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The last bare-knuckle fight, Farnborough, Hampshire, 17th April 1860 (1951)
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The last bare-knuckle fight, Farnborough, Hampshire, 17th April 1860 (1951)
The last bare-knuckle fight, Farnborough, Hampshire, 17th April 1860 (1951). Contest between the English David, Tom Sayers, and the American Goliath, Heenan. Although only 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing less than 10 stone, Sayers became English Heayweight Champion. In a career that lasted from 1849 until 1860 he was only defeated once. The picture shows his last fight, against John C Heenan, which was the first international boxing match. The fight had gone 37 rounds when one set of supporters (it is disputed which), sensing their man was tiring, invaded the ring. The police, who had been watching without intervening in proceedings until then, broke up the ensuing riot. The fight was declared a draw. Sayers retired after the bout, and the passing of the Anti-prize fight Act of 1861 effectively ended bare-knuckle fighting in England. A print from 100 Years in Pictures, A panorama of History in the Making, text by DC Somervell, Odhams press Limited, London, 1951
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Media ID 14951546
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Bare Knuckle Boxing Bout Boxer Boxing Fight Hampshire Heavyweight Print Collector12 Pugilism Pugilist Punching Sayers Spectator Spectator Sport Spectators Farnborough Heenan
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The Last Bare-Knuckle Fight - A Historic Clash of David and Goliath
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a pivotal moment in boxing history, depicting the legendary contest between Englishman Tom Sayers and American John C Heenan on April 17th, 1860. Known as "The last bare-knuckle fight" this match marked the first international boxing bout. Despite being significantly smaller than his opponent at just 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing less than 10 stone, Sayers had already established himself as the English Heavyweight Champion with an impressive record. Throughout his career from 1849 to 1860, he suffered only one defeat. As depicted in this image taken during their grueling encounter, both fighters displayed incredible resilience and determination. The fight had endured an astonishing 37 rounds when chaos erupted within the crowd. Supporters from one side stormed into the ring sensing their fighter's fatigue. The police finally intervened to quell the ensuing riot that ensued. Ultimately declared a draw due to these unfortunate circumstances, this historic battle became Sayers' final fight before retiring from professional boxing altogether. Furthermore, it signaled a turning point for bare-knuckle fighting in England with the passing of the Anti-prize Fight Act of 1861 shortly after. Preserved through time by this remarkable print from "100 Years in Pictures" we are reminded of Tom Sayers' indomitable spirit and his contribution to shaping modern-day boxing regulations. This photograph stands as a testament to an era where raw courage clashed against insurmountable odds inside a squared circle bathed in sweat and glory.
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