A gentleman’s sport has come a long way since then
If you’ve been following me on Facebook, you know that final copy edits for Moonstone Conspiracy have just gone back to Etopia Press (it’s out on July 3, I hope you like it!)
As is always the way (for me at least), there are some scenes which end up on the cutting room floor.
I’m going to be using this one to talk about the evolution of boxing during the 18th and 19th centuries.
So if you’re looking for this scene in the novel, you won’t find it here, but it does give you the taste of our leading man, the Honourable Daniel Ridgeway, the black sheep of an aristocratic family who has been forced to find his own way in the world.
And one of his first stops on that journey was with Jamaica George, along with his wife ‘Bossy’ – travelling impresarios who ending with a few waifs and strays as part of their family.
Thomas Cribbs vs Thomas Molineaux – early 19th boxers. I’ve used this as a model for Jamaica George’s Prestigious Pugilists and World-Renowned Wrestlers.
Jamaica George watched his one time protege spar with one of his professionals from outside the roped off boxing ring.
“Not bad for an old man!” he called. “But you’re going to have to do much better if you’re going to last more than a couple of rounds.”
Both men lowered their fists and the older acknowledged the younger with a tap to the shoulder as he left the ring.
A lot of people have heard of Queensbury’s Rules, the rules codified in the mid 19th century and which are directly influential on the sport of boxing we know today with one of the most important innovations being the mandated use of boxing gloves (Rule 8). Prior to this gloves or strapping were used only for training and sparring – never in the ring.
“Dauncey doesn’t know I’ve been been taught by the best.”
Daniel caught the towel George lobbed at him and wiped the sweat from his bared arms and chest and waited for the big man to join him in the ring.
“Flattery might get around Bossy but it won’t get around me. I’ve seen your opponent strutting around like a peacock in town. He may not be much to look at but I’ll tell you now mon, he’s an oily one. He won’t be fighting by Broughton’s Rules.”
Before the Marquis of Queensbury sponsored rules, there were Broughton’s Rules, credited as being the first rules of the sport of boxing, which during the 18th century and earlier resembled more mixed martial arts (MMA) than the disciplined sport we know today.
Jack Broughton, put together 7 cardinal rules in 1743 and eventually they would be come known as the London Prize Ring Rules.
“Then what do you suggest?”
“There be a boxer I seen in London, a Jew by the name of Daniel Mendoza,” he said. “I’ve been studying his scientific method.”
Daniel nodded, he recalled the name – Mendoza became England heavyweight champion earlier this year despite being a few inches shorter and quite a few pounds lighter than his opponent.
“Here, let me show you what I’ve been teaching the boys.”
Daniel Mendoza comes in sharply with his right fist. Look at his stance – almost like a lunge. It meant that he could reach in for a jab and pull back to avoid a strike. Jamaica George teaches Daniel Ridgeway Mendoza’s scientific method.
Daniel Mendoza, one of the most unlikely men to become heavy weight champion, as our hero Daniel notes, Mendoza was shorter and lighter than his opponent, but neither proved a disadvantage because of the systematic approach he took to the sport. Indeed a victory of brains over brawn.
Let’s see how his “scientific method” would help Ridgeway.
Jamaica George glanced about the tent until one young man caught his eye.
“Andy! Get yo’self up here and show Dapper Dan what we be teachin’.”
The young man clambered up onto the stage and into the ring and slipped off his shirt.
“Defence be just as important as attack, especially if your opponent is bigger, younger and stronger. You must make your opponent weary himself out as much as possible. Show the stance Andy.”
The young man looked as though he’d just stepped off a farm, brawny and much used to answering with his fists than with his mouth but nonetheless the young man bent his legs in what seemed to be a fencing stance.
“The position of the body should be an inclining posture, or diagonal line, so as to place the pit of the stomach out of your adversary’s reach,” instructed George. Daniel copied the young man’s posture, shifting his weight on the forward and back foot to test its stability.
“The upper part of your arm must stop or parry the round blow at the head; the fore-arm, the blows at the face of stomach; and the elbows, those at the ribs: both knees must be bent, the left leg advanced, and the arms directly before your throat or chin.”
Daniel nodded his understanding. It was really quite ingenious, leaning forward and keeping hands extended made it difficult for his opponent to get him to the ground. His legs would be too far back from his opponent to trip or kick. He would also be well braced for any charging attack.
He could also strike with either hand instead of his favoured right, giving him options for counter attacks.
“Ready to practice?”
Even the famed Scarlet Pimpernel is a fan of the superstar boxer. I would venture to say that no boxer would be such an influential part of popular culture until Mohammed Ali.
Daniel focused on his young opponent while listening to George’s instructions. It was very much like learning the steps to a new dance, a skill he possessed and his opponent did not.
“Advance! Place your right forward at the same distance from your left. Step forward! Same distance. Yes! That’s it,” the impresario encouraged.
As he worked on getting his opponent’s measure, he thought about Dauncey and the plan he had outlined to Abigail by messenger. A way to get himself into Radicals inner circle was a step closer and the opportunity to knock some manners in the Irishman was appealing indeed.
It seemed that Lady Abigail wasn’t the wanton barque of frailty that he’d assumed. The thought of her prostituting herself – even if it was in service of the Crown sat with him uneasily.
He buried the thought deep and concentrated on using the new techniques with the long-familiar ones that George himself drilled into him.
Inch by inch he forced his sparring partner back towards the ropes, music filled Daniel’s mind and along with it confidence which surged through him. Years dropped away in moments and the tune his in head rose to a crescendo.
Then the music became a discordant ringing in his ears as the boxer landed a side blow that brought him to his knees.
Daniel shook his head to clear it and looked up at the one who felled him. The young man wore an astonished face as though he couldn’t believe his luck. Daniel staggered to his feet and saw Bossy standing to one side with a frown of disapproval.
“You were always an overconfident boy Dapper Dan!” she called but a good natured smile took the sting from her words. “Get yo’self cleaned up and join mah boys for supper.”
Moonstone Conspircy
3 July