Note 4 — Chapter I · TOM SPRING (CHAMPION)—1814–1824. (continued 2)

“Fighting upon a Stage.—Some little difference of opinion having existed upon the merits of the case between Langan and Spring, the majority of the supporters of pugilism assert, according to milling precedents, that if Spring intended to retain the title of Champion, he could, nay, he ought not to have refused to fight Langan upon a stage, as the following circumstances support the claim of Langan. It appears that Jack Bartholomew thought he had not fair play in the ring when he fought with Jem Belcher; and upon Bartholomew’s soliciting Belcher to give him a chance upon a stage, he replied, “Any where; a saw-pit, if you like.” Again, when Molineaux entertained an opinion that he had not justice done him in a ring with Cribb, the latter veteran answered the request of the man of colour, with a smile upon his face, “Yes, upon a stage, the top of a house, in a ship, or in any place you think proper.” It is likewise insisted upon by the admirers of boxing that the advantages are all upon the side of Spring. He is the tallest, the heaviest, and the longest man, with the addition of his superior science into the bargain. Most of the prize battles formerly were fought upon stages—Tom Johnson with Perrins, Big Ben with Jacombs, and George the brewer with Pickard; Johnson with Ryan, Johnson also with Big Ben, Mendoza with Humphries, Ward with Mendoza, Tom Tyne with Earl, etc. It is also worthy of remark, that none of the above stages were covered with turf. The only instance that bears upon the point respecting “turf,” is the stage which was erected at Newbury, upon which Big Ben and Hooper were to have fought. This was covered with turf, but the magistrates interfered; the fight was removed to some miles distant. Big Ben and Hooper fought on the ground in a ring.”—Pierce Egan.