Bareknuckle Boxing - Brief History of Bill Richmond and Thomas Molineux

[ShaolinSubzz]

I posted this in the WR but feel it deserves its own thread. It was a discussion about the ethnic origins of Londoners historically speaking and seeing as this is a combat sports Forum I tried to explain the multiracial makeup of London in terms of the recorded reports concerning pugalism. (Of course this did not go down too well LMAO - but never mind)

Anyhow I thought you might like to know a bit about two Ex American Slaves who came to become two of the greatest prize fighters (Bare knuckle pugilism that encompassed wrestling) England would ever know.

The history of Boxing and the story of one champion bare knuckle boxer in particular are the best indication of this multi-culturalism within London.

BORN A SLAVE in Cuckhold, Staten Island, NY, Bill Richmond became one of boxing's most accomplished and respected fighters of the late-18th and early 19th centuries. While in his early teens, Richmond came to the attention of British general Earl Percy, who was then the commanding general of British forces in New York during America's War of Independence.

Percy took Richmond in after the lad, weighing less than 160 pounds, had acquitted himself nicely in a tavern brawl with several Redcoats. Richmond's success continued in contests, arranged by Percy as entertainment for his guests, against New York-based British soldiers.

In 1777, Percy sent Richmond to England to apprentice as a carpenter. It was in England that Richmond earned his ring laurels. He created and honed a style of side stepping and/or dodging the bull rushes of opponents. Three of his more noteworthy wins during the late-1700s were against George Moore, Paddy Green, and Frank Mayers.

Organized fights were few, but Richmond's success continued into the 19th century, although he did suffer a third-round kayo loss to George Maddox (KO 3) at Wimbledon Commons in 1803. After a pair of victories in 1805, he squared off with contender Tom Cribb on Oct. 8, in Hailsham in Sussex.

Although the 42-year-old Richmond, known now as the Black Terror, gave away 18 years and more than 20 pounds, he gave the Englishman all he could handle. Cribb won the 90-minute contest and within two years beat Jem Belcher for the world title. But it only took Cribb 35 minutes to beat Belcher.

Although he entered the ring infrequently after that, Richmond fought several more times before retiring in 1818 after a third-round kayo win over Jack Carter. He was 55.

Richmond also developed a friendship with Thomas Molineaux, a freed American slave who came to England to pursue boxing. Richmond trained Molineaux for his memorable bouts with Cribb.

In his later years Richmond ran a boxing academy in London and died there on Dec. 28, 1829, at age 66.

http://www.ibhof.com/richmond.htm

Bill Richmond and his student (From America - an escaped Slave) Tom Molineaux, I urge anyone interested in combat sports to look into the two fighters above. Why? Well....

Background

It is December of 1810. Britain is the only country with a large, organized boxing establishment--and boxing in Britain has entered its golden age. The Queensberry Rules do not yet exist. Boxing is bareknuckled. Its rules are simple and few:

* Fights are with bare fists
* No kicking, biting, gouging, or elbowing
* Grappling and throws are allowed above the waist
* A round ends when one fighter is knocked down. Fighters are given 30 seconds to rest, and the next round begins
* There are no judges to score the bout. The fight only ends with complete unconsciousness from one of the fighters or when a fighter quits.

It is an era of high patriotic feeling--Napoleon is reigning over most of the continent, and Britain has been waging a costly war against him for years. This bellicose, war-ridden environment is perfect for pugilism, which is flourishing. Although well-known and well-attended during the 18th century, bareknuckle pugilism reached its peak in Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A succession of brilliant champions--Daniel Mendoza, John Jackson, Jem Belcher, Henry Pearce, John Gully--made their appearance. Right now, the champion is Tom Cribb, who many hail as the greatest of the lot. He is 30, at the height of his powers, and undefeated.

Tom Cribb

Height--5'10" Weight--Around 200lbs

Cribb was a hard, accurate puncher. While considered by some critics to be slow, Cribb's style was awkward and effective. He was a skilled man in the ring, and his style gave many of the best of his era considerable problems. He was also quite strong, a good wrestler (important in those days), and incredibly durable--he took massive beatings in many of his fights and refused to quit.

Enter Tom Molineaux. Molineaux was a former slave from America. He learned English pugilism, of a sort, in order to fight in the brutal matches that slave owners arranged from time to time between their slaves. When he came to England, he was still considered an extremely crude fighter, but time and the tutelage of Bill Richmond (another former slave and a skilled pugilist) slowly managed to shape Molineaux into a very dangerous fighter. By 1810, he had defeated Tom Blake--the major challenger to Cribb's title--and put forward a challenge to Cribb himself.

Tom Molineaux

Height--5'8" Weight--About 200lbs

Molineaux was a tough, durable fighter. In his fights with Cribb and Blake, he showed himself able to take a huge amount of punishment--perhaps the only man tougher than Molineaux at the time was Cribb himself. Molineaux was also a massive puncher, having blown out Blake and an earlier, unnamed Bristol fighter quite handily. He was also very strong and had incredible endurance. The only weak point in his armor was his relative lack of skill--while Richmond managed to eliminate some of his stylistic problems, the raw edges were still obvious.

Cribb was in a state of semi-retirement by this point, and had been looking forward to the quite life. Unfortunately, the quiet life looked like it had to be put off for a while--all of England was calling for Cribb to beat the upstart. People who had never been interested in pugilism before were suddenly enthralled by the possibility of the Cribb-Molineaux fight. It was discussed in church sermons, social gatherings, and even in Parliament.

Strangely, the main problem that England had with Molineaux had nothing to do with his color--the extreme racism of the late 19th century was still some time off. In fact, the British people were quite willing to give Molineaux credit as an excellent boxer, and his numerous affairs with white women were by and large overlooked. The much greater offense, in their eyes, was the hideous fact that he was an AMERICAN! The idea that a foreigner could take the sacred trophy of British sporting was unthinkable.

Whatever their reasons, the English made it quite clear to Cribb that he couldn't dodge Molineaux, and that retirement had to wait. Cribb consented, and he and Molineaux met at Copthorne Gap in December of 1810. The defending champion was still out of shape from his semi-retirement, and was carrying several excess pounds of fat. Molineaux was in much better shape, but he was still comparatively crude stylistically. Most importantly, though--Cribb underestimated Molineaux. He would come to regret this judgement in the fight to come.

Preliminary Notes

Pierce Egan's Boxiana is the source for the majority of this fight narration. It was composed at a time shortly after the Cribb--Molineaux fight took place by a man who had seen most of the fights of the era. The incident alluded to in the 29th round is mentioned in most of the sources dealing with the fight, although there is some controversy about which round it took place in. The 29th is generally considered correct.

Egan's wording is full of arcane word usage from a boxing vocabulary no longer in use, so liberty has been taken in "translating" the fight for ease of reading.

The Fight

ROUND 1--Molineaux lands the first punch of the fight--a left handed punch which does little real damage. Cribb returns and misses, blocks Molineaux's counterpunch, and lands a solid left under Molineaux's eye. The two exchange two more blows and then go into a clinch. Cribb throws Molineaux, ending the round.

ROUND 2--Molineaux rallies and lands an ineffective left on Cribb, who returns with a vicious hit to Molineaux's right eyebrow, staggering him. Cribb moves in on the staggered Molineaux, and they land several shots on each other. Cribb is already showing his advantage in skill, but Molineaux manages to land a brutal blow to the mouth which makes Cribb's teeth chatter. Cribb's mouth starts bleeding.

ROUND 3--Both fighters look for openings. Molineaux throws a shot to Cribb's head, which is blocked. Cribb smartly counterpunches with a vicious right hand to the ribs, which floors Molineaux.

ROUND 4--Molineaux rallies, moving forward after the champion until Cribb stops him with a punch to the face. He is knocked down, due in part to the wet and slippery ground (it is a cold, stormy winter day in England).....

Fight continues to round 39 - read more here:
http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/Tom_Cribb_vs._Tom_Molineaux_(1st_meeting)

 

[ShaolinSubzz]

There was a fantastic documentary on about these boxers... really impressive - I'll see if I can find it

Its here on 4OD. You can watch it for free. Download their player and install and you can watch the whole thing or follow this link to see a clip - Really worth it:

http://www.channel4.com/video/bare-knuckle-boxer/series-1/episode-1/prize-fighter_p_1.html

 

[Kid McCoy]

Great stuff on two Hall-of-fame legends ShaolinSubzz; thanks for posting here.

These are well known soldiers in the fight game but history is always appreciated in the Boxing forum (or should be).

There is quite allot of written text available on Bill and Tom, and many of their contemporaries.

PM me of you are further interested and I

 

[TKDhasBin]

A good post.......

Molineux should've been recognized as Heavyweight champion and ended up with the shitty end of the stick........

 

[Sinister]

Strangely, the main problem that England had with Molineaux had nothing to do with his color--the extreme racism of the late 19th century was still some time off. In fact, the British people were quite willing to give Molineaux credit as an excellent boxer, and his numerous affairs with white women were by and large overlooked. The much greater offense, in their eyes, was the hideous fact that he was an AMERICAN! The idea that a foreigner could take the sacred trophy of British sporting was unthinkable.

That didn't end for quite some time.

See Hagler/Minter.

 

[ShaolinSubzz]

Thanks guys, I will look into these names you mentioned. Is there a good book on the subject?

 

[Kid McCoy]

Thanks guys, I will look into these names you mentioned. Is there a good book on the subject?

Start with these:

Bareknuckles: A Social History of Prize Fighting
By Dennis Brailsford


Black Ajax
By George MacDonald Fraser

 

[ShaolinSubzz]

Start with these:

Bareknuckles: A Social History of Prize Fighting
By Dennis Brailsford


Black Ajax
By George MacDonald Fraser

Thanks, excellent. My next Amazon bill is gonna be a biggun Lol

 

[migessy]

Wow I Cant Belive Yall Care About Shit That Happen B4 Your Parents Where Born

 

[Sinister]

What kind of ignorant-ass statement is that?

History is a good thing.

 

[Rinksterk**]

Wow I Cant Belive Yall Care About Shit That Happen B4 Your Parents Where Born

I can't believe your parents didn't abort you.

 

[Kid McCoy]

I can't believe your parents didn't abort you.

LOL.........Zing !

 

[GlassJaw]

Wow I Cant Belive Yall Care About Shit That Happen B4 Your Parents Where Born

I beg to differ. Kid was ringside for Corbett Vs. Sullivan LOL.

 

[ShaolinSubzz]

Start with these:

Bareknuckles: A Social History of Prize Fighting
By Dennis Brailsford


Black Ajax
By George MacDonald Fraser

Wow! Just finished reading Black Ajax. Molineux and Cribb sound indestructible! I cant believe how gory the fights were. In there first encounter they beat each other so badly Cribb has a huge mouse under his eye, to allow him to see they simply lance it and continue on!! Can you imagine the scarring of fighting with those kind of cuts, bareknuckle for 20 or so more rounds??? It appears the eraly fights were very similar to Vale Tudo especially in its rawest form in the deep south, the stuff they put the 'Black Ghost' through and Molieux in his early days was no different to Vale Tudo ( soccer kicks gnp and all).

Really interesting and really insightful as to how people were back then. I knew that the deep south had some terrible practices towards the treatment of those held as slaves but I had no idea as to the kind of open and acceptable brutality, (ok maybe I did but just this book brought it home), and that was just the opening chapters. This could serve as a very real eye opener to those who think the slave trade was not as bad as its made out to be (And believe me there are many in these forums - but this is the boxing section so I apologize for getting political)

The boxers themselves are just amazing characters, Tom Cribb seems like an exceptional character as do some of the others. And I enjoyed the way it was written from so many peoples perspectives, he (the author) really got over how people thought back then. I have a friend here in London who is from a very long line of London Jews and he knew of Mendoza, which I found interesting as he does not follow combat sports like I do.

Thanks a lot for the recommendation, I am going to get a hold of Dennis Brailfords book now. Seriously insightful

 

[Sublime76**]

What fucking drugs are you on to post this shit?

 

[ShaolinSubzz]

What fucking drugs are you on to post this shit?

What r u talking about? I am an MMA practitioner. I am posting in a boxing section of an MMA forum about the history of boxing. Can you see a connection fukwad?

 

[ShaolinSubzz]

That didn't end for quite some time.

See Hagler/Minter.

At the end of the fight I believe

http://www.youtube.com/v/Z184W81eVo0&hl=en

 

[Kid McCoy]

Wow! Just finished reading Black Ajax. Molineux and Cribb sound indestructible! I cant believe how gory the fights were. In there first encounter they beat each other so badly Cribb has a huge mouse under his eye, to allow him to see they simply lance it and continue on!! Can you imagine the scarring of fighting with those kind of cuts, bareknuckle for 20 or so more rounds??? It appears the eraly fights were very similar to Vale Tudo especially in its rawest form in the deep south, the stuff they put the 'Black Ghost' through and Molieux in his early days was no different to Vale Tudo ( soccer kicks gnp and all).

Really interesting and really insightful as to how people were back then. I knew that the deep south had some terrible practices towards the treatment of those held as slaves but I had no idea as to the kind of open and acceptable brutality, (ok maybe I did but just this book brought it home), and that was just the opening chapters. This could serve as a very real eye opener to those who think the slave trade was not as bad as its made out to be (And believe me there are many in these forums - but this is the boxing section so I apologize for getting political)

The boxers themselves are just amazing characters, Tom Cribb seems like an exceptional character as do some of the others. And I enjoyed the way it was written from so many peoples perspectives, he (the author) really got over how people thought back then. I have a friend here in London who is from a very long line of London Jews and he knew of Mendoza, which I found interesting as he does not follow combat sports like I do.

Thanks a lot for the recommendation, I am going to get a hold of Dennis Brailfords book now. Seriously insightful

You are most welcome.
Glad you enjoyed.

 

[Kid McCoy]

What fucking drugs are you on to post this shit?

Acetylcholine

 

[amhlilhaus]

Wow! Just finished reading Black Ajax. Molineux and Cribb sound indestructible! I cant believe how gory the fights were. In there first encounter they beat each other so badly Cribb has a huge mouse under his eye, to allow him to see they simply lance it and continue on!! Can you imagine the scarring of fighting with those kind of cuts, bareknuckle for 20 or so more rounds??? It appears the eraly fights were very similar to Vale Tudo especially in its rawest form in the deep south, the stuff they put the 'Black Ghost' through and Molieux in his early days was no different to Vale Tudo ( soccer kicks gnp and all).

Really interesting and really insightful as to how people were back then. I knew that the deep south had some terrible practices towards the treatment of those held as slaves but I had no idea as to the kind of open and acceptable brutality, (ok maybe I did but just this book brought it home), and that was just the opening chapters. This could serve as a very real eye opener to those who think the slave trade was not as bad as its made out to be (And believe me there are many in these forums - but this is the boxing section so I apologize for getting political)

The boxers themselves are just amazing characters, Tom Cribb seems like an exceptional character as do some of the others. And I enjoyed the way it was written from so many peoples perspectives, he (the author) really got over how people thought back then. I have a friend here in London who is from a very long line of London Jews and he knew of Mendoza, which I found interesting as he does not follow combat sports like I do.

Thanks a lot for the recommendation, I am going to get a hold of Dennis Brailfords book now. Seriously insightful

reading the descriptions of the bareknuckle bouts is fascinating. there was a lot of give and take and the descriptions of the injuries is truly horrific. I have a book with a sketch of john c. heenan and tom sayers after their championship fight and they don't look human. take the famous picture of hasim rahman's swelling during his holyfield fight and picture it over both eyes, foreheads and massive cuts along the cheeks and you get the sense of what these fighters looked like after a contest, not to mention the black and blue marks on their bodies and their broken hands swelled up with that peculiar rubbery look endimic to breaks to human bones.

black ajax is excellent, I recommend it highly also.