CHAMPION retired from the ring,-a few seemed to entertain an idea that he was able to fight with Tom Cribb. JAY was too much elated with this success, and, in the weakness of the moment, impotently talked what he was able to perform, and that VICTORY must inevitably be the result of all his contests; while, on the contrary, Fuller, in defeat, (the sure school to learn experience,) viewed his defects, and thinking they might be improved, challenged Jay to another combat, and in the event defeated him, leaving JAY to observe,

"Where now are all my flattering dreams of joy."

JOE NORTON:

ALTHOUGH he cannot put in his claim to attention as a PRACTICAL milling cove, yet, as an "appendage" to the FANCY, he is deserving of notice; neither has he altogether proved himself a bloodless hero, and only been gay with the mufflers! In several skirmishes, Joe has shown activity and spirit-and the only time in which we learn that he appeared in a regular set-to, was with a Sheriff's Officer, yet he was not compelled at the suit of John Doe and Richard Roe, but engaged with the above catch-pole on the broad and unequivocal principles of milling, "which was the best man?” and in the contest, JOE manifested he was entitled to that appellation. But the most conspicuous part of JOE's situation in the Fancy, it appears, was in opening the "Roebuck" in Holborn, which was known under

the denomination of the "Show Shop!” It was well frequented for some time by the amateurs, &c. and where JoE continued till the "show went by!" in fact, till the Roebuck was nearly in want of pasture. In a great number of battles of note, either as a second or bottle-holder, NORTON has taken a leading and an active part; and in that situation JOE is entitled to credit and attention; as a teacher of the science he is not without merit. In behaviour, interestingly civil and communicative; and very respectably connected. In fact, Joe might be termed, for the last thirty years, a living Boxing Calendar! by his having witnessed nearly all the fights which took place during that period. We cannot conclude this trifling sketch of JOE NORTON without observing, with a considerable degree of pleasure-that his humanity, care, and peculiar attention, in general, after the fight, to the LOSING MEN-is so worthy of imitation, that BOXIANA would 'have proved neglectful in passing over such merits.

JACK FEARBY,

DISTINGUISHED BY THE

APPELLATION OF THE

"YOUNG RUFFIAN!"

IN obtaining the above title, he certainly conquered one of the best, most daring, and determined bottom characters, without exception, that ever appeared among the race of pugilists-SYMONDS, the old

Ruffian! (a boxer so well known, and whose unconquerable propensity to milling has been so copiously detailed in the preceding pages of this work, as to render any further comment superfluous.) But the best of his days were gone by when he surrendered to FEARBY. Bill Jackling (brother to Tom Johnson) was also defeated by the Young Ruffian. It has been observed, notwithstanding these conquests, FEARBY is more of an expert setter-to than a finished determined pugilist. He fell, in turn, to the conquering arm of Jem Belcher; and was also beaten in a contest with Elias Spray the coppersmith. FEARBY is nearly six feet in height, weighing about fifteen stone.

FULLER

WAS a pupil of Richmond's, and accompanied that pugilist in a sparring tour through some of the principal towns of Yorkshire, to promulgate the science of boxing. But wishing to obtain a more decided character in the art of milling than the muffling system, he manfully put the gloves aside, to use his fist, at Rickmansworth, on November 16th, 1812. with ill Jay. Unacquainted with the practical part of the art, or presuming too much on his science, he indiscreetly went in at the commencement of the fight, when he got so severely smashed, as never to recover from its severe ef fects during the battle, but experienced terrible punishment and defeat in less than twenty minutes. FULLER, anxious to recover this indiscretion, again entered the

ists with Jay, at Coombe Wood, April 6, 1813, for a subscription-purse, seconded by Joe Ward and Bill Gibbons; Richmond and Norton performed that office for Jay; upon which it was five and six to four on setting-to. FULLER, determined not to be smashed a second time, acted cautiously, and the first round occupied five minutes; and possessing the favourite system of his master, hitting and getting away, he accomplished his ends and obtained the victory. Not a single close took place during the fight, which continued forty-two minutes. Jay might boast of strength, but FULLER evinced science, which sooner or late must be served. Jay went blind. FULLER is a Norfolk man, and in height five feet ten inches, weighing nearly twelve stone, and by trade a copper-plate printer.

BILL DAY and BILL TOWERS.

HAVING passed over the account of the contest of the above brave pugilists, (in the early part of this work,) we now hasten to repair the omission. This fight took place on Barnet race-course, November 22d, 1784, for 100 guineas, on a thirty feet stage. DAY was so much the favourite, that ten to one was sported on him, and who felt so confident of winning, that he made a ridiculous bombast, how easily he would serve out TowERS-and, instead of taking care of him

self, was dancing about between the rounds-till at length TOWERS caught him in one corner of the stage, and held him fast by one hand, while with the other he nearly annihilated DAY, who too late saw his error, and had to repent of his vaunting. The battle continued thirty-three minutes, and DAY died in a short time afterwards, supposed from the severity of the blows.

Having arrived at the end of a most arduous and difficult journey, during which many mile-stones have been wanting, and finger-posts not to be found, to put the traveller in his right road-BOXIANA cannot take leave of his numerous heroes and tyros without humbly offering the following remarks for their consideration and attention through life, before he lays down his pen :-"PUGILISTS! as your endeavours may stimulate you to improve in science, be not unmindful to increase in CHARACTER. Lift not your arm against the weak, intemperate, or the ignorant, who might provoke you to ridiculous combat, lest it might have a serious termination-but, in your display of the manly and

National Science of BOXING,

avoid a cross as you would a pestilence! Keep from boasting, as it not only shows weakness of mind, but generally ends in disgrace! In obtaining VICTORY, let it be procured by the most noble, honourable, and scientific means! However patronised, flattered, or encouraged by the HIGHER FLIGHTS OF THE FANCY, learn to keep at a respectful distance, and do not presume upon your merits as a boxer; above all, beware of INEBRIETY--recollect that the stamina once un3 Y

VOL. I.