Description:

BARE KNUCKLE BOXING IN LONDON NEWSPAPERS 1788 - 1789 FEATURING DANIEL MENDOZA, ENGLAND'S HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION FROM 1792 to 1795

A remarkable archive of ten original, complete newspapers (The London Chronicle x9 & The Times x1) which report on all manner of sporting, regal, political, philiosophical, artistic and commercial news while, at exactly the same time, the First Fleet was landing at Botany Bay and the first faltering steps in establishing the Colony of New South Wales were taking place on the other side of the world.

The archive comprises of the following:

January 8-10, 1788: A report on the first fight between Mendoza and Humpries. The first professional fight for which an entry fee was charged.

January 10-12, 1788: "Further particulars relative to the Fight....." which ends with a letter from Humphries to one of his backers, announcing "Sir, I have done the Jew."

January 19-22,1788: Mendoza's answer to Humphries' challenge.

January 24-26, 1788: Mendoza's reply to Humphries.

January 29-31, 1788: Mendoza's final reply.

July 5-8, 1788: Humphries confronts Mendoza at his boxing school.

August 7-9, 1788: Mendoza and Humphries meet again but are unable to settle on terms. Three other boxing matches are reported upon. Another report advises of the preparation of prisoners for transportation to Botany Bay.

November 15-18, 1788: By letter, Humphries agrees to Mendoza's terms for their next fight.

May 7-9, 1789: A full account of the Mendoza v Humphries fight at Stilton.

July 8, 1789: An advertisement for Mendoza and Crab sparring the Royal Circus.