So, I recently got interested in bareknuckle boxing. Most sources, including Blogger spellcheck, say that should actually read "bare knuckle" or at least "bare-knuckle" but I defy them. Anyway, by recently, I mean a few minutes ago when I asked Noah to put on some shiny spandex tights, realized he looked like a faint memory I have of an illicit fisticuff scene in Newsies and googled "old timey boxers." Soon I learned that the sport I am thinking of -- involving mustaches, tights and sashes at the waist -- is correctly referred to as bareknuckle boxing. Here are some things I have found so far:
John Heenan, 1835-1873
Come all you lovers of the fisticuff
Attention to my song,
For I'll sing to you a verse or two
It won't detain you long.
It's to describe a champion fight,
Your time I now employ,
Which took place between Tom Sayers
And the bold Benicia Boy.
So! Hurrah my boys for Heenan
And Tom Sayers we will sing,
For they are the best and bravest
Ever fought in a British ring!
Sources:
