the American public never has bestowed upon its champions the same public standings as the British champions of days gone past.
