Prizefighters Meet in Liverpool Pub

For the October 5, 1861 edition of the Cincinnati Daily Press, editors pulled a story off the wire service from the Spirit of the Times.  The wire story reported on a fight between former English prizefighting champion Tom Sayers and current English champion Jem Mace.

Both Sayers and Mace were touring with English circuses, when they stopped in at a Liverpool pub.  As soon as the men saw each other, they exchanged heated words.

Sayers had publicly questioned Mace’s boxing skills.  Mace told Sayers to prove his words or apologize.  Sayers answered by removing his shirt in preparation to fight.  Both men “toed the scratch” and began a furious 30 minute fight.

Sayers had retired after his draw with John C. Heenan.  While he would box audience members for his circus, Sayers would never fight in a professional ring again.  This bout with Mace was probably his last tangle with a professional.

Despite only being 150 pounds, Sayers was too much for Jem Mace.  Sayers kept finding Mace with his powerful right hand.  Mace fell at 30 minutes.  Sayers took plenty of damage as well.  Mace struck Sayers frequently with his dangerous left hand.

While it was not a professional fight, several newspapers carried the story.  Jem Mace would later come to America and win the World Heavyweight Prizefighting Championship.  The public would soon forget this street brawl.

Like many other prize fighters, Sayers was fond of hard living.  Estranged from his wife, Sayers was reportedly a hard drinker with a weakness for the opposite sex.

Sayers also developed diabetes and tuberculosis.  Sayers never saw his 40th birthday.  He died on November 8, 1865 in London from the cumulative effects of his ailments and lifestyle.

Despite what some may think, fights among prize fighters outside of the ring are rare.  Most prize fighters won’t fight without being paid.  Pride caused this rare battle outside the ring.

If Sayers and Mace met outside the ring today, what do you think would happen?  Why?You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page, Twitter profile and Google+ page.

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